Aloe vera (synonym: Aloe barbadensis Miller) belongs to the
Liliaceal family, of which there are about 360 species. Aloe
capensis (Cape aloes) belongs to a different species. Aloe vera is
a cactus-like plant that grows readily in hot, dry climates and
currently, because of demand, is cultivated in large quantities.
Cosmetic and some medicinal products are made from the
mucilaginous tissue in the centre of the aloe vera leaf and called
aloe vera gel. The peripheral bundle sheath cells of aloe vera produce
an intensely bitter, yellow latex, commonly termed aloe
juice, or sap, or aloes. Aloe vera sap and aloe vera gel are often
confused. Unlike aloes, aloe vera gel contains no anthraquinones,
which are responsible for the strong laxative effects of aloes.