Aloe vera, a common ingredient in many commercial lotions, creams and ointments, has been used for centuries as a healing agent. Scientific studies are now examining the benefits of the plant for a growing number of health conditions. As evidence mounts to support preliminary findings, gel and latex from the aloe plant may prove to be a simple, cost-effective treatment you can use to potentially treat skin conditions and chronic diseases. Before using aloe for any use other than to heal minor cuts or burns, consult your doctor as aloe may have serious side effects.
History
The healing capacity of aloe vera dates back 6,000 years to ancient Egypt, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says. Egyptians called the plant, the "plant of immortality," providing it as an offering to deceased pharaohs. They used gel and latex from the plant to treat skin irritations, cuts and burns, the American Cancer Society notes. The plant was also used in the baths of Egyptian queens and for embalming purposes, Joseph F. Fowler and colleagues describe in a June 2010 issue of the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology." Ancient Greek doctor Dioscorides also used aloe to treat sores and wounds, the authors add.
Types
Aloe gel, from the inner portion of the aloe plant leaf, is a common treatment for sunburn, frostbite and skin conditions including psoriasis and cold sores, MedlinePlus.com reports. The plant has active compounds that reduce inflammation and pain while boosting skin rejuvenation and repair, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Scientists have found a cream containing 0.5 percent aloe lessens the scaly skin lesions associated with psoriasis, MedlinePlus.com says. Similarly, in herpes and other skin conditions, studies suggest it improves symptoms and reduces inflammation better than 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or a placebo gel, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Additionally, latex from the cells below the leaf skin surface of the plant is used as a laxative to relieve constipation, the MayoClinic.com says.
While good scientific evidence supports the use of aloe to treat these conditions, research findings are preliminary. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate aloe. Always discuss use of the plant with your doctor.
Misconceptions
Preliminary scientific studies suggest aloe vera is beneficial in healing serious medical conditions including cancer and type 2 diabetes. While findings suggest aloe may slow the growth of liver cancer cells in rats and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, results are conflicting, the American Cancer Society and the University of Maryland Medical Center say. In fact, the American Cancer Society says aloe is dangerous and potentially deadly in treating cancer. Additional research is needed to truly understand aloe's potential benefit in treating these conditions.
Expert Advice
Early studies suggest aloe is beneficial in healing wounds. In a September 2007 issue of "Burns," Ratree Maenthaisong and colleagues reviewed scientific studies on aloe's wound healing ability. An analysis of 371 patients found those who used aloe healed nearly nine days before those who had not. However, recent findings show mixed results, including that aloe may delay the healing process. Thus, medical professionals recommend aloe's use be limited to minor skin irritations and burns and not open wounds, the University of Maryland Medical Center says.
Warnings
The healing benefits of aloe vera also carry risks and potential serious side effects. When used to heal skin irritations or burns, aloe may cause a rash in rare cases. Redness or burning is also possible after using aloe juice following a skin-peeling procedure, the MayoClinic.com adds. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Aloe Vera
- American Cancer Society: Aloe
- "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology"; Innovations in Natural Ingredients and Their use in Skin Care; Joseph F. Fowler Jr., et al; June 2010
- MedlinePlus: Aloe
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