Aloe – Aloe Vera

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Aloe vera gel has been widely used in the treatment of wounds since before 550 BC. For example, the Greek physician Dioscorides claimed that aloe vera gel could be used to heal skin infections, chapping and hemorrhoids.

There are many legends about the powers of aloe vera, including that it was the secret of Cleopatra’s beauty, which may account for its use in a variety of health and beauty aids.

Most of the medicinal use of aloe vera gel centers around claims that it increases wound healing. In North America, where aloe is a common household plant, many individuals apply the gel obtained from the inside of the leaves to minor cuts, abrasions, and burns. Though research has shown aloe to be effective in this regard, there is some controversy over its mechanism of action. To date, it has been attributed antimicrobial, moisturizing, emollient (soothing), immune-stimulating, and anti-inflammatory activity. While more research is needed, aloe is useful in the treatment of psoriasis, burns, eczema, leg ulcers, and other types of wound healing. It should be noted that a minimum of 70% concentration of aloe vera is necessary for wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Even though aloe has been used internally for gastric ulcers, constipation, AIDS, diabetes, and cancer, the fact that it is a strong purgative (causes evacuation of the bowels) means that it only has limited clinical uses. The anthraquinone glycosides are responsible for the well-documented laxative effect of aloe. They induce the intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes and increase intestinal motility. Laxative effects occur approximately 8 hours after the ingestion of aloe, once it has been modified by intestinal bacteria. Due to its strong purgative effect, aloe vera is not recommended for routine use as a laxative.