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Aloe Vera as an Anti-Inflammatory

Mar 4, 2011 | By Owen Bond
Aloe Vera as an Anti-Inflammatory
Photo Credit aloe vera image by Magdalena Mirowicz from Fotolia.com

Aloe vera is a clear, gel-like liquid within the leaf of the Aloe barbadensis plant. Aloe vera contains minerals, vitamins, sugars, enzymes and lignins, among other nutrients, which all contribute to its vast medicinal properties. A primary medicinal use of aloe vera is as an anti-inflammatory, both externally and internally. Aloe vera can be used on minor cuts, burns and skin conditions as an antiseptic and to reduce swelling, and can be eaten to reduce the symptoms of stomach and intestinal conditions.

History and Distribution

Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant thought to have originated in the Sudan region of Africa thousands of years ago. Aloe vera thrives in arid climates and is widely found in Africa, India, the Middle East, Australia, Mexico and parts of Asia. Traditional uses of aloe vera are varied, but usually based upon its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine." Thus, Aloe vera is commonly applied to wounds and taken internally to cleanse the blood and fight infections.

Medicinal Ingredients of Aloe Vera

According to "Nutritional Sciences," some substances within Aloe vera allow it to quickly penetrate tissues and act as an antiseptic, while others, such as anthraquinone, reduce pain. Further, glycosides and indole acetic acid are the main compounds that allow Aloe vera to effectively reduce inflammation. According to a study published in a 1989 edition of the "Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association," researchers found that gibberellin, a glycolic and growth hormone found in plants, accounts for most of the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by Aloe vera. The researchers examined the mice that were given gibberellin from Aloe vera and noted that it improves wound healing in a dose-response fashion, and reduces inflammation and pain. Unlike steroids, Aloe vera and gibberellin inhibit inflammation but do not retard wound healing.

Aloe Vera for Gastrointestinal Disorders

According to "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine," preliminary studies suggest that Aloe vera taken orally may reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. A study published in a 2004 edition of "Alimentary Pharmacological Therapy" found that the anti-inflammatory actions of Aloe vera gel in vitro provide support the claims that it has therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease. Aloe's ability to stimulate the release of pepsin, a stomach enzyme necessary for digestion, works in addition to its anti-inflammatory effect to promote healing of stomach ulcers.

Aloe Vera and Asthma

Aloe vera has been studied for its effects on asthma since the 1950s. A 1987 study conducted in Japan found that some compounds in Aloe vera stimulate an increase in the removal of particles that may be asthma triggers and can effectively prevent some asthma attacks, although it has not been shown to abort acute asthma attacks. In addition to removing irritating particles, the researchers claim the results might also be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in Aloe vera. However, the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine states that there is not enough scientific evidence to support Aloe vera for any uses other than a topical antiseptic to help heal minor burns and cuts.

References

Article reviewed by Bonny Brown Jones Last updated on: Mar 4, 2011

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