Aloe vera

Common Names:

Aloe, Indian Aloe, Burn Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, True Aloe

Binomial Name:

Aloe barbadensis Miller

Family:

Asphodelaceae

Used Plant Parts:

• Fleshy Leaves: The leaves are thick and contain a gel-like substance known for its various medicinal properties.
• Inner Gel: Located in the center of the leaf, this mucous-like, clear gel is rich in active ingredients beneficial for health and skincare.
• Latex: Found just beneath the skin of the leaf, the yellow-colored latex is also used, particularly in products that include the whole crushed leaf.

Aloe vera abundant in B12 typically found only in animal products, serves as an excellent source for vegetarians and vegans.

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Origin and Distribution:

Aloe Vera originated in Africa and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant includes over 500 varieties, commonly found worldwide, especially in hot and dry areas.

Botanical Description:

Aloe Vera is a succulent, perennial plant with cactus-like spines. It is part of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family and can grow in a wide range of weather conditions, typically flourishing.

The Aloe Vera plant can rise to a height of about three to four meters. It is characterized by its fleshy nature and the presence of spiky edges along its leaves, giving it a distinctive appearance reminiscent of cacti. Despite its adaptability to various climates, Aloe Vera predominantly thrives in areas that are hot and arid.

Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Action:

• Aloe Vera is renowned for its high water content, making up about 99% of the gel. The remaining composition includes phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and anthraquinones, which are integral to its healing properties.
• The plant yields two primary substances for use: the gel and the latex. The gel, a mucous, transparent, and jelly-like substance, resides in the inner part of the leaf. This gel is a treasure trove of hundreds of beneficial components, including amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants like zinc and selenium.
• The latex, in contrast, is situated just beneath the skin of the Aloe Vera leaf. This yellow-hued resin finds its way into products that utilize the whole crushed leaf, thus incorporating both gel and latex.
• These components of Aloe Vera are highly valued for their medicinal properties. The gel, produced from the central cells of the leaf, is known for its application in skin-related conditions, such as aiding the treatment of psoriasis. It has also been observed to accelerate wound healing by enhancing blood flow to the affected area and exhibiting potential antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• The resin, conversely, contains compounds that act as a laxative, aiding in relief from constipation.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

• Aloe Vera’s history spans thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient Egyptian culture. It is depicted in glyphs and has been a part of traditional healing practices since its discovery.
• Originally from tropical Africa, Aloe Vera was employed by indigenous peoples as an antidote for various poisons, including those from arrows. This use underscores its potent medicinal properties and versatility.
• By the 18th century, the use of Aloe Vera had spread to Europe. Europeans primarily utilized extracts from the leaf’s bark as a laxative, offering relief for constipation disorders. Its efficacy in treating intestinal issues further solidified its reputation as a versatile and powerful medicinal plant.

Conventional Medicinal Uses

Aloe Vera’s applications have evolved over time, and it can now be used both topically and orally. When applied to the skin, it is known for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties.

Oral administration

• When ingested, Aloe Vera is used for a variety of health concerns including weight loss, hepatitis, diabetes, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, and more. Its extensive range of applications makes it a staple in natural health and wellness practices.
• The latex, specifically, continues to be used as a potent laxative. Additionally, it finds use in treating respiratory issues like asthma, as well as other conditions like colds, depression, eye disorders, menstrual problems, colitis, hemorrhoids, multiple sclerosis, varicose veins, and arthritis.

Comprising 99.5% water, the remaining 0.5% of aloe vera contains highly active nutrients.

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External Use:

• Aloe Vera is frequently applied to the skin to treat conditions such as acne, lichen planus, frostbite, dental plaque, stomatitis, and sun-related skin issues. It’s also used for diaper rash, osteoarthritis, gum disease, scabies, and as an antiseptic.
• People also use it for treating itchy skin, dandruff, genital herpes, burns, sunburns, dry skin, and even as a natural insect repellent.
• The juice extracted from Aloe Vera leaves is effective in treating anal fissures, offering relief and aiding in healing.

Wound Healing:

• The use of Aloe Vera in wound healing has a rich tradition, which has been the subject of modern studies. Its antibacterial properties have been evaluated, particularly the effectiveness of medical-grade leaf extract in aiding the healing process.
• Notably, research[1] has shown that while Aloe Vera extract may not be effective against gram-negative bacteria, it demonstrates significant efficacy against gram-positive bacteria. When applied topically in a study with rats, wounds treated with the extract showed an increased rate of healing compared to untreated wounds.

Researched Medical Uses:

• Constipation: Oral consumption of Aloe Vera has been found[2] to alleviate constipation and may cause diarrhea. This property is primarily attributed to the latex component of the plant.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Short-term oral use of Aloe Vera has been proven[3] effective and safe for treating IBS, highlighting its benefits for gastrointestinal health.
• Diabetes: Studies[4] have shown that consuming Aloe Vera can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels, making it a valuable supplement for managing diabetes.
• Cholesterol: Aloe Vera appears[5] to have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
• Burns: Applying Aloe Vera gel to the skin affected by burns may improve healing. Studies[6] have found that its application can relieve itching and reduce recovery time, offering an alternative to corticosteroids in treating chemical burns. However, there is some ambiguity regarding its efficacy in speeding up healing compared to antibiotics. While some studies suggest that Aloe Vera can hasten the healing process in first and second-degree burns more effectively than antibiotics, other research contradicts these findings.
• Herpes[7]: The gel contains bioactive components with activity against the herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1), offering a natural treatment alternative.
• Lichen Planus: Using Aloe Vera in the form of a mouthwash or gel has been effective[8] in reducing the pain associated with this itchy skin condition.
• Oral Submucous Fibrosis: This is a chronic condition affecting the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, characterized by inflammation and scarring. Preliminary research[9] indicates that applying Aloe Vera gel to the inner cheeks can improve symptoms like the burning sensation, mouth opening ability, and cheek flexibility.
• Acne: Studies[10] suggest that applying Aloe Vera gel, in combination with prescription medications, can be beneficial for treating acne in both adults and children.
• Psoriasis: An autoimmune disease characterized by scaly skin patches. Applying a cream containing Aloe Vera extract has been found[11] to enhance skin moisture and reduce the severity of lesions more effectively than corticosteroids, though other symptoms may not improve.
• Weight Loss Diet: Research[12] indicates the effectiveness of a specific product containing Aloe Vera gel in aiding weight loss among overweight individuals, as well as those with diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions.

Further Research Required:

Out of about 250 aloe vera species, just four are cultivated for their health advantages.

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• Anal Fissure: Preliminary studies suggest that applying Aloe Vera cream, in combination with a high-fiber diet, laxatives, and sitz baths, can improve pain and aid in the healing of anal fissures.
• Dry Socket: A dental condition following tooth extraction. Research shows that applying a product containing Aloe Vera to the socket can reduce pain and improve symptoms more effectively than conventional treatments.
• Cancer: Preliminary studies indicate that administering mixtures containing fresh Aloe Vera leaves and honey, alongside chemotherapy, increases the number of full and partial recoveries in lung cancer patients. However, Aloe Vera does not seem to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Insect Repellent: A study on a preparation containing Aloe Vera demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing flea infestations.
• Mucositis in the Mouth: Evidence suggests that using Aloe Vera solution during radiotherapy can reduce the formation of mucositis in the mouth, a condition involving deep wounds and severe inflammation.
• Bacterial Plaque on Teeth: Daily use of toothpaste containing Aloe Vera has been found to reduce dental plaque. Its effectiveness is comparable to fluoride toothpaste in this regard.
• Mouth Ulcers: Preliminary research indicates that a wound dressing containing Aloe Vera can shorten healing time, and applying Aloe Vera gel can reduce ulcer size.
• Pressure Sores: Early studies found no benefit in applying Aloe Vera gel to heal pressure sores compared to saline-soaked gauze. However, a specific spray containing Aloe Vera reduced the severity of sores more effectively than a saline spray.
• Scabies: A skin disease causing itching and sores. Aloe Vera gel has been found to reduce these symptoms similarly to benzyl benzoate.
• Rectal Damage from Radiotherapy: A study on reducing rectal symptoms caused by pelvic radiotherapy found benefits from applying Aloe Vera gel.
• Hepatitis: Taking Aloe Vera orally has been shown to reduce symptoms in those suffering from liver fibrosis, mainly caused by hepatitis B or C.
• Diaper Rash: A study conducted on children under three years old found that applying a cream with Aloe Vera gel and olive oil reduces the severity of diaper rash.
• Dry Skin: Preliminary research indicates that applying a cream containing Aloe extract can increase skin moisture. Another study suggests that wearing Aloe Vera-coated gloves improves dry skin symptoms.
• Frostbite: Applying Aloe gel appears beneficial for skin survival following frostbite.
• Gum Disease: Studies have found that certain toothpaste containing Aloe Vera is similar in effectiveness to fluoride toothpaste for reducing gingivitis.
• High Cholesterol and Hyperlipidemia: Daily intake of Aloe Vera extract can reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
• Dandruff: Applying Aloe Vera twice daily can reduce the appearance of dandruff.
• Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Some patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis reported significant symptom reduction after consuming Aloe Vera gel.
• Wound Healing: Conflicting reports exist regarding Aloe Vera’s effectiveness in healing wounds. While some studies show delayed healing in surgical wounds, others find no effect. However, benefits have been noted in healing wounds associated with hemorrhoids and cesarean sections.

Recommended Dosages

For Adults:

• Orally for Diabetes: Effective doses and suitable Aloe Vera parts for diabetics are not fully clear. Various doses and plant parts were used, ranging from extracts and juices (up to 150 mg per day) to powders (up to 1,000 mg per day), over periods of one to three and a half months.
• Orally for Oral Submucous Fibrosis: 30 mg of pure Aloe Vera juice, taken twice a day. This is combined with applying pure Aloe Vera gel three times a day for 12 weeks.
• For Weight Loss Diet: A specific product containing 147 mg of Aloe Vera was tested, taken twice daily for two months.
• For Constipation: 100-200 mg of Aloe Vera or 50 mg of Aloe Vera extract taken in the evening. Capsules containing 500 mg of Aloe Vera were also used, starting with one capsule per day and increasing to three as needed.
• Topically for Burns: Aloe Vera cream mixed with olive oil applied twice daily for about a month and a half. Additionally, Aloe Vera cream applied twice a day post-bandage change or every three days until the burn heals.
• Topically for Psoriasis: 0.5% Aloe Vera extract in a cream, applied three times a day for a month.
• Topically for Lichen Planus: Applying Aloe Vera gel twice daily for two months; using Aloe Vera mouthwash for two minutes, four times daily for four weeks.

For Children:

• Topically for Acne: Gel with 50% Aloe Vera applied twice daily, in the morning and evening.
• Topically for Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Applying 5 mg of Aloe Vera gel to the inner cheeks, three times a day for 12 weeks.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety:

By Oral Administration (by Swallowing):

• Extracts from the Peel: Ingesting extracts from the vital layers of the plant can be harmful to the digestive system.
• Allergic Reactions: May include nausea, abdominal pain, and change in urine color.
• Gastrointestinal Caution: Avoid oral intake in cases of intestinal inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease and colitis.
• Avoid in Cases of: Idiopathic abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, hemorrhoids, genital infections, kidney disease, and dehydration.
• Long-term Use Risks: Prolonged use may lead to potassium deficiency, intestinal dependence, kidney disorders, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart issues. These conditions may be exacerbated when combined with diuretics.
• High Dose Warning: Avoid high doses of Aloe Vera.
• Elderly and Children: Consultation is advised before use in the elderly and it is not recommended for children under 10.
• Diabetics: Blood sugar levels should be monitored during use.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use is not recommended.
• Pre-surgery Precaution: Discontinue use about two weeks before surgery due to potential effects on sugar levels and blood clotting.
• Medication Interactions: Consult a doctor if taking prescription anti-constipation drugs or digoxin.

The edible gel of the aloe vera plant enhances various dishes and drinks with its refreshing taste.

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By Topical Application:

• Avoid on Surgical Wounds: Do not apply to wounds following surgery or during menstruation in women.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Application is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Bibliography