Aloe vera is a natural product that is frequently used in the field of cosmetology. It is used in everything from toothpaste to supplements and is known for its potential health benefits. However, there are also concerns about its toxicity and adverse effects. Here are some details about aloe vera:
Positive:
- Aloe gel might help some skin conditions like psoriasis. It also seems to speed up wound healing by improving blood circulation, and might combat certain types of bacteria and fungi.
- Consuming aloe vera gel from the plant may raise blood antioxidant levels. Antioxidants help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are compounds linked to many chronic diseases.
- Aloe vera has been linked to potential antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne effects.
Negative:
- Chemical analysis reveals that the Aloe plant contains potentially toxic and carcinogenic activities, which raise safety concerns.
- Aloe latex contains chemicals that work as a laxative. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. Taking aloe latex by mouth can reduce constipation, but its banned for use as a laxative by the FDA due to safety concerns.
- Some aloe vera skin care products contain preservatives and other ingredients that are not meant to be ingested. Stick to eating the aloe vera plant and not commercial skin care products.
Ingredients or materials:
- Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids.
- Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as lignans, phytosterols, polyphenols, acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinones C-glycosides, anthrones, and other anthraquinones, such as emodin and various lectins.
- Aloe vera leaves are comprised of three parts: the skin, the gel, and the latex. They’re best known for their gel, which is responsible for most of its health benefits.
