Aloe ferox
Aloe ferox
Safety & Hazards
The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ]. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ].
Botanical Description
Cape aloe is a succulent, evergreen tree that grows from 2 - 4 metres tall, occasionally to 5 metres. The stem is unbranched and is topped by a rosette of 50 - 60 erect to spreading leaves that can each be up to 100cm long and 15cm wide at their base. The leaves are densely armed with sharp spines[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. , 423 Title Desert Tropicals Publication Author Website http://www.desert-tropicals.com/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation. , 663 Title Flora of Southern Africa Publication Author Roux J.P. Website http://plants.jstor.org/search?st=662545 Publisher Year 2003 ISBN Description An excellent on-line resource. ]. A very popular traditional medicine, the plant is also a major source of 'bitter aloes', which is commonly used by herbalists worldwide. The plant is widely grown as an ornamental, often as a pot plant in cooler climates. It is also often harvested from the wild and cultivated for its medicinal and cosmetic uses, being used in both traditional and conventional medicine[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ]. Although considerable quantities of Cape aloe are marketed and used locally, most of the exudate produced in South Africa is exported[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ].