Aloe Vera Gel Effect on Skin and Pharmacological Properties

Abstract

Aloe Vera, a cactus-like plant belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family has been used for traditional medical purposes for thousands of years. Aloe Vera derives its name from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which means “shining bitter substance” because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves and Vera which means “true” in Latin. There are over 300 species of aloe, most of which are native to South Africa, Madagascar and Arabia. Aloe leaves can be separated into two basic products: the latex, a bitter yellow liquid beneath the epidermis of the leaf and the gel, a colorless and tasteless substance in the inner part of the leaf. Both of them have many biologically active components, mainly anthraquinones and polysaccharides (the most active is acemannan), which may act alone or in synergy. Application of Aloe vera gel is cosmetic-moisturizers, toothpastes and flavoring compounds or preservative of fresh products and in medicine of humans or animals. Aloe vera gel is an active ingredient in hundreds of skin lotions, sun blocks and cosmetics. Aloe vera seems to treat of wounds, burns, insect stings, and skin inflammation, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti- skin protection, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and which are very important for wound healing. Aloe Vera gel helps in activating new hair growth as it increases blood circulation to the scalp. It also provides essential minerals and vitamins.

Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles prepared using Aloe vera extract against Candida albicans

“…Aloe vera gel, extracts, juice, and powder have become popular and generally recognized as safe substances for applications in food, dietary supplements, and Ayurvedic drugs [19]. Several studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-ulcer, wound healing, lipid-lowering, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immune regulator properties [19][20][21][22]. Studies on its chemical composition revealed that the main active phytoconstituents of A. vera are aloin, emodin, rhein, acemannan, Aloe emodin, mannose-6-phosphate, and aloesin [19], whose structures are depicted in Figure -1.…”

Morphological and cytogenetic characterization in experimental hybrid Aloe jucunda Reyn. x Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Asphodelaceae)

“…is native to the Arabian Peninsula and now cultivated in several warm climatic zones of world including Asia, America, and Europe (Grace et al 2015, Giannakoudakis et al 2018). The A. vera industry has expanded throughout the world and the mucilaginous gel from the parenchymatous cells in the inner leaf pulp is used in many products, including fresh gel, juice, and multiple formulations for health, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes (Saleem et al 2022). Its leaf extracts are rich in nutrients and contain over 200 active compounds including simple/complex polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, minerals, vitamins, phenols, and other metabolites, allowing a broad spectrum of medicinal applications (Saniasiaya et al 2017).…”

Effect of Aloe vera on some serum bioactive parameters in male Wistar albino rats

“…Studies have shown that it may positively impact haematological parameters, including blood cells, which could be promising news for those suffering from blood-related conditions (Amber et al, 2021). It also contains anthraquinones, compounds that have been found to have antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties) Kumar et al, 2019;Nikookalam et al, 2019;Ebrahim et al, 2020;Saleem et al, 2022). This means that A. vera not only has the potential to heal and protect the body from disease, but it may also help reduce inflammation and promote overall health and wellness.…”