1. Aloe Vera Aloe Barbadensis Mill.
By Matthew Matrongolo

2. Endemic areas
Originally only found in certain regions of Africa and Asia
Southern Africa, Madagascar, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula, and various islands of the Indian Ocean
However, due to its tremendous economic and medical value, is much more widespread
Today is found in all of the continents with the exception on Antarctica

3. Role in the ecosystem
Provide a food source for many African mammals such as certain species of monkeys
Reduce land and soil erosion
By absorbing massive quantities of water, it prevents runoff from eroding soil and contributing to erosion

4. Treatments
Aloe Vera is one of the most versatile medicinal plants, serving many purposes
Aloe Vera acts as a…
Cathartic
Laxative
Emmanogogue
Digestive Stimulant
Burn Relief
Anti Irritant
Moisturizer
Immune System Stimulant
Latex of plant
Gel of plant

5. Chemical compounds and how they affect the body
Wound Healing: Glucomannan, a polysaccharide, and gibberellin a growth hormone, interact with the growth factor receptors on fibroblasts, causing the increased proliferation of fibroblasts, increasing the rate of wound healing
Burn Prevention: Mechanism is not very well understood, but following the application of aloe gel, the skin produces metallothionein, an antioxidant protein. This in turn reduces the production and release of skin keratinocyte-derived immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10. Thus, UV induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity is prevented
Moisturizer: Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture and water into the skin, keeping the skin moist

6. Cont.
Anti-Inflammatory: C-glucosyl inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduces prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid, reducing inflammation
Immune System Stimulant: Acemannan, a mucopolysaccharide stimulates the synthesis and release of Interleukin 1, which attacks cancerous cells
Laxative: Anthraquinones increase intestinal water content, stimulates mucus secretions, and increases intestinal peristalsis

7. Parts of the plant
Two main components of the plant are used for medicinal reasons
Gel
Latex

8. Preparation
Gel: The gel is fairly easy to extract. One must first slit one end of the leaf. Then, a spoon could be used to remove the gel from the leaf
The gel is most often used as is, however it can often be combined with antiseptic, or prepared as a drink by being combined with a fruit juice
Latex: Once all of the gel is removed from the leaf, the latex can be removed by scraping the inside of the rind to remove the yellowish, sap looking material
The latex is often eaten or applied directly to the skin

9. propagation
Aloe vera, like most other plants in the succulent family, reproduce best through a process known as rooting
Rooting consists of taking clipping or pieces of the plant and burying it under moist, nutrient rich soil
After some time, a new aloe vera plant will grow