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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 has several other uses that could potentially benefit health. Throughout this article, you will know more about Aloe Vera’s benefits and the risk factors.

Aloe vera contains healthful plant compounds

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 centimetres) 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.

Aloe vera  has antioxidant and antibacterial properties: Aloe Vera Health benefits

Antioxidants are important for health. Aloe vera gel contains a trusted Source of 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 as a trusted source for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems.

Aloe Vera accelerates wound healing:

People most often use aloe vera as a topical medication, rubbing it onto the skin rather than consuming it. It has a long history of use in treating sores, 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 wounds is inconclusive, but the research is promising.

Aloe Vera reduces dental plaque: Aloe Vera Health benefits

Tooth decay and diseases of 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 by 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 trusted Source 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.

Aloe Vera helps treat canker sores: Aloe Vera Health benefits

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 Tru Source.

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

For example, in a 7-day 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 but also reduced the pain associated with them.

Aloe Vera reduces constipation:

Aloe vera may also help treat constipation.

This time, the latex, not the gel, provides the benefits. 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 trusted Source 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 2002T.

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.

Aloe Vera may improve skin and prevent wrinkles

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

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

Some research also suggests that aloe vera could help the skin retain moisture and improve skin integrity, which could benefit dry skin conditions.

Aloe vera lowers blood sugar levels

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 trusted sources 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.

Risks

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 diarrhoea due to its laxative effects. There have also been some reports of liver damage associated with long-term aloe vera supplement use.

In Conclusion: Aloe Vera Health benefits

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 than aloe vera gel.

Oral options should contain decolourized 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.

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