Latin (Botanical) Name: Aloe barbadensis
Plant Family: Liliaceae
Common Extraction Method: Maceration
Typically Used Plant Part: Leaves
Color: Clear
Aromatic Characteristic: Almost odorless
Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice are extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant, a botanical that the ancient Egyptians often referred to as “The Plant of Immortality” or “The Plant of Eternity.” Known for having anti-bacterial characteristic, the contents of the Aloe Vera plant were used in embalming rituals, as it was believed that the deceased could achieve everlasting life, both physically and spiritually, if their bodies could be prevented from decomposing.
Even before the Egyptians, the benefits of the Aloe Vera plant’s gel was recognized by the Mesopotamians. In this society, physical ailments were believed to be demonic possessions, and it was believed that a “divine” plant, namely the Aloe Vera plant, could eliminate the body’s “demons.” Inscriptions about this healthful plant from this time were written on clay boards and are considered to be the earliest documentation of Aloe Vera.
Although indigenous to Africa, the Aloe Vera plant has been cultivated worldwide, specifically in tropical and subtropical regions. Throughout history, it has been used as a staple in the traditional medicinal preparations of various communities, including Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian. In these and other societies, Aloe Vera Gel have been applied topically to calm inflammation, to support digestive health, to heal wounds and prevent scarring, to ease pain, to enhance the overall health of skin and hair and to address particular health concerns.
In the 16th century, Native American tribes regarded the Aloe plant as one of their many “holy” and “god-like” botanicals, which they worshipped and called “The Burn/Medicine/and Mystery Plant.” Within these communities, Aloe Juice was often diluted and applied to the skin as an insect repellant, which helped protect the tribes from insect-infested swamps through which they often had to march.
The aloe vera plant consists of two parts, the green bark part and the gel part. Each leaf is filled with a soft tissue that stores water. This thin, water-filled texture is the “gel” we associate with aloe vera products. The gel contains most of the bioactive compounds in the plant such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Since these two parts constantly cause confusion, the bark and gel are examined in separate sections in the World Health Organization (WHO) Monograph of Selected Medicinal Plants.
Extensive literature around the world, as well as in Egypt, South Africa, India, China, Mexico, and Japan, mentions its use in a variety of ailments such as burns, hair loss, skin infections, hemorrhoids, sinusitis, and gastrointestinal pain. Its pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
Sometimes referred to as “a pharmacy in a plant,” Aloe Vera Gel is a valued ingredient in cosmetics, such as moisturizers, masks, toners, hair products, and aftershave products. It is also commonly found in ointments for sunburns as well as dietary supplements and drinks.
KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BENEFITS
It shows antioxidant activity thanks to a wide family of ingredients known as polyphenols and phenolic, tannin, alkaloid, saponin compounds [1]. Antioxidants are important for health. Polyphenols, along with many other components found in aloe vera, can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause human infections. With its antioxidant properties, it helps to slow down the aging of the skin.
Aloe vera has been known to be used for a long time in the treatment of burns. Studies also show that aloe vera helps heal skin burns [2] [3].
Aloe vera gel is also used in toothpaste for its anti-inflammatory [5][6] and antibacterial characteristic. Tooth decay and gum disease are common health problems. One of the best ways to prevent these ailments is to reduce the formation of plaque (bacterial biofilms) on the teeth. Aloe vera helps reduce plaque formation by killing Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans in the oral flora [7].
Aloe vera helps to heal dry skin with its ability to regulate the skin barrier [8].
Aloe vera gel helps to significantly reduce the growth of fungi [9].
WARNINGS
ACADEMIC STUDIES
[1] Uddin M. N., Roy S. C., Mamun A. A., Mitra K., Haque, Hossain M. L. (2020) Phytochemicals and In-Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Aloe Vera Gel. Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences 44 (1):33-41
[2] Akhoondinasab M. R., Akhoondinasab M., Saberi M. (2013) Comparison of Healing Effect of Aloe Vera Extract and Silver Sulfadiazine in Burn Injuries in Experimental Rat Model. World Journal of Plastic Surgery Vol.3/No.1/Jan 2014.
[3] Akgun S. G., Aydemir S., Ozkan N., Yuksel M., Sardas S. (2017). Evaluation of the wound healing potential of Aloe vera-based extract of Nerium oleander. North Clin Istanb 2017;4(3):205-212
[4] Lorenzetti L.J., Salisbury R., Beal J. L., Baldwin J. N. (1964). Bacteriostatic Property of Aloe vera. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 10, Page 1287.
[5] Heggers J, Kucukcelebi A, et al. Beneficial effect of aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound model. J Altern Complement Med 1996; 2(2):271–7.
[6] Davis R, Stewart G, et al. Aloe vera and the inflamed synovial pouch model. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1992;82(3):140–8
[7] Gupta R. K., Gupta D., Bhaskar D. J., Yadav A., Obaid K., Mishra S. (2014). Preliminary Antiplaque Efficacy of Aloe Vera Mouthwash on 4 Day Plaque Re-Growth Model: Randomized Control Trial. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2014 Apr; 24(2): 139–144.
[8] Türsen B., Türsen Ü. Dermatolojide Aloe Vera. www.dermatoz.org/2014/4/dermatoz14054d1.pdf
[9] Sitara U., Hassan N., Naseem J. (2011). Antifungal activity of Aloe vera gel against plant pathogenic fungi. Pakistan Journal of Botany 43(4)
