Aloe is a perennial herb native to Africa that is now cultivated all around the word. There are a variety of aloe plants and components of the aloe vera plant are commonly used for their medicinal qualities in forms such as extract; juice; or topical gel, ointment and lotion. Aloe extract may help relieve constipation, improve diabetes and its skin complications and may also prevent scars after surgery. Talk to a qualified professional to find out if you may benefit from aloe extract.

Certain key ingredients of aloe, antrhraquinone glycosides, are responsible for laxative effects of this herb, because they are involved in the production of water and electrolytes and increase motility in the gut, according to Heather Boom, Ph.D., and author of " 50 Most Common Medicinal Plants.."