Aloe Vera | NCCIH

Skip to main content© Steven Foster

Common Names: aloe

Latin Names: Aloe vera, Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis

Background

• Aloe is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. It is cultivated in subtropical regions around the world, including the southern border areas of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
• Historically, aloe has been used for skin conditions and was thought to improve baldness and promote wound healing.
• Aloe is used topically (applied to the skin) and orally. Topical use of aloe is promoted for acne, lichen planus (a very itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth), oral submucous fibrosis, burning mouth syndrome, burns, and radiation-induced skin toxicity. Oral use of aloe is promoted for weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (a group of conditions caused by gut inflammation that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
• In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a ruling that required manufacturers to remove aloe from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data.

How Much Do We Know?

• A number of studies have investigated the usefulness of aloe as a dietary supplement or a topical product for health purposes in people.

What Have We Learned?

• Clinical research suggests that topical application of an aloe-based gel twice daily (along with medical soap and tretinoin gel) may improve acne.
• Clinical research suggests topical application of aloe gel may speed burn healing. There also is evidence that treatment with aloe vera may reduce pain from burns.
• Research suggests topical use of aloe also may help people with herpes simplex, lichen planus, or psoriasis.
• Three trials (with a total of 236 adult participants) have evaluated the use of oral doses of aloe vera for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Results from one trial showed a benefit; the other two trials showed no benefit of aloe vera over placebo.
• In a small European study, 44 adults with ulcerative colitis were randomly assigned to receive aloe vera gel or a placebo twice daily for a month. Almost half of the people treated with aloe vera responded to the treatment whereas 14 percent of those treated with placebo responded.
• Aloe vera has been studied in clinical (human) trials for diabetic foot ulcers and dental plaque, but there’s not enough scientific evidence to show whether aloe vera is helpful for these conditions. A 2009 review article examined data from a mix of laboratory, animal, and clinical trials and concluded that more research is necessary to explore aloe’s clinical effectiveness for a number of different skin conditions.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Topical use of aloe gel is generally well tolerated. However, there have been occasional reports of burning, itching, and eczema with topical use of aloe gel. Oral use of aloe latex can cause abdominal pain and cramps. Oral consumption of aloe leaf extracts (for as little as 3 weeks and as long as 5 years) has been related to cases of acute hepatitis.
• Animal studies have noted an association between aloe vera leaf extract taken orally and gastrointestinal cancer in rats and mice; however, concerns were expressed about the differences in the product used in that study and those commonly used by consumers. Thus, more research is needed to assess the relevance to human health.
• Overuse of aloe latex may increase the risk of adverse effects from the drug digoxin, used for some heart problems.
• Aloe—both in gel and latex form—when taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

• Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1

Website: https://www.nccih.nih.gov

Email: [email protected] (link sends email)

PubMed®

A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.

Website: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

NIEHS supports research to understand the effects of the environment on human health and is part of NIH.

P.O. Box 12233, MD K3-16
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233

Phone Number: 919-541-3345

Website: https://www. niehs.nih.gov/

Email: [email protected] (link sends email)

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Its resources include publications (such as Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know) and fact sheets on a variety of specific supplement ingredients and products (such as vitamin D and multivitamin/mineral supplements).

Website: https://ods.od.nih.gov

Email: [email protected] (link sends email)

Key References

• Aloe. Natural Medicines website. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on October 14, 2019. [Database subscription].
• Fifi AC, Axelrod CH, Chakraborty P, et al. Herbs and spices in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders: a review of clinical trials. Nutrients. 2018;10(11):E1715.
• Long V. Aloe vera in dermatology—the plant of immortality. JAMA Dermatology. 2016;152(12):1364.
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. NTP Speaks About Aloe Vera. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsroom/interviews/aloevera/index.cfm. Accessed on June 24, 2020.
• National Toxicology Program. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of a nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (drinking water study). August 2013.
• Norman G, Christie J, Liu Z, et al. Antiseptics for burns. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017(7):CD011821. Accessed at www.cochranelibrary.com on October 31, 2019.
• Quezeda SM, Briscoe J, Cross RK. Complementary and alternative medicine. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2016;22(6):1523-1530.
• Rodriguez S, Dentali S, Powell D. Aloe vera. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:7-14.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH.

Last Updated: August 2020

Aloe vera: 9 health benefits

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It may be useful for reducing dental plaque, accelerating wound healing, preventing wrinkles, and managing blood sugar, among other benefits.

Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves. It is best known for treating skin injuries, but it also has several other uses that could potentially benefit health.

This article lists eight potential health benefits of aloe vera. It also covers some of the risks associated with use.

The cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries use aloe vera extensively, and the plant has an estimated annual market value of $13 billion globally.

Aloe vera is known for its thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves, which may grow to about 12–19 inches (30–50 centimeters) in length.

Each leaf contains a slimy tissue that stores water, and this makes the leaves thick. This water filled tissue is the “gel” that people associate with aloe vera products.

The gel contains most of the beneficial bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Antioxidants are important for health. Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols.

These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.

Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems.

People most often use aloe vera as a topical medication, rubbing it onto the skin rather than consuming it. In fact, it has a long history of use in treating sores, and particularly burns, including sunburn.

The United States Pharmacopeia describe aloe vera preparations as a skin protectant as early as 1810–1820.

Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first and second degree burns.

For example, a review of experimental studies found that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared with conventional medication. It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections.

The evidence for aloe vera helping heal other types of wound is inconclusive, but the research is promising.

Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems. One of the best ways to prevent these conditions is to reduce the buildup of plaque, or bacterial biofilms, on the teeth.

In a mouth rinse study of 300 healthy people, researchers compared 100% pure aloe vera juice with the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine.

After 4 days of use, the aloe vera mouth rinse appeared to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque.

Another study found similar benefits of aloe vera mouth rinse over a 15- to 30-day period.

Aloe vera is effective in killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.

Many people experience mouth ulcers, or canker sores, at some point in their lives. These usually form underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about a week.

Studies have shown that aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.

For example, in a 7-day study of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, applying an aloe vera patch to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers.

However, it did not outperform the conventional ulcer treatment: corticosteroids.

In another study, aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them.

Aloe vera may also help treat constipation.

This time it is the latex, not the gel, that provides the benefits. The latex is a sticky yellow residue present just under the skin of the leaf.

The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established laxative effects.

However, people have raised concerns about safety with frequent use. For this reason, aloe latex has not been available in the U.S. as an over-the-counter medication since 2002.

Contrary to popular belief, aloe vera does not appear to be effective against other digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. Learn more here.

There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera gel can slow aging of the skin.

In a 2009 study of 30 females over the age of 45, taking oral aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over a 90-day period.

Reviews also suggest that aloe vera could help the skin retain moisture and improve skin integrity, which could benefit dry skin conditions.

Read more about aloe vera’s effects on the skin here:

• aloe vera for acne
• aloe vera for psoriasis
• aloe vera for eczema

People sometimes use aloe vera as a remedy for diabetes. This is because it may enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.

For example, a review of eight studies found that aloe vera could have benefits for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes due to its effects on glycemic control.

However, the quality of the existing studies is not ideal, so scientists do not currently recommend using aloe vera for this purpose.

Aloe vera is a safe remedy with few known side effects.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) say that topical use is likely safe.

That said, the oral use of aloe vera may cause stomach cramps or diarrhea due to its laxative effects. There have also been some reports of liver damage associated with long-term aloe vera supplement use.

The NCCIH also report that nondecolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera seems to be associated with cancer risk in rats.

Aloe vera has a range of therapeutic properties, especially as an ointment for the skin and gums.

People can use bottled aloe vera gel or take it directly from the leaf of an aloe plant. Aloe vera juice has different uses to aloe vera gel.

Oral options should contain decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera to minimize risk.

A person should always speak to a doctor before using aloe products to treat a condition.

SHOP FOR ALOE VERA PRODUCTS

Various aloe vera products are available to purchase in health food stores or online:

• aloe vera gel
• aloe vera juice
• aloe vera supplements
• aloe vera oil
• aloe vera powder

Properties of Aloe: useful and healing properties of aloe vera – benefits and harms

January 24, 2021

Aloe is a plant that should be in every home. Its benefits have been proven by more than one generation and this is one of the favorite “grandmother’s” medicines that really works. Even the ancient Egyptians discovered the healing properties of aloe and the first mention of it dates back to 2 thousand years BC. This is impressive, because during this time the plant has not lost its authority, but on the contrary, it has only increased. Few plants have succeeded.

On the Internet, you can also find the name agave. Allegedly, the bush blooms once every 100 years, but this is not so. Indeed, aloe at home does not often indulge us with its flowering, but it certainly blooms more often than once every hundred years. Due to the fact that its homeland is the island of Barbados, it is used to a hot and dry climate, frequent watering is not required. So, in addition to the huge beneficial properties of aloe, it also has such an advantage as ease of care. Any person, even a child, will cope with its cultivation.

In the fields of medicine and cosmetology, this medicinal plant is used with pleasure. And, scientists are constantly studying its properties, offering new methods of use. Preparations based on aloe vera juice are not uncommon in a pharmacy or cosmetic store. So what is his strength?

Aloe benefits:

• purifies the air in the room, like any houseplant;

• bactericidal effect;

• can be used as an anesthetic drug;

• used in inflammatory processes, including in the oral cavity;

• antiallergic action;

• improves digestion;

• cell regeneration;

• laxative and diuretic action;

• wound healing effect;

• strengthens the immune system;

• moisturizing and rejuvenation of the skin;

• prevention of cardiovascular diseases;

• rich in vitamins, iron and mineral salts;

• slows down the aging process.

Useful properties of aloe vera in traditional medicine

Traditional medicine uses it to treat a range of ailments. This is an effective remedy in the treatment of stomatitis in children and adults. You can not do without it and with viral flu or tonsillitis. Agave is applied to abscesses and rotting wounds, after just a few procedures, you can see an improvement.

An excellent remedy for burns, if there is no special remedy at hand. Reduces itching and redness of the skin in case of allergies.

Juice is also used for gastrointestinal problems. For example, the treatment of ulcers. Agave juice will also be useful for anemia, it is added to medicinal syrups, it contributes to better absorption of iron. Are you taking antibiotics? Then aloe will help you out, because it minimizes the harmful effects of these drugs.

The benefits of aloe in cosmetology

Due to the content of vitamins, mineral acids and other beneficial substances, aloe vera has a beneficial effect on the skin. It saturates it with moisture, smoothes and makes it elastic. Therefore, you can often find aloe in anti-aging creams.

It is also well suited for skin cleansing: masks, scrubs, peels. You can cook them yourself or buy them ready-made. The plant is also effective in the fight against dandruff. Regular masks and rinses with aloe vera extract make hair soft and silky.

Bestsellers in the store

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

  1pc

  10pc

• Hit of the year

• Hit of the year

  1pc

  2pc

• Hit of the year

  1pc

  200pcs

How to use aloe at home

For medicinal and cosmetic purposes, the lower leaves of the plant are suitable, which are older than 3 years. Very young leaves do not have such healing properties. The leaves are carefully plucked from below and used for three hours, after this time, the healing properties are lost. If gruel is needed, then the upper peel is carefully removed with a sharp knife, and the pulp is simply rubbed to the state of gruel in a glass bowl. If you need juice, then gently squeeze it out with your hands. Aloe vera juice and tinctures can be stored in the refrigerator in a dark container for up to two weeks without losing their beneficial properties.

Benefits and harms of aloe vera juice

Of course, there are more benefits, and we have already considered them above. I would only like to mention that the ancient healers called aloe “the plant of immortality.” But, he also has contraindications.

Not recommended for:
• pregnant women;
• people who are intolerant to one of the components that contains aloe;
• for acute diarrhea or acute gastrointestinal disorders;
• children under 3 years of age;
• for hemorrhoids;
• for liver problems;
• for vague abdominal pain, it is best not to use until you have an accurate diagnosis;
• in chronic heart failure.

It is also worth noting that all contraindications relate mainly to internal use. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor. For external contraindications, there are practically no. But, it is important to remember that everything is good in moderation. Do not be zealous and use aloe in unlimited quantities.

Aloe vera is a real “green first aid kit” on the window, so grow this useful flower. It will definitely come in handy for your beauty and health, especially since it is not at all whimsical in care.

In demand after reading

Varieties of apple trees of late ripening

The most delicious varieties of apple trees

Cherries

Late pear varieties

Varieties of apple trees of early ripening

Apple tree

Quince

Late plum varieties

fruit hybrids

Salt

Strawberry

Vegetable oil

baking ingredients

Keywords:
Gardening

Aloe Vera for Face and Skin: Benefits, Actions, Remedies Overview

1. 5 Benefits of Aloe for Skin
2. L’Oréal Paris Aloe Facial: Hydra Genius Aqua Fluid
3. How does aloe affect the skin of the face?
4. Aloe for the face in its pure form or as part of products: what to choose?

• jpg?rev=a89816263a1149588641e353f612cdb9&cx=0.23&cy=0.18&cw=315&ch=395&hash=75698046BF153724800B987ECC9E2CFFBDB9A85E’, ‘376’: ‘/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/ru/services/virtual-beauty-tools/skin-genius/skin-genius-v2/1750x600_5_skin-genius_push-banner.jpg?rev=a89816263a1149588641e353f612cdb9&cx=0.23&cy=0.18&cw=590&ch=590&hash=8B01CEDD873F83B2327C14D709EBD820793A7087’, ‘650’: ‘/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/ru/services/virtual-beauty-tools/skin-genius/skin-genius-v2/1750x600_5_skin-genius_push-banner.jpg?rev=a89816263a1149588641e353f612cdb9&cx=0.23&cy=0.18&cw=970&ch=450&hash=4CC18D9272AD351A5CC17FD477EDE44FCAEA169D’, ‘999’: ‘/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/ru/services/virtual-beauty-tools/skin-genius/skin-genius-v2/1750x600_5_skin-genius_push-banner.jpg?rev=a89816263a1149588641e353f612cdb9&cx=0. 23&cy=0.18&cw=1750&ch=600&hash=0F5BF6FC13D03290EBF165F61CDB0959775B4153′}”>

  undergo a virtual skin diagnosis *

The informal name of aloe is “agave”, and this flattering definition of the plant was not in vain. Why is it so loved by both supporters of traditional medicine and serious beauty brands? There are at least five reasons for this.

PROPERTY