Aloe vera is a medicinal plant known for it's antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
It's potential benefits include reducing dental plaque, speeding up wound healing, preventing wrinkles, and helping to manage blood sugar levels.
Scientifically named Aloe barbadensis, this thick, short-stemmed plant stores water in it's fleshy leaves. While it is most commonly used to treat skin injuries, aloe vera has several other health applications that could offer additional benefits. In this article, we highlight eight potential health benefits of aloe vera, along with some of the risks associated with it's use.
1. Contains Beneficial Plant Compounds
Aloe vera is widely used across the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries, with a global market valued at approximately $13 billion annually. The plant features thick, fleshy leaves that store water, and the gel inside contains most of it's beneficial bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. This gel is the key to aloe vera's health benefits.
2. Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties
Aloe vera gel is rich in polyphenols, a class of powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. These polyphenols, along with other compounds in aloe vera, also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, which is why aloe vera is known for it's antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic qualities. This makes it effective in promoting skin healing and preventing infections.
3. Accelerates Wound Healing
Aloe vera is most commonly used topically for skin care, especially for treating burns and other skin injuries. Studies have shown that aloe vera can speed up the healing of first and second-degree burns, reducing healing time by around 9 days compared to conventional treatments. It can also alleviate symptoms like redness, itching, and infection. Though evidence is less conclusive for other wounds, aloe vera’s healing properties are well-documented.
4. Reduces Dental Plaque
Aloe vera has been shown to reduce dental plaque and improve gum health. A study involving 152 children found that aloe vera mouthwash was just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Aloe vera is also effective against Candida albicans, a yeast that can cause infections, making it a natural alternative to chemical mouthwashes.
5. Treats Canker Sores
Aloe vera may help speed up the healing of mouth ulcers or canker sores. Research has demonstrated that aloe vera gel not only accelerates healing but also reduces pain associated with these sores. In a 2022 review, aloe vera treatment was found to heal mouth ulcers faster than other treatments, offering a shorter recovery time.
6. Reduces Constipation
Aloe vera latex, a yellowish substance found beneath the skin of the leaf, has been used as a natural laxative due to it's active compound, aloin. While it can be effective in treating constipation, concerns about safety have led to the discontinuation of over-the-counter aloe latex products in the U.S. since 2002.
7. Improves Skin and Prevents Wrinkles
Aloe vera gel may help slow the aging of the skin. Aloe vera is also known to help retain moisture, which can benefit individuals with dry skin and improve skin integrity, potentially reducing wrinkles.
8. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Aloe vera has been investigated as a remedy for diabetes due to it's potential to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management. A 2021 review of studies found moderate evidence supporting aloe vera beneficial effects on individuals with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, due to the limitations of the existing research, scientists do not yet recommend it as a primary treatment for diabetes.
9. Promotes Hair Growth
Aloe vera has shown promise in promoting hair growth, especially for those suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes a red, scaly rash on the scalp. An older study found that aloe vera significantly reduced itchiness, flakiness, and the size of affected areas. Given that seborrheic dermatitis can lead to temporary hair loss, aloe vera may help support hair regrowth.
