All About Aloe Vera

Because of its medicinal use in herbal medicine, aloe vera is also known as the medicinal aloe. While there have been many studies conducted with aloe vera, some of the research is conflicting. Can aloe vera benefit skin?

There is some evidence to suggest that aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. The benefits are thought to be related to various components of aloe vera.

While the species is thought to have originated in Southern Africa, aloe vera is now found all over the world. The leaves are thought to contain two different fluids:

• A yellow/green sap that is exuded wherever the green surface of the leaf is cut is an irritant containing aloin, a latex-like compound. Preparations containing aloin are not generally found due to an FDA ruling that bans its use in over the counter preparations. Most aloe vera products today have minimal amounts of aloin (it is often removed during the manufacturing process)
• A transparent fluid exuded by the inner leaf wherever it is cut or crushed, is soothing and said to promote healing.

Like many cosmetic ingredients, the claims for aloe vera, surpass the evidence available to support it. Despite this, you can find aloe vera in lotions, creams, yogurt, beverages and even some desserts. Aloe vera juice is used to relieve digestive complaints. It may be found in personal care products including make-up, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, etc.

There is evidence to support aloe vera’s use in the healing of first to second degree burns. And, it may be useful in the treatment of genital herpes and psoriasis. Aloe vera extracts have demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial activity making it possibly useful in wound healing where it can help to reduce the chance of infection.

Like most ingredients with hyped benefits, aloe vera can’t possibly live up to its claims. However, it has been shown to be helpful as a water binding agent making it useful when added to moisturizers.