Overview
Many health benefits have been ascribed to the aloe vera plant, and medical researchers are examining the components of aloe vera to better understand its effects. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database agree that the evidence for the recommended uses is preliminary, but aloe vera does have properties that suggest health benefits.
Stimulant Laxative Component
Aloe vera is composed of up to 30 percent anthraquinones–effective stimulant laxative compounds, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. The average dose for an adult is 100 to 200 mg of aloe, and results occur within 10 hours. The Mayo Clinic reports that the safety of aloe compared to other laxatives has not been studied.
Anti-inflammatory Agents
In the July 2008 clinical report “Anti-inflammatory Ingredients” in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Dr. Jessica Wu explains that aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory agents, including salicylic acid, gel polysaccharides and magnesium lactate. These ingredients promote healing and reduce itching and discomfort associated with minor wounds and skin conditions such as psoriasis. The Physician’s Drug Reference for Herbal Medicines states that the exact mechanisms by which aloe vera heals skin irritations are unclear.
Antiviral Properties
The Physician’s Drug Reference for Herbal Medicines states that aloe interferes with replication of herpes simplex virus in the body. The Mayo Clinic states that aloe vera cream was shown to be effective in reducing the lesions of genital herpes, compared to a placebo, in limited studies. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database describes the typical use of aloe extract 0.5 percent cream as applied to affected areas three times daily for a month.
Beauty Aid Aspects
Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani and D. G. Saple, authors of “Aloe Vera: A Short Review” for the July 2008 Journal of Indian Medicine, point to compounds in aloe vera that help improve the appearance of the skin. Mucopolysaccharides help the skin cells retain moisture. They also report that aloe boosts cell production of collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and they state that amino acids in aloe soften the skin.
Precautions
The quality and safety of aloe vera products is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. Consult a doctor before using aloe vera or any other natural, herbal or supplement product.
