Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) is a species of Aloe, native to northern Africa. There are nearly 200 species of this member of the Lily family, found in African deserts and the islands of Aruba and Barbados. The parts of this plant that are used are its leaves. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant with thick and fleshy, green to grey-green leaves with a serrated margin. Aloe Vera has been used for topical treatment of wounds, minor burns, and skin irritations. American consumers are most familiar with aloe''s use in skin-care products. Aloe Vera products for internal use have been promoted for constipation, coughs, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies, and many other conditions. Conditions which are caused by a disordered immune system such as asthma and some forms of arthritis also seem to benefit from Aloe Vera.