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The Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel

 
Aloe Vera is sometimes described as a ‘wonder plant.’ The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant are succulent and upright. It is as a potent ingredient in the gel.

Over the years, the Aloe Vera has been the subject of many scientific studies regarding its therapeutic claims.  The following will show some of these claims the research behind them.
  • Aloe vera gel has many medicinal properties and is often used in creams and lotions.
  • Aloe vera has been used for centuries and is currently more popular than ever.
  • It is cultivated worldwide, primarily as a crop for "Aloe gel," which comes from the leaf.
  • According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, in ancient Egypt, they called Aloe vera " plant of immortality." The authors added that the plant has been used therapeutically for many centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece, Egypt, Mexico, and Japan.

Aloe vera is widely used today in:

  • Food - it is approved by the FDA as a flavouring.
  • Cosmetics
  • Food supplements.
  • Herbal remedies
Benefits
When it comes to the Aloe Vera, the medicinal claims made are endless. There is much scientific backing in most of these claims.
  • Teeth and Gums
A study published in General Dentistry reported that toothpaste with added aloe vera is as effective as toothpaste in fighting cavities.
  • Diabetes-induced foot ulcers
A study carried out at the Sinhgad College of Pharmacy, India, published an article in the International Wound Journal carried about Aloe's ability to treat ulcers.

They reported that a "gel formed with carbopol 974p (1 percent) and Aloe vera promotes significant wound healing and closure in diabetic rats compared with the commercial product and provides a promising product to be used in diabetes-induced foot ulcers."
  • Antioxidant and possible antimicrobial properties
Aloe vera is being used on skin for it's beneficial antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Researchers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, published a study in the journal Molecules. The scientist based their research around claims that the methanol extract of leaf skins and flowers of Aloe vera might have beneficial effects on human health. The scientists focused on the extract's possible antioxidant and antimycoplasmic activities.

They reported that both Aloe vera flower and leaf extracts had antioxidant properties, especially the leaf skin extract. The leaf skin extract also exhibited antimycoplasmic properties.

The authors concluded that "A. Vera extracts from leaf skin and flowers can be considered as good natural antioxidant sources."

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  2. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-07/aogd-hpo071709.php
  3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/iwj.12084
 
 
 

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