Common names
Aloe Vera, Burn plant

Botanical name
Aloe barbadensis

Poisonous parts
Latex (juices)

Toxins
Aloe-emodin

Notes
As with Aloe arborescens, ingestion of the latex can cause a cathartic (purging) reaction by irritating the large intestine. Aloe is a popular house plant due to its reputation as a healing plant for burns, cuts and other skin problems but contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals. If you use Aloe, you should cut away the skin and inner layer of yellow juice leaving only the actual gel. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, is the primary irritant in the cases of contact dermatitis. You should test a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, for a reaction before more general use.

Aloe is also an air purification plant.

Can you see the start of the flowering stalk?

Toxicity Information
Courtesy of:
Derek B. Munro
Biological Resources Program
Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre
Research Branch Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6