There are approximately 250 species of aloe plants, the most familiar of which is aloe vera. The raw and commercially processed sap exuded from aloe vera leaves has been used for centuries as a medicinal gel, liquid, and ingredient in a variety of skin care products. Some people keep aloe vera plants in their home for both decorative and first-aid purposes. Although well accepted as a topical treatment for skin care, there is no scientific evidence that aloe's consumption in the form of a supplement is entirely safe or effective.
Description
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that belongs to the lily family and is thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. It's thick green leaves are spotted with white when the plant is young and later turn a paler shade green. The leaves of the aloe plant are filled with a bitter, somewhat slimy gel that has long been used as a topical healer.
Uses
Aloe is used topically as a treatment for dry skin, burns, sunburns and cold sores and as a multi-purpose skin healer in the treatment of psoriasis and wounds. It has also been used orally as a treatment for constipation, diabetes, osteoarthritis, asthma and epilepsy. Aloe has been consumed as a supplement for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. A study published in 2009 in the journal General Dentistry found aloe tooth gel to be as effective as regular toothpaste for cleaning teeth and gums and fighting cavities.
Availability
Aloe is available in liquid and gel form and as an ingredient in creams, lotions, gels, ointments and other products used to treat burns, skin infections, dry skin and skin that has been exposed to the sun. Some people grow aloe vera plants at home so they can break off a leaf when needed and squeeze out the sap to use for some of the same purposes as commercially available aloe-based skin products.
Effectiveness
Aloe vera contains active ingredients, such as carbohydrate polymers, that are known to be effective for moisturizing and soothing the skin. Aloe also contains active components, such as aloin and barbaloin, that are known laxatives.
At one time, a concentrated form of aloe to be taken internally and by injection was promoted as a treatment for cancer, herpes, AIDS and other medical conditions. Curative claims by the company that produced the product were based on animal studies and never approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Safety
Aloe applied topically to treat skin ailments is considered safe and is generally without side effects. Aloe consumed as a laxative, however, is frowned on by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of a lack of evidence of its safety. Internal consumption of aloe vera for any reason is strongly discouraged because of potential gastrointestinal and other side effects, and because it has not been shown in clinical studies to be effective for any of its purported uses as a dietary supplement or medical treatment. Injections of aloe have resulted in several deaths.
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