### Chemistry & Compounds
Aloe barbadensis Miller is a rich source of biologically active substances. More than 75 of them have been isolated and identified from Aloe Vera leaves. The most valuable are acemannan polysaccharides, anthraquinones, and bradykinase enzymes. Acemannan polysaccharides have hemoprotection, anti-inflammatory, and probiotic effects; they create a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial microflora. Aloe Vera gel smooths the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces irritation and accelerates the healing of the mucous membrane. Anthraquinones, specifically aloin, are intensely laxative. Due to the content of these substances, Aloe latex is known as Aloe’s yellow glue.
Bradykinase is an enzyme that reduces swelling and accelerates the healing of the skin. Aloe Vera’s phytochemical composition allows it to regulate the functioning of the immune system; reduce irritation of the digestive tract; heal wounds, burns, and ulcers.
### Health Benefits & Effects
Aloe barbadensis Miller is a multipurpose medicinal plant. Its regular use is justified by the pronounced effect on the human body, in particular by improving the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe Vera reduces the inflammation process; it is used in the treatment of GERD and IBS. In addition, the plant significantly reduces the symptoms of constipation, normalizes the peristalsis of the intestines, and stimulates digestion.
Aloe Vera improves the assimilation of nutrients. Studies have shown that when taking Aloe Vera, the amount of vitamins absorbed is 30-50% higher than without it. Taking this plant increases the amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) in the body; it protects them from destruction. Therefore, Aloe Vera is a great supplement to food and other medicines because it increases their useful effects.
Aloe Vera is beneficial for the skin. It contains substances that stimulate cell division and collagen production, which improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce wrinkles. The plant has the ability to accelerate the healing of damaged tissues and reduce the manifestation of the burn. The mechanism of action is associated with an increase in blood circulation. This property of Aloe Vera is useful for the skin after sun exposure or injury.
### Practical Use & Preparation
To use Aloe Vera, it is necessary to study its useful properties and dose. Leaf gel is used in food, cosmetics, and medicine for its high water content, which soothes the skin and mucous membranes and accelerates wound healing. This preparation of the plant is taken as juice: 2-4 oz of Aloe Vera per day. Leaf gel is also used in cosmetology. Fresh gel can be applied to the skin to relieve sunburn.
Aloe Vera juice can be taken as an independent preparation. It is advisable to choose a product that has been processed to remove latex from the leaves, as this substance is harmful to the kidneys when taken in large quantities. Aloe Vera extract or concentrate is used in clinical practice, especially in research on the anti-inflammatory effects of the plant. In addition, Aloe Vera preparations are used in the food industry.
To use Aloe Vera for the skin, it is possible to use fresh leaf pulp, from which gel is obtained, subject to certain precautions. To do this, the latex membrane, the yellow liquid on the surface of the leaf, must be removed. It is toxic to the body in high concentrations. Those who want to use Aloe Vera for their health should study all the intricacies of the preparation of this herbal medicine and dose it.
### Safety, Interactions & Cautions
Aloe Vera has a wide range of effects on the human body, but it should be used with caution. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the use of Aloe products with caution in people who have diabetes because they may experience a decrease in blood sugar levels. In addition, due to the toxic effect on the kidneys, it is not recommended to use Aloe Vera in high doses and for an extended period. People with heart problems using Digoxin should be especially careful about the use of Aloe Vera.
During pregnancy, it is categorically forbidden to use Aloe Vera. This plant may cause uterine contractions and, as a result, a miscarriage. In other situations, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before using Aloe Vera to avoid harmful effects on the body.
### Species & Alternatives
There are many types of Aloe, but only one is called Aloe Vera. Other species are similar to Aloe Vera, but they have weak healing properties and are used in folk medicine mainly in the countries of Eastern Europe, China, and India. These regional analogs of Aloe Vera have a less beneficial effect on the body than the well-known leaf gel.
Alternatives to Aloe Vera can be two types: analogs of the effects of leaf gel on the body and natural analogs of Aloe Vera. Herbs that are good for the stomach are good substitutes for Aloe Vera’s positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract. These include chamomile, licorice root, and other calming plants. In terms of skin regeneration, shea butter and coconut oil are useful for the skin and hair, but they cannot replace Aloe Vera’s tonic effects.
### History & Traditional Use
Aloe Vera has been used for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians took great care of this plant, believing it to be the “plant of immortality.” They included it in their cosmetics and traditional medicine as a powerful healing and rejuvenating agent. The properties of Aloe Vera were known and used by the Sumerians, Indians, Greeks, and Romans. In particular, the Roman physician Galen recognized the curative and tonic effect of Aloe Vera.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Aloe Vera is known as “Hui Li,” and in Ayurvedic medicine, it is called “Kumari.” In the last two traditions, Aloe Vera has been used for more than 6,000 years and is valued for its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and tonic properties. All this confirms the fantastic usefulness of Aloe Vera in traditional medicine, which is now being actively studied in the modern world.
### Myths vs. Evidence
There are some myths about Aloe Vera. One of them is that any preparation of Aloe Vera is useful in all cases. In reality, the use of natural products requires caution, and Aloe Vera is no exception. Latex, which is extracted from the leaves of the plant, is toxic to the body. Another myth about Aloe Vera is that this plant can cure almost all diseases, from minor burns to oncological ones. However, the truth is that Aloe Vera is mainly used in the treatment of the digestive tract and skin.
To this, it is important to add that Aloe Vera is a beneficial addition to the diet and has many useful effects on the body. Substances contained in this plant make it possible to improve health, strengthen the immune system, and protect against many diseases. Therefore, Aloe Vera is a great addition to the diet, but in the fight against serious ailments, it should be used alongside conventional medicine.