The Miraculous Aloe Vera: Uses, Benefits & Risks
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera: Properties, Uses and Side Effects
Aloe vera barbadence is the scientific name of miller aloe vera, which is a member of the liliaceae family. Aloe vera is a combination of the Latin word vera, which means “true”, and the Arabic word aloe, which means “shiny bitter substance.” Aloe vera has been used since ages for its therapeutic, health, beauty and skin care benefits. In dermatology, it has been applied for many purposes.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are the places where it is found in India. Aloe vera is also known as the miraculous plant, plant of life, stick of heaven, potted healer and blessing of heaven. Other well-known names for aloe vera include Barbados aloe vera, curacao aloe vera and Indian ales. Other names include Aloe Vera, Ghirita, Kumari, Gaverapalatra and Lu Hui. Aloe vera is a plant that contains sodium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, chromium, and iron, as well as minerals such as vitamins A, B12, C, and E, choline, folic acid, sugars, amino acids, and sterols.
Aloe vera can be used in following ways:
- Gel
- Lotion
- Cream
- Juice
Properties of Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has many properties, including :
- It can have laxative effects.
- It can have potential as a pain reliever.
- It can have anti-fungal properties.
- It can have antibacterial properties.
- It can have antiviral properties.
- It can exhibit antioxidant activity.
- It can have antiseptic properties.
- It can have anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has demonstrated potential uses against many health conditions due to its various properties. Below are some potential applications for aloe vera.
- Wounds: Aloe vera can be used to treat wounds as it is well known for its ability to heal and soothe burns and other wounds. Applying aloe vera to the wound can accelerate wound healing and improve tensile strength. 4 To get the wound treated, however, you should seek medical attention if you have a wound.
- Anti-aging effects: The components of aloe vera may be able to prevent skin aging. This can help reverse the effects of skin aging. 3. Aloe vera can be applied topically on the skin to moisturize. This can contribute to making the skin more elastic and smooth. Additionally, it can soften the skin and clog pores. To support the use of aloe vera in skin aging, more research is needed. If you have any skin-related concerns, consult a dermatologist or dermatology doctor.
- Diabetes: Many cultures around the world use aloe vera as a traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus. Aloe vera can help with chronic hyperglycaemia (excess of glucose in the blood), which is a symptom of diabetes mellitus and a major risk factor for heart disease, along with a disturbed lipid profile, according to studies conducted on both humans and animals. During a clinical study, it was also discovered to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Preventing gestational diabetes may be aided by it (a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women). However, diabetes is a serious medical condition, so you should strictly follow the guidance and therapy prescribed by your doctor. Do not use any herbal remedies without consulting a doctor first.
- Diabetes: Many cultures around the world use aloe vera as a traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus. Aloe vera can help with chronic hyperglycaemia (excess of glucose in the blood), which is a symptom of diabetes mellitus and a major risk factor for heart disease, along with a disturbed lipid profile, according to studies conducted on both humans and animals. During a clinical study, it was also discovered to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. It may help to prevent gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women). However, diabetes is a serious medical condition, so you should strictly follow the guidance and therapy prescribed by your doctor. Do not use any herbal remedies without consulting a doctor first.
- Ulcers: For treating digestive disorders like ulcers, heartburn and others, aloe vera juice can be helpful. Aloe vera extract may be able to reduce acid secretion. According to some studies, aloe vera can be used for children. Aloe vera should not be used as a substitute for modern medical care. Herbal ulcer treatment can make the condition worse. Inflammation: Pain, swelling, redness and heat are some features of inflammation that slow down the healing process. Aloe vera gel can speed up the healing process by reducing discomfort and pain. It can work as a natural pain reliever and help reduce inflammatory pain. But if the swelling does not subside, consult a doctor. Detox: Aloe vera juice can be a great natural detoxifier. Our body needs regular cleaning due to the bad food we eat, pollution and stress in our lives. The minerals, vitamins and trace elements in aloe vera juice can help our body cope with the stress of daily life. Before using herbal remedies for health reasons, you should consult your healthcare provider.Although there are studies demonstrating the benefits of aloe vera in various conditions, these are insufficient, and more research is needed to determine the full extent of aloe vera’s health benefits for people.
- These are some of the benefits of aloe vera for hair:
- Strengthens hair: Many minerals and active ingredients found in aloe vera can strengthen your hair. Along with fatty and amino acids, it is a good source of vitamins A, B12, C and E. These contribute to the health of hair follicles.
- Aloe vera contains enzymes that break down fat, so it removes any excess oil from your hair (sebum).
- Soa scratched scalp: A common inflammatory skin condition that affects your scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff, red skin, and scaly patches are the result. According to research, aloe vera can significantly reduce itching and itching.
- Protects against UV rays: Drinking fresh aloe vera juice can protect against UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can make your hair rough and less elastic, causing it to lose its shine and color and break. The type of hair determines how much UV protection is provided.
- Hair growth: Although some people claim that aloe vera promotes hair growth, it is not supported by science. But scientists believe that aloe veranine, a chemical in the plant, is an important element in encouraging hair growth, as seen in people with a hair loss condition known as alopecia. It has been used to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote hair growth.
Side effects of aloe vera:
Following are the side effects related to the use of aloe vera.
- Diarrhea, abdominal pain, hepatitis, red urine, irregular heartbeat, and worsening constipation are some of the side effects of oral use. Electrolyte imbalance can result from its diuretic effects. Aloe vera use for extended periods is reportedly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Irritation, redness, stinging, and in rare cases generalized dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) in painless individuals are side effects of topical use. It is recommended to apply aloe vera to a small area to test for any possible allergic reaction.
- You should discuss any potential risks and restrictions with your doctor before using aloe vera or other herbal remedies. You will be able to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Aloe vera – Herb That Heals
Aloe vera, sometimes described as a “wonder plant,” is a short-stemmed shrub. Aloe is a genus that contains more than 500 species of flowering succulent plants. Many Aloes occur naturally in North Africa.
The leaves of Aloe vera are succulent, erect, and form a dense rosette. Many uses are made of the gel obtained from the plant’s leaves.
Aloe vera has been the subject of much scientific study over the last few years, regarding several claimed therapeutic properties. In this article, we will look at some of these claims and investigate the research behind them.
What is Aloe vera?
Aloe vera has been used for centuries and is currently more popular than ever.
It is cultivated worldwide, primarily as a crop for “Aloe gel,” which comes from the leaf.
Aloe vera is widely used today in:
Food – it is approved by the FDA as a flavouring.
Cosmetics.
Food supplements.
Herbal remedies.
The earliest record of a human use for Aloe vera comes from the Ebers Papyrus (an Egyptian medical record) from the16th century BC. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, in ancient Egypt, they called Aloe vera “that plant of immortality.” The authors added that the plant has been used therapeutically for many centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece, Egypt, Mexico, and Japan.
Benefits
The medicinal claims made about Aloe vera, as with many herbs and plants, are endless. Some are backed by rigorous scientific studies while others are not. This article focuses mainly on those that are backed by research.
1. Teeth and gums
A study published in General Dentistry reported that Aloe vera in tooth gels is as effective as toothpaste in fighting cavities.
The researchers compared the germ-fighting ability of an Aloe vera tooth gel with two popular kinds of toothpaste. They found that the gel was just as good, and in some cases even better than the commercial toothpaste at controlling cavity-causing oral bacteria.
The authors explain that Aloe latex contains anthraquinones, compounds that actively heal and reduce pain through natural anti-inflammatory effects.
The scientists warned that not all gels they analyzed contained the proper form of Aloe vera – they must contain the stabilized gel that exists in the centre of the plant to be effective.
2. Constipation
Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs – Commission E – approved the use of Aloe vera for the treatment of constipation. Dosages of 50-200 milligrams of Aloe latex are commonly taken in liquid or capsule form once daily for up to 10 days.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled in 2002 that there is not enough data on the safety and efficacy of Aloe products; so, in the U.S., they cannot be sold to treat constipation.
3. Diabetes-induced foot ulcers
A study carried out at the Sinhgad College of Pharmacy, India, and published in the International Wound Journal looked at Aloe’s ability to treat ulcers.
They reported that a “gel formed with carbopol 974p (1 per cent) and Aloe vera promotes significant wound healing and closure in diabetic rats compared with the commercial product and provides a promising product to be used in diabetes-induced foot ulcers.”
4. Antioxidant and possible antimicrobial properties
Researchers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, published a study in the journal Molecules.
The team set out to determine whether the methanol extract of leaf skins and flowers of Aloe vera might have beneficial effects on human health. The scientists focused on the extract’s possible antioxidant and antimycoplasmic activities.
Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that lack a cell wall; they are unaffected by many common antibiotics. Antimycoplasmic substances destroy these bacteria.
They reported that both Aloe vera flower and leaf extracts had antioxidant properties, especially the leaf skin extract. The leaf skin extract also exhibited antimycoplasmic properties.
The authors concluded that “A. Vera extracts from leaf skin and flowers can be considered as good natural antioxidant sources.”
5. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) irradiation
Scientists at Kyung Hee University Global Campus, South Korea, wanted to determine whether baby Aloe shoot extract and adult Aloe shoot extract might have a protective effect on UVB-induced skin photoaging; in other words, whether they could protect the skin from the ageing effects of sunlight.
Baby Aloe shoot extract (BAE) comes from 1-month old shoots while adult Aloe shoot extract (AE) comes from 4-month old shoots.
In an article published in Phytotherapy Research, the authors concluded: “Our results suggest that BAE may potentially protect the skin from UVB-induced damage more than AE.”
6. Protection from skin damage after radiation therapy
A study carried out at the University of Naples, Italy, tested five different topical creams to see how effective they might be in protecting the skin of breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. One of these creams contained Aloe.
They divided 100 patients into five groups of 20; each was prescribed a different topical treatment. They applied the creams twice daily, starting 15 days before radiation therapy treatment, and carried on for 1 month afterwards.
During the 6-week period, the participants underwent weekly skin assessments.
In the journal Radiation Oncology, the scientists reported that the preventive use of the topical hydrating creams reduced the incidence of skin side effects in the women treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer, none performed significantly better.
“All moisturizing creams used in this study were equally valid in the treatment of skin damage induced by radiotherapy.”
7. Depression, learning, and memory – an animal experiment
A study published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that Aloe vera reduced depression and improved memory in mice.
After carrying out experiments on laboratory mice, they concluded: “Aloe vera enhances learning and memory, and also alleviates depression in mice.”
Further studies are needed to establish whether humans might also receive the same benefits.
8. Wounds from second-degree burns
A team of plastic surgeons compared Aloe vera gel to 1 per cent silver sulphadiazine cream for the treatment of second-degree burn wounds.
They reported in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association that the burn wounds among the patients treated with Aloe vera healed significantly quicker compared with those treated with 1 per cent silver sulfadiazine (SSD).
The researchers added that those in the Aloe vera group experienced significantly more and earlier pain relief than those in the SSD group.
The authors wrote: “Thermal burns patients dressed with Aloe vera gel showed advantage compared to those dressed with SSD regarding early wound epithelialization, earlier pain relief, and cost-effectiveness.”
9. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A randomized, double-blind human trial carried out at St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom investigated Aloe and IBS. Their results were published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. Participants with IBS were given either Aloe vera or a placebo. After 3 months, there were no significant differences in symptoms of diarrhoea.
February 10, 2025
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