Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemistry, Therapeutic Potential, Scientific Evidence and Safety

Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a succulent medicinal plant used in traditional healthcare and in contemporary cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food products. Its leaf contains distinct materials with different chemical and safety profiles: the clear inner-leaf gel, the yellow latex beneath the rind and whole-leaf preparations. Gel polysaccharides, particularly acetylated mannans such as acemannan, have been investigated for effects on tissue repair and immune signalling, while latex anthraquinones, including aloin, are associated with stimulant-laxative activity and adverse gastrointestinal effects. This review summarizes the botanical identity and morphology of A. vera, its principal phytochemical groups, traditional uses, proposed pharmacological actions, human clinical evidence and safety considerations. Laboratory and animal studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, metabolic and gastroprotective activities, but results depend on plant part, extraction, processing and formulation. Human evidence is most suggestive for selected topical applications, especially healing of second-degree burns; evidence for diabetes and several other systemic indications remains limited or heterogeneous. Non-decolorized whole-leaf extracts raise additional toxicological concerns and oral latex should not be treated as interchangeable with inner-leaf gel. The review concludes that A. vera is a promising source of bioactive materials, but therapeutic claims require preparation-specific evidence, standardized products, adequately powered clinical trials and clear safety communication.