Aloe Vera vs. Aloe Macroclada: Two Plants, Two Uses

We all know about aloe vera, but few know that the Aloe genus has more than 600 species worldwide. In Madagascar alone, there are more than 120 endemic varieties [1], shaped by an extreme climate and unique volcanic soils. Among them, Aloe macroclada , called vahona , attracts particular attention. Used in traditional pharmacopoeia, it now fascinates researchers for a rare property: its ability to stimulate the release of stem cells from the bone marrow [5].

While aloe vera soothes and repairs on the surface, macroclada works deep down. Two cousins, seemingly close in appearance, but radically different in their DNA, biochemistry, and effects.

Aloe vera: the universal ally

Since ancient times, aloe vera has been used for its cosmetic and digestive properties.

• Traditional and modern uses : skin hydration, healing, digestive comfort.

• Key molecule : acemannan, a polysaccharide that stimulates collagen and accelerates healing [2].

• Main action : local, on the skin and mucous membranes.

Aloe vera is a valuable plant, but its spectrum of action remains limited in everyday use.

Aloe vera and intestinal transit

Its laxative reputation comes from a confusion between two parts of the leaf:

• The internal gel: soft, mucilaginous, moisturizing → soothes the digestive mucosa.

• Yellow latex under the skin: rich in anthraquinones (aloin, emodin) → strongly stimulates intestinal contractions.

Because aloin is considered an irritant and risky by the EFSA and the FDA [3], manufacturers have eliminated it from commercial juices. The result is a juice that is gentle on digestion, but has lost some of its original regenerative power.

Aloe macroclada: the Malagasy jewel

Endemic to southern Madagascar, macroclada is deeply linked to its terroir.

• Traditional uses : fortifying after illness or childbirth, liver cleanser, joint relief, purification rituals [4].

• Extreme conditions : mineralized volcanic soils, persistent drought, intense sunshine.

These environmental constraints inscribe unique adaptation mechanisms in its DNA. To survive, the plant produces secondary metabolites (rare polysaccharides and glycoproteins) that become its defense tools. For humans, they represent true regenerative molecules, absent from aloe vera grown elsewhere.

DNA, terroir and biochemistry: three keys to differentiation

A plant's DNA is its recipe book. Aloe vera lacks the genes needed to produce the polysaccharides specific to macroclada. Even planted in Madagascar, it would still be an aloe vera. Genetic identity determines therapeutic potential.

But the terroir also plays a role: environmental stresses force the macroclada to develop exceptional internal chemistry. Unlike primary metabolites (sugars, amino acids, proteins), which are essential to all plants, secondary metabolites appear under stress. Polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes: they protect the plant and prove beneficial for us. Where aloe vera shines above all for acemannan (hydration), the macroclada generates rare compounds involved in cell regeneration.

Scientific Focus: Metabolites and Stem Cells

Metabolites:

• Primary → sugars, amino acids, proteins (basic survival).

• Secondary → polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes (human defense and benefits).

Action on stem cells:
In 2015, a clinical study conducted by Christian Drapeau showed that ingestion of macroclada extract resulted in a 53% increase in circulating stem cells (CD34+, CD133+) in just two hours [5], with no reported side effects.

• CD34+ : blood stem cells, responsible for blood renewal and immunity.

• CD133+ : immature stem cells, rarer, capable of becoming vascular, muscular or neuronal [6].

👉 Seeing an increase in CD133+ means that the macroclada is mobilizing an expanded regenerative reservoir , unprecedented for a plant.

Aloe vera vs. Aloe macroclada: direct comparison

Conclusion

Two plants, one family, but opposing vocations:

• Aloe vera : the universal ally for skin and digestion.

• Aloe macroclada : a rare plant, shaped by its DNA and its terroir, scientifically validated to stimulate our most precious stem cells.

At Vāhana , we believe it's essential to distinguish these cousins. Aloe vera remains a daily ally, but macroclada is an exceptional plant, inseparable from Madagascar, and a true promise for longevity.

📚 References
[1] Carter, S. et al. (2011). Aloes: The genus Aloe. CRC Press.
[2] Hamman, J. H. (2008). Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules , 13(8), 1599–1616.
[3] EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2013). Scientific Opinion on safety of hydroxyanthracene derivatives for use in food. EFSA Journal , 11(5):1506.
[4] Mioty Voajanahary (2022). Traditional medicinal uses of Aloe macroclada in Madagascar.
[5] Drapeau, C., Benson, KF, et al. (2015). Aloe macroclada from Madagascar triggers transient bone marrow stem cell mobilization. Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy , 5(6):287.
[6] Yin, AH et al. (1997). AC133, a novel marker for human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Blood , 90(12):5002–5012.