Aloe

Aloe gel is different than the whole aloe. The gel that you generally find sold on the market has the bitter yellow latex removed from it wich contains the laxative qualitities of anthraquinones.  Barbaloin is found underneath the aloe’s outer skin, found in the yellow latex of the plant, and is traditionally used for chronic constipation. The whole plant or at least the area with the bitter yellow latex is used.

Aloctin A, a constituent of aloe, has immune-stimulating properties and antitumor activity. Aloe has also shown activity as an antiviral, antidiabetic, and immunomodulator. One of aloes constituents, aloe-emodin, has been shown to have laxative, antiviral, antioxidant, cancer prevention activity, liver protection, inhibits autoimmune attacks and benefits the kidneys.