Aloe vera has a long history of medicinal applications to treat multiple topical and internal disorders. According to Egyptian history, Aloe vera was one of the key secret ingredients of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen. John Goodyew recorded the benefits of Aloe vera in The Dioscorides’ Medical treatise De Materia Medica in A.D. 1655. Americans started using Aloe vera as a laxative by the time of early 1800. But the skin benefit of this herb was evidentially noticed during the mid-1930s as a treatment for radiation dermatitis. Aloe vera has the potential to cure many chronic conditions also. [1] Aloe vera is an extensively used natural ingredient in cosmeceuticals for wound healing and other skin conditions. [2]
Acne
Aloe vera has an anti-acne effect and is clinically used to treat acne vulgaris. [1] The application of aloe vera clears acne and associated spot marks. Clinical experts recommend aloe vera also to other skin problems like skin allergy, spot marks, and skin blemishes treatment to get clearer skin. [3]
Sunburn
The mucilaginous gel obtained from Aloe vera leaves is an effective treatment for sunburn. The effectiveness of Aloe vera gel has evidentially proven to cure sunburn. [4] Aloe vera gel application can reduce burning sensation and inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up wound healing at the skin burn. Aloe vera gel is an effective remedy for sunburn and effective in mild burn treatment. [3]
Moisturizer
Moisturizer is an integral part of our regular skincare regimen. Aloe vera improves skin hydration and is considered an excellent skin Moisturizer. [3] A human trial result found that aloe vera topically applied for two weeks could increase the moisture content of the outer layer (stratum corneum) of the skin surface. Experts recommend that individuals with dry skin can also apply freeze-dried Aloe vera extract for better results. [5]
Anti-aging
Skin wrinkle is a prominent symptom of skin aging and occurs due to loss of skin hydration. Aloe vera helps to retain moisture content on the skin layers. Aloe vera containing different anti-wrinkle skin creams is available on the market. [3] This herb also effectively alters the collagen content by increasing collagen production to hold skin integrity.[6] Altogether these mechanisms can prevent skin aging and associated symptoms.
Wound healing
Aloe vera works excellently in wound healing. Aloe vera promotes wound healing by following three mechanisms of action. Aloe vera acts as an inhibitor of thromboxane. The release of thromboxane delays the wound healing process. Aloe vera also accelerates the wound healing process and reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory effect. This herb inhibits inflammatory mediators like interleukins release and reduces TNF alpha levels and leukocyte adhesion. Aloe vera contains magnesium lactate, which blocks histamine production to stop itching and skin irritation. Aloe vera promotes cytokines synthesis and boosts immunity. [6]
Skin disorders
Aloe vera juice and extract are effective for psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and wart treatment. Many dermatologists prescribe Aloe vera containing cosmeceuticals to reduce skin rash pads. [3] Aloe vera has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The antifungal property of Aloe vera is effective against Candida albicans. The antibacterial properties of Aloe vera are also effective against many bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus faecalis. [7]
Hair health
Both antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera prevent dandruff growth on the scalp. Fungal infection-induced alopecia can also be treatable with the aloe vera plant. [2] Aloe vera gel is also recommended for hair loss treatment. Traditionally, scalp massage with Aloe vera juice mixture with wheat germ oil and coconut milk helps hair re-growth. [3]
Genital disorders
Aloe vera fresh juice is a home remedy for vaginal infections. A human trial result also reported that male genital herpes might be effectively treated with Aloe vera containing hydrophilic cream. [3]
Antiviral effect
Aloe vera has antiviral properties which effectively kill different viruses, such as Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, Varicella zoster virus, pseudorabies virus, and influenza virus. Anthraquinones present in aloe vera leaves, rook, and bark have virucidal activity against both DNA- and RNA-containing enveloped viruses. [7]
Aloe vera also protects our internal organs by increasing white blood cells or macrophages and T cells to modulate immunity. It has potent antioxidant properties because vitamins A, C and E are present in this herb that neutralizes free radicals. Thus it reduces the progression of cancer. [7] Aloe vera juice ingestion often controls blood sugar in diabetic patients. [3] Anthraquinones in Aloe vera gel regulates intestinal peristalsis movement and act as a laxative by increasing intestinal water content that treats constipation. [7] Experts also recommended Aloe vera because of multiple therapeutic potentials like anti-tumor, anticancer, and HIV treatment activities. Heart health benefits can also obtain with Aloe vera juice intake. This herbal remedy can control blood pressure, the accumulation of fats in the blood vessels that prevents blood coagulation within the blood vessels. Thus, Aloe vera normalizes blood circulation within the heart and other organ systems.[3] However, all these benefits are not clinically proven. Different search engines, databases, and trial registries provide these data. [6]
Contraindication
Individuals with aloin hypersensitivity history or who tend to have an allergic reaction should avoid Aloe vera. Aloin is a type of anthraquinone. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should not take Aloe vera, though no evidential genotoxic effect has been proven. [4]
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/714216/
- http://www.jocpr.com/articles/aloe-vera–a-potential-herb-and-its-medicinal-importance.pdf
- https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2012-09/aloe-vera-gel-research-review
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026654/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jds/2014/210463/