Aloe vera is a perennial plant with yellow flowers and tough, fleshy, spearlike leaves that resembles cactus. The active constituents of this herb are compounds known as anthraquinones (e.g. aloin) and complex carbohydrates (e.g. acemannan).
Aloe vera leaves are divided into two distinct components:
Aloe vera gel is the gel obtained by removing the outer layer of Aloe vera leaf.
Aloe vera latex is a bitter, yellow liquid derived from the rind of Aloe vera leaf. Aloe vera latex contains higher levels of anthraquinones such as aloin and is mainly used for the treatment of constipation. For most other applications, Aloe vera gel is used. The general oral dosage of Aloe vera gel is 50 - 300 mg (of Aloe vera capsules containing concentrated Aloe vera gel).
The general oral dosage of Aloe vera latex capsules is 50 - 200 mg when used for the treatment of constipation.
The general oral dosage of Aloe vera liquid/juice is 50 - 250 ml per day.
For skin problems, aloe vera gel, lotion or cream is applied topically to the skin.
