Aloe: what are its benefits and health risks

Aloe is a plant with a short stem and thick, pointed and fleshy green leaves that can reach 30-50 centimeters in length. Aloe leaves contain mucous tissue that stores water.

Together, they form a kind of gel that contains many useful biologically active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, writes Medical News Today. That is why aloe is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Aloe vera is often used to treat skin injuries. However, the plant has other properties that can potentially be beneficial for health.

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Heals the skin and kills bacteria

People most often use aloe as a means of external rather than internal use. The US Pharmacopoeia mentions the use of aloe preparations for the protection and treatment of the skin as early as 1810-1820. It is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, so it helps heal wounds.

Research also proves its effectiveness for the local treatment of first and second degree burns. One of them states that aloe vera can reduce the healing time of burns by about 9 days compared to conventional medicine. It also helps prevent redness, itching and infections.

Aloe gel contains powerful antioxidants belonging to the group of polyphenols. They, along with other compounds found in aloe, suppress the reproduction of bacteria that can cause infection in humans.

Read also: Atopic dermatitis (diathesis) in children and adults: symptoms, causes and errors in treatment

Reduces dental plaque

Tooth decay and gum disease are very common health problems. One of the best ways to prevent these conditions is to reduce the buildup of plaque or bacterial biofilm on your teeth.

In a study in which 152 children aged 8-14 years participated, scientists compared the effect of using a mouthwash containing aloe and one made on the basis of chlorhexidine.

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After 4 weeks of use, aloe vera mouthwash reduced plaque and gingivitis (an inflammatory disease of the gum tissue) and reduced the amount of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes plaque, in saliva.

Aloe gel also effectively destroys Candida albicans – yeast that is widespread, in particular, in the oral cavity.

Read also: What ailments are caused by sore teeth – the dentist explains

Helps treat mouth ulcers

Studies show that aloe treatment can speed up the healing of mouth ulcers. This, in particular, is stated in a review of nine controlled studies conducted in 2022.

Another study showed that aloe gel can not only speed up the healing of mouth ulcers, but also reduce the pain associated with them.

Reduces constipation

In the treatment of constipation, the effective ingredient of aloe is not the gel, but the latex – a sticky yellow residue that is under the skin of the leaves. Its key compound, aloin, has a well-documented laxative effect.

However, due to concerns about the safety of its frequent use, aloe latex is not available as an over-the-counter drug in all countries.

Contrary to popular belief, aloe is not effective against other diseases of the digestive system, including irritable bowel syndrome.

Read also: The upper part of the abdomen hurts: 12 possible reasons

Improves skin condition

Some scientists claim that topical application of aloe gel can slow skin aging and help skin retain moisture.

Thus, in a study involving 30 women aged 45 and over, oral intake of aloe gel for 90 days increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity.

Read also: So these pimples! Acne, blackheads and their remedies

Lowers blood sugar

Some scientists say that aloe can increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control.

In particular, in a 2021 review, scientists provide strong evidence of the benefits of aloe vera in patients with prediabetes or type II diabetes.

Promotes hair growth

The benefits of aloe for hair have mainly been studied in connection with the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes a reddish rash with crusty yellow-white scales, usually on the face and scalp.

One previous study showed that aloe vera significantly reduced itching, scaling, and the size of the affected area in patients. And since seborrheic dermatitis often leads to temporary hair loss, this indicates the potential of aloe to promote hair growth.

Read also: The appearance of gray hair due to stress. How to prevent gray hair?

Risks of using aloe

Aloe vera is a relatively safe remedy – only a few of its side effects are known.

The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that topical application of aloe is mostly safe. Oral use of aloe may cause stomach cramps or diarrhea due to its laxative effect.

There have also been reports of liver damage associated with oral forms of aloe vera.

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