The use of medicinal plants has modernized over the years, from the easiest ways of treatment to the most technological forms of industrial handling used by modern man. Aloe vera, popularly known in Brazil as aloe vera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for various treatments. The work aimed to make a bibliographic survey of articles that point to the pharmacological action of Aloe vera. It was found that several biological activities are attributed to aloe. Evidence suggests efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis, genital herpes, burns and hyperglycemia. Based on the material studied, it is concluded that in folk medicine, it serves to heal wounds, bruises, irritations, tonics, purgatives and gastritis. In view of the several proven activities and few cases of contraindication, it is concluded that the use of the species corroborates the vast popular use.