Aloe contains antioxidants which can protect the body from oxidative damage. Aloe vera, a succulent plant species, has been utilized for cen...
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| Aloe contains antioxidants which can protect the body from oxidative damage. |
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis is a succulent plant that has many health benefits. It has been used in alternative medicine for the treatment of many conditions. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that thrives in hot and dry climates. The aloe gel, which is the main part of the plant used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The history of aloe vera dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of its use
found in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures.
Aloe vera is most commonly used as a topical agent, which means it’s rubbed on the skin. For many years, it has been used for burns and sores. In fact, it’s an effective medicine to reduce the healing time of burns.
The
plant's unique composition, which includes vitamins A, C, and E, as well as
minerals such as calcium and potassium, contributes to its medicinal properties. Aloe vera's bioactive compounds, including anthraquinones and
polysaccharides, have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and
antimicrobial activities. These properties make aloe vera a
valuable ingredient in various products, from skincare creams and lotions to dietary
supplements and functional foods.
Aloe vera protects the skin from free radical damage and the effects of radiation on the skin, when applied to the skin, aloe vera acts as an antipruritic which reduces or prevents itching and prematured aging.
Recent studies have investigated the potential health benefits of aloe vera,
including its effects on wound healing, digestive health, and immune system
function. Aloe vera gel has been
shown to accelerate wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, improving
tissue strength, and enhancing wound contraction. Additionally, aloe vera's prebiotic properties have been found to support the
growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to improved digestive health and
immune system function. These findings highlight the
potential of aloe vera as a natural remedy for various health conditions, warranting
further research into its therapeutic applications.
Phytochemical Composition
The phytochemical composition of aloe vera is complex and diverse, comprising a
range of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. The plant's gel and latex contain various anthraquinones, including aloin,
aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol, which have been shown to exhibit
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Aloe vera also
contains polysaccharides, such as acemannan, which have been found to
stimulate the immune system and promote wound healing.
Some people may be hypersensitive to some ingredients in aloe vera. Also, the prolonged use of aloe vera gel can cause skin allergies such as inflammation and hives.
The phytochemical composition of aloe vera can vary depending on factors such
as the plant's species, growing conditions, and processing methods. For example, the concentration of anthraquinones in aloe vera gel
can range from 0.1 to 6.0%, depending on the plant's species and growing
conditions. The processing of aloe vera products,
including juice, gel, and powder, can also impact the phytochemical composition
and bioavailability of the bioactive compounds.
Aloe vera can help lower blood sugar levels. But, people with diabetes who take medicines to lower their blood glucose should be cautious if they’re taking aloe, to prevent lowering the blood sugar to dangerous levels.
Studies have investigated the effects of aloe vera's phytochemical composition on
human health, with a focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial
activities. Aloe vera gel has been shown to reduce
inflammation and oxidative stress in various disease models, including wound
healing, arthritis, and cancer. The antimicrobial properties of aloe vera have also been demonstrated, with
the plant's bioactive compounds exhibiting activity against a range of
microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Real-World Applications
Real-world applications of aloe vera in skin care and wound healing include its use
in skincare products, wound care products, and pharmaceutical applications. Aloe vera is often used in combination with other
ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, to enhance its
therapeutic effects. The plant's gel and latex are also
used in traditional medicine, where they are applied topically to treat a range of
skin conditions and wounds.
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| Aloe vera has a reputation for healing in the holistic treatment. |
The plant's gel and latex are also used in
traditional medicine, where they are consumed orally to treat a range of digestive
disorders and immune system conditions. In pharmaceutical industry it used in a range of products, including skincare creams, lotions, and gels, as well as hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners
References:
- Davis, R. H. (1997). Aloe vera: A scientific approach. CRC Press.
- Grindlay, D., & Reynolds, T. (1986). The aloe vera phenomenon: A review of the properties and modern uses of the leaf parenchyma gel. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 16(2–3), 117–151.
- Hamman, J. H. (2008). Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules, 13(8), 1599–1616.
- Jettanacheawchankit, S., Sasithornsottikul, H., & Theerapanon, T. (2009). Acemannan stimulates wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61(2), 159–166.
- Kumar, S., Mahdi, A. A., & Verma, S. (2018). Aloe vera: A review of its pharmacological and clinical applications. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(8), 1118–1132.
- Langmead, L., Makins, R. J., & Rampton, D. S. (2004). Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 19(5), 521–527.
- Lee, J., Lee, Y., & Kim, J. (2017). Aloe vera gel and its applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 16(2), 142–148.
- Lüersen, K., Römer, A., & Schnorr, J. (2018). Prebiotic effects of aloe vera gel in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients, 10(11), 1742.
- Reynolds, T., & Dweck, A. C. (1999). Aloe vera leaf gel: A review update. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 68(1–3), 3–37.
- Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A review of its clinical effectiveness. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(4), 943–948.
