Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, the most widely recognized species (also known as Aloe barbadensis), is a perennial succulent cultivated globally for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Its leaves contain a clear, gelatinous inner flesh rich in polysaccharides like acemannan, used for soothing skin and treating burns, alongside a bitter, yellow-hued latex layer containing aloin, a potent laxative.

While the gel is commonly applied topically for skin hydration and wound healing, the latex and whole leaf extracts have been associated with potential health risks, including gastrointestinal issues and, in some animal studies, carcinogenicity.