Leneka Rhoden
18 Mar 2023
The Therapeutic Potential of Aloe Vera: An Analysis of its Medicinal Properties
Aloe vera, a medicinal plant with a rich history dating back to 1500 BC, has been widely used for its therapeutic properties in various cultures, including Greece, China, and Mexico (Shelton, 1991). This herbaceous and perennial plant, indigenous to tropical Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, belongs to the Liliaceae family and shares similarities with Cactus. Historical figures like Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra incorporated Aloe vera into their beauty routines (Malek et al., 2013).
Scientifically, Aloe vera contains 75 identified compounds, including minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and water (Subramanian et al., 2006). Studies, both in vitro and on living organisms, demonstrate its ability to inhibit thromboxane, enhance wound healing, and reduce inflammation. The gel's magnesium lactate prevents histamine production, addressing itching and irritation. Aloe vera's immunomodulatory effects involve the synthesis of cytokines and inhibition of inflammatory reactions.
The regenerative properties of Aloe vera are attributed to glucomannan, a compound rich in polysaccharides like mannose. Glucomannan stimulates fibroblast growth factor receptors, promoting collagen production and influencing collagen composition and cross-linking (Heck et al., 1981). The gel's high water content contributes to increased skin flexibility and reduced fragility.
Aloe vera's positive effects extend to treating various conditions such as psoriasis, mouth sores, ulcers, diabetes, herpes, bedsores, and burn wounds. It is recognized for its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, skin-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties.
References:
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Shelton RM. (1991). Aloe vera. Its chemical and therapeutic properties. Int J Dermatol, 30, 679–83. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1991.tb02607.x.
Malek Hosseini A, Ghaffarzadegan R, Alizadeh SA, Ghaffarzadegan R, Haji Agaei R, Ahmadlou M. (2013). Effect of aloe vera gel, compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine cream on second-degree burn wound healing. Complementary Medicine Journal of Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, 3, 418–28.
Subramanian S, Kumar DS, Arulselvan P. (2006). Wound healing potential of Aloe vera leaf gel studied in experimental rabbits. Asian J Biochem, 1, 178–85.
Sahu PK, Giri DD, Singh R, Pandey P, Gupta S, Shrivastava AK, et al. (2013). Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Aloe vera: a review. Pharmacol Pharm, 4, 599–610. doi: 10.4236/pp.2013.48086.
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