Aloe vera plant good or bad for humans?
Dr.N.K.Manoharan
For thousands of
years, people have used the popular medicinal plant aloe vera. It is also known
as Aloe barbadense, is a shrub with a short, thick stem and water-retaining
leaves. There are numerous health benefits. In this article, we'll look at some
of the risks of using aloe vera as well as its potential health benefits.Aloe vera has a
global market value of $12 to14 billion and is extensively used in the
cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. It is good for treating skin
injuries. Do you understand how crucial this plant is? The thick, pointy, meaty
green leaves are 12–19 inches (30–50 cm) long. The leaves have the appearance
of being very thick due to water retention. This fluid tissue is the
"gel" found in aloe vera leaves. This gel contains all of the plant's
essential bioactive substances, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and
antioxidants.
Aloe vera gel
contains plenty of polyphenol antioxidants. It is essential for your health.
Different compounds found in aloe vera are effective at stopping the
development of some bacteria that can infect humans. Additionally, it has
antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that aid in the treatment
of skin conditions and the healing of wounds.
People commonly use
aloe vera externally to address skin ailments rather than ingesting it. In
reality, it is quite effective at healing wounds, particularly sunburn.
According to research, it is one of the most effective topical remedies for
first- and second-degree burns. For example, studies have shown that using aloe
vera instead of standard therapies can reduce the duration of burn symptoms by
around 7 to 9 days. It also helps to avoid redness, irritation, and infection.
Although there is limited evidence that aloe vera helps treat other types of
wounds, a study is underway.
Tooth decay and gum
disease are two of the most frequent health issues nowadays. The easiest method
to avoid these diseases is to eliminate plaque or bacterial biofilm formation
on the teeth. Researchers tested 100% pure aloe vera juice against the
conventional mouthwash component chlorhexidine and discovered that after four
to five days of usage, aloe vera mouthwash was just as efficient as
chlorhexidine at reducing tooth plaque. Aloe vera has been shown to destroy the
oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans as well as the yeast Candida albicans.
Most people have
mouth ulcers or sores at some point in their lives. These often appear under
the lips and within the mouth and stay for approximately a week. Aloe vera has
been demonstrated in studies to be quite beneficial in treating this illness.
Another study discovered that aloe vera gel not only hastened the healing of
mouth ulcers but also decreased the discomfort associated with them.
The yellow latex
found behind the epidermis of the aloe vera leaf is excellent for relieving
constipation. Aloe vera contains aloin or barbaloin, the principal chemical
that produces this; however, how safe it is to use on a regular basis has yet
to be proven, and aloe vera does not appear to be beneficial against diarrhoea,
heartburn, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
According to
preliminary research, aloe vera gel may help slow the ageing process of the
skin. In a 2009 study, aloe vera gel consumption boosted collagen formation and
skin elasticity over the course of 90 days in 30 women over the age of 45. Aloe
vera may help the skin retain moisture and enhance skin health, which is
advantageous for dry skin, according to studies. Acne, psoriasis, and eczema
are some conditions that are treated with aloe vera.
Aloe vera is
occasionally used as a diabetic treatment. because it improves blood sugar
management and promotes insulin sensitivity. Some studies, for example, have
discovered that aloe vera may assist people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
because of its influence on glycaemic management.
Aloe vera is a safe
therapy with few adverse effects, according to organisations such as the
National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). However, due
to its laxative properties, consuming aloe vera by mouth may cause stomach
discomfort or diarrhea. Long-term aloe vera supplement use can sometimes cause
liver damage.
If you are pregnant or nursing,
do not consume aloe. When used cautiously for skin issues in children, aloe
vera gel is harmless. Aloe latex and entire aloe leaf extracts are not suitable
for young people to consume. Abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhoea
are common in children under the age of 12. However, aloe vera gel is 80% water
and includes a variety of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, all of which
contribute to smooth, bright skin. Some individuals may feel irritation or
moderate burning while using aloe vera on their skin and should discontinue
usage immediately. Aloe vera gel is perfectly safe for seniors to use daily;
however, it is not advised to apply it to diseased skin. If you have a tomato,
onion, or garlic allergy, avoid using aloe vera. Aloe vera shouldn't be
consumed two weeks before any planned procedure. Children under 12 and those
who are pregnant, nursing, or both should not consume aloe vera juice. On dry
skin, it is preferable to use aloe vera in the morning and at night. Once it
has dried, rinse it off with cold water. Avoid rubbing it on your face,
especially the sensitive skin around your eyes. However, it is crucial to get
the advice of a skilled doctor before taking it. Self-medication is very risky.
That is all I have to say at this time regarding this plant.