Aloe and aloe Vera are both names for green plants, green parts specifically. Despite being plants, they have many distinctions among them but also have some similarities.
In plants, there is a study that is named taxonomy. Taxonomy is basically a hierarchy that specifies the ranking of living organisms from general ones to specific ones.
The very significant difference between aloe and aloe vera is their ranking in the taxonomy classification. Aloe vera is a species that belongs to the genus of Aloe. So basically, aloe vera is a part of the aloe genus.
Aloe is used as a traditional medicine in many countries worldwide, and Aloe vera is also used as a medicine for only skin purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Aloe is a broad term that refers to a group of succulent plants with medicinal properties.
- Aloe vera is a specific aloe species commonly used in skin care and medicinal products.
- While aloe vera is the most popular aloe type, many other aloe species have similar properties and uses.
Aloe vs Aloe Vera
Aloe is a genus of succulent plants belonging to the Asphodelaceae family with thick, fleshy leaves that store water, enabling them to survive in dry and arid environments. Aloe vera is a succulent plant species belonging to the Aloe genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula.
The aloe is mostly oriented and based on medications and other related facilities. Aloe and many of its species are used as medicinal and relief herbs in ancient Greek countries.
These species include- aloe vera, aloe perry, and Aloe Ferox. The reason and behind the curing ability of aloe is that it has salicylic acid, which is a soothing skin component.
Aloe vera, being a species, is the most popular and most commonly used species of aloe. It is majorly used as an ingredient in many routines like skincare and even for hair care remedies.
In fact, the seeds of aloe vera are used as biofuel. As an ingredient, it is used in skin care creams, face wash, and moisturizers because of its anti-irritant feature. It is also a very common ingredient in makeup, soaps, tissues, and other cosmetic items, as it is very healthy for the skin.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Aloe | Aloe Vera |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Aloe is a genus. | Aloe vera is one of the species of aloe. |
| Scientific classification | Aloe is ranked as one of the genera in the taxonomy. | Aloe vera is ranked as species. |
| Number of species | Aloe is a genus that has about 400 species in it. | Aloe vera is one of the species in those 400 species of aloe. |
| Medicine oriented | Aloe is used as traditional medicine in many countries across the world. | Aloe vers is also used as a medicine but for only skin purposes. |
| Ranking | Aloe is ranked higher. | Aloe vera is ranked lower than aloe. |
What is Aloe?
The aloe species are mostly oriented to medical attributes. Aloe and many of its species are used as medicinal and relief herbs in ancient Greek countries.
These species include- aloe vera, aloe perry, and Aloe Ferox. As described earlier, aloe has many species. In fact, many species of aloe occur in some parts of North Africa naturally.
Aloe has the ability to cure any skin infection like- burns, insect bites, itchy skin, or any other skin-related problem. The reason behind the curing ability of aloe is that it has salicylic acid, which is a soothing skin component.
For many years, aloe is used as a traditional herb in many countries like Russia, India, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Jamaica. Aloe is also used for decoration indoors and outdoors too.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera being species is the most popular and most commonly used species of aloe. It is majorly used as an ingredient in many routines like skincare and even for hair care remedies.
In fact, the seeds of aloe vera are used as biofuel. As an ingredient, it is used in skin care creams, face wash, and moisturizers because of its anti-irritant feature.
Because of its gelling properties, aloe vera is also a food ingredient and is used as a laxative. It is also very common in juice form because of its healing purpose.
It is also a very common ingredient in makeup, soaps, tissues, and other cosmetic items, as it is very healthy for the skin. After the removal of a substance called aloin from aloe vera, it is highly non-toxic and has zero side effects.
Aloe Vera is also described as a wonder plant because of its so many healthy uses and the fact that, as a plant, it does not require much care.
The main reason why aloe vera is so popular today is that it has been used for centuries in many countries and is now the most commonly used plant as a natural cure.
Main Differences Between Aloe and Aloe Vera
- The main difference between aloe and aloe vera is their ranking in the taxonomy as scientific classifications.
- While ranking aloe stands with a higher ranking, while aloe vera is ranked lower.
- Aloe is a genus that has many different species, while aloe vera is one of those species.
- Aloe has about 400 species in it, while Aloe vera is one of the species in those 400 species of aloe.
- Aloe is used as traditional medicine in many countries across the world, and Aloe vera is also used as a medicine but for only skin purposes.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019096228870095X
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=rn0QjO7FYEYC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=what+is+aloe+genus&ots=0ROAik7M76&sig=0brtnpQdGlSyrDOSLwv1IFB7IZw
Last Updated : 22 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I appreciate the comprehensive explanation of both aloe and aloe vera, it’s clear that they have significant differences and similarities.
Agreed, this article has provided a wealth of valuable information about these plants.
Thank you for clarifying the differences between aloe vera and aloe, I was never quite sure what the distinction was.
I agree, it’s refreshing to see someone provide such detailed information on a topic such as this.
This was a very informative read, thank you for sharing this useful knowledge.
I appreciate the breakdown of the classification of these plants, it’s important to understand their taxonomy.
Absolutely, taxonomy is crucial in properly categorizing and understanding various species.
Learning about the various uses of aloe and aloe vera, including skincare, hair care, and biofuel, has expanded my knowledge on these plants.
I had no idea aloe vera could be used as biofuel, that’s truly fascinating.
The wide range of applications for aloe vera is truly impressive, from skincare to biofuel.
I enjoyed reading about the historical and contemporary uses of aloe vera in various applications, the versatility of this plant is truly remarkable.
This article has highlighted the widespread benefits of aloe vera, which is quite impressive.
The diverse uses of aloe vera indeed make it a valuable and versatile plant.
The distinction between aloe and aloe vera, especially in their uses and benefits, is well-detailed in this article.
This article has provided valuable insights into the uses and classification of aloe and aloe vera.
The specific details regarding the uses and ranking of aloe and aloe vera are highly educational and enlightening.
The medicinal and relief properties of aloe species, particularly aloe vera, are truly remarkable. It’s no wonder they are utilized in various cultures around the world.
The historical usage of aloe in different countries is fascinating and underscores its importance.
Absolutely, the healing properties of aloe and aloe vera have been recognized for centuries.
Understanding the medicinal uses and applications of aloe and aloe vera is essential, and this article did a great job in explaining those differences.
I completely agree, it’s important for people to recognize the benefits of both plants in traditional and modern medicine.
The reasoning behind the usage of aloe as a traditional herb in various countries is intriguing, and its diverse applications reveal its importance.
The historical aspects of aloe and aloe vera are fascinating and add depth to their significance.
This article has presented a compelling overview of the historical and contemporary uses of aloe and aloe vera.
The detailed comparison table between aloe and aloe vera was very insightful, thank you for providing that information.
I found the comparison table particularly helpful as well, it’s a great way to showcase the differences.