by Gloria S. Akande

Created on: August 22, 2009

Aloe Vera or Aloe leaf, of the Liliaceae (lily) family is a prickly plant with pale green broad thick leaves. It bears small yellow orange flowers and can grow up to 2 feet. The leaves contain a clear white gel that has been used by Egyptian healers and applied to the skin for various ailments, cuts and burns since 1500 B.C. The yellow sap of the plant is used internally as bitters. The plant is a native to South Africa and Madagascar and has been cultivated in the other countries, including the United States.

The following are what scientists do know about the health benefits of aloe vera:

Aloe vera gel is helpful when applied to burns and damaged skin. Scientific studies and case reports support its use in the treatment of burns in animals and humans and in the treatment of stasis ulcers. Aloe gel has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It also dilates blood vessels and hastens the healing process. The gel contains enzymes, bradykinin and carboxypeptidase that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. The gel also contains anthroquinones, steroids, saponins, mucopolysaccharides and salicylic acid that help in repairing cells and minimizing scarring in burn patients. In a scientific study the rate of re-epithelialization and healing of the partial thickness burns was significantly faster in the site treated with aloe vera than in the site treated with sulfadiazine.

Aloe bitters relieve constipation. Bitters is dried latex that acts as a mild stimulant laxative that is less likely to cause dehydration. There is no evidence that aloe benefits inflammatory bowel disease and Aloe bitters should be avoided in such patients.

Aloe is effective in the treatment of psoriasis. In a double blind study patients of 60 patients by Syed at al the aloe vera group showed higher rates of clearing of psoriatic lesions by 83%. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and the keratolytic salicylic acid component of aloe contribute to its efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis.

Lung cancer likelihood in smokers has been reduced in one study of patients who took the aloe gel internally. Further investigation is needed.

Aloe vera juice is a component of Nopal which has been used in diabetic Hispanics for the treatment of diabetes. A reduction of blood glucose levels has been noted and an insulin-like properties may be present in Nopal. Ten studies were located. They suggest that oral administration

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