Uses of Aloe Vera and side effects
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| Aloe Vera |
Uses of Aloe Vera and Side Effects
Introduction:
Uses of Aloe Vera and its side effects, valued for centuries
for its health, beauty, and Benefits of aloe Vera on the skin overnight,
originate from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance” and
the Latin word “Vera” meaning “true.” Greek scientists once deemed it a
universal remedy, while the Egyptians revered it as the "plant of
immortality." Today, Aloe continues to be widely used in dermatology.
Uses of Aloe Vera and Side
Effects in History:
Aloe, a cactus-like plant thriving in hot, dry climates, is grown
globally, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Its historical
uses for skin conditions, baldness, and wound healing are well-known. Aloe is
applied topically for various conditions like acne, burns, and radiation-induced
skin toxicity, and orally for weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, and
inflammatory bowel disease. The FDA in 2002 regulated aloe's use in
over-the-counter laxative
products due to insufficient safety data.
a plant with a long history of medicinal Uses of Aloe
Vera and site effects across various cultures was utilized by Egyptian
queens, Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus for treating wounds. The
first English reference to Aloe Vera was in 1655 by John Good yew, translating
Discords’ treatise. By the early 1800s, it was used as a laxative in the U.S.,
with a significant breakthrough in the mid-1930s when effective in treating
severe radiation dermatitis.
Plant
Uses of Aloe Vera and site effects, scientifically named Aloe barbadensis
miller, is a perennial, shrubby, or arborescent succulent plant of the
Asphodelaceae family. It thrives in dry regions across Africa, Asia, Europe,
and America, with notable growth in regions of India like Rajasthan, Andhra
Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Anatomy:
The plant features triangular, serrated leaves, yellow
tubular flowers, and seeded fruits. Each leaf has three layers: 1) Inner gel
(99% water, galactomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins); 2)
Latex middle layer (bitter yellow sap with anthraquinones and glycosides); 3)
Outer rind (15–20 protective cells synthesizing carbohydrates and proteins,
containing vascular bundles for substance transport).
Aloe Vera has 75 active
constituents including vitamins A, C, and E, B12, folic acid, and antioxidants.
Its enzymes (aliase, alkaline phosphatase, etc.) aid in inflammation and
metabolic processes, while minerals like calcium, potassium, and zinc support enzyme
function and act as antioxidants.
Sugars: present in Aloe Vera
include monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides like
galactomannans. These are derived from the plant's mucilage layer and known as
mucopolysaccharides. Mannose-6-phosphate is the main monosaccharide, while the
common polysaccharides are galactomannans. Acemannan, a notable galactomannan,
has been discovered. A glycoprotein named alprogen and an anti-inflammatory
compound termed C-glycosylic chromone have also been isolated. Anthraquinones
in Aloe Vera consist of 12 phenolic compounds known for their laxative
properties. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterial, and antivirals.
Aloe Vera also contains 4 plant steroids – cholesterol, campesterol,
β-sitosterol, and lupeol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and, in the case of
lupeol, antiseptic and analgesic properties. Hormones in Aloe Vera include
auxins and gibberellins, aiding in wound healing and possessing
anti-inflammatory properties.
It provides 20 out of 22 human
amino acids, including 7 essential ones. Salicylic acid gives anti-inflammatory
and antibacterial benefits. Lignin increases skin penetration of other
ingredients. Saponins, making up about 3% of the gel, offer cleansing and
antiseptic properties.
Healing properties
Healing properties of Aloe Vera include enhanced collagen
synthesis, wound contraction, and scar tissue strength due to interactions of
glucomannan and gibberellin with fibroblast receptors, leading to increased
collagen content and altered composition. Moreover, hyaluronic acid and
dermatan sulfate synthesis is boosted during wound healing with Aloe Vera
treatment, both topically and orally.
Effects on skin exposure to UV
and gamma radiation:
Aloe Vera gel protects skin from radiation damage by generating
metallothionein, an antioxidant protein that combats hydroxyl radicals and
maintains superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels. It also
reduces skin cytokines like interleukin-10, preventing immunosuppression and
UV-induced hypersensitivity.
Anti-inflammatory action:
Aloe Vera inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway, reducing prostaglandin E2
production. Gel extracts contain a novel anti-inflammatory compound,
C-glycosylic chromone.
Effects on the immune system:
Alprogen inhibits calcium influx in mast cells to prevent histamine and
leukotriene release. Acemannan prompts mice's macrophages implanted with
sarcoma cells to produce IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor, triggering immune
response for cancer regression. Some small compounds inhibit reactive oxygen
free radicals released from neutrophils.
Laxative effects:
Anthraquinones in latex act as a strong laxative by boosting intestinal
water content, stimulating mucus secretion, and enhancing intestinal
peristalsis.
Antiviral and antitumor
activity:
The actions of aloe gel stem from indirect immune stimulation and direct
anthraquinonoid activity. Aloin, an anthraquinonoid in the Uses of Aloe
Vera, deactivates certain viruses like herpes and influenza. Studies indicate
that aloe components hinder benzopyrene binding, reduce cancer risk, and
exhibit anti-tumor properties. Aloe gel potentially benefits cancer prevention
by modulating glutathione S-transferase and inhibiting tumor-promotion due to
phoebe meristic acetate.
Moisturizing and
anti-aging effects:
Mucopolysaccharides
bind moisture, while aloe boosts collagen and elastin production for elastic,
less wrinkled skin. Aloe's cohesive properties soften the skin by uniting
epidermal cells, and its amino acids soften hardened cells. Zinc tightens pores
and acts as an astringent. Aloe's moisturizing effects are proven in treating
dry skin from occupational exposure, improve skin quality, reducing wrinkles,
and relieving erythema. Additionally, it offers anti-acne benefits.
Antiseptic effect:
Aloe Vera’s 6 agents combat fungi, bacteria, and
viruses.
Clinical Uses of Aloe Vera
and Side Effects:
Clinical Uses of Aloe Vera and side effects is mostly backed by anecdotal data,
but controlled trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness for various
diseases.
A. Uses
based on scientific evidence: Uses based on scientific evidence are
tested in humans or animals, and proof of safety and effectiveness is not
always guaranteed.
B. Uses based on tradition or theory:
The following uses are rooted in tradition or scientific theories and may not
have undergone extensive testing in humans, with safety and effectiveness not
always confirmed.
Conditions: Alopecia, skin infections, leg wounds, parasitic infections, lupus,
arthritis, and tic douloureux can occur.
Side effects
Probable reactions to sensitive individuals include redness,
burning, and stinging, with rare cases of dermatitis. Allergies are typically
linked to anthraquinones, like aloin and barbaloin. Test a small area first for
allergic responses. Side effects can range from abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and
red urine to hepatitis and potential dependency or constipation worsening.
Prolonged usage may heighten the risk of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, it may
lead to electrolyte imbalances due to its laxative effect.
Contradictions include known allergies to Liliaceous plants. Oral aloe is not
advised during pregnancy due to potential uterine contractions, and in
breastfeeding, infants may experience GI distress. Aloe on the skin can enhance
steroid cream absorption. It can reduce digoxin and digitoxin efficacy, as its
potassium-lowering effect amplifies their adverse effects. Aloe combined with
furosemide heightens potassium depletion risk. Decreased blood sugar levels may
impact oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. Aloe Vera’s properties vary and
require further research for validation.
Conclusion
Aloe, a plant resembling a cactus, thrives in arid climates and is grown
in subtropical regions worldwide, including border areas in the southern U.S.
It has been historically used for skin issues, improving baldness, and aiding
wound healing, applied either topically or orally. Topical Uses of Aloe Vera
and side effects are recommended for various skin conditions like acne and
burns, whereas oral consumption is suggested for managing weight, diabetes, and
inflammatory bowel disease. In 2002, the FDA mandated the removal of aloe from
over-the-counter laxatives due to insufficient safety data. Use of Aloe Vera.
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