Aloe vera is perennial, succulent plant native to tropical and subtropical areas of South Africa, the Caribbean region and Latin America. It has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, being recommended by practitioners of natural medicine for thousands of years, mostly for skin and digestive problems. Currently, aloe based products are some of the most popular natural supplements sold in the U.S. The key active ingredients of aloe gel are two natural compounds: glycoproteins and polysaccharides. If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis and consider taking aloe vera supplements, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Aloe For Skin Conditions
A species of aloe, Aloe vera Linne, scientifically known as aloe barbadensis has been extensively evaluated for possible therapeutic benefits in managing skin diseases. Based on a review of 40 research studies, a medical team from Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran found that topical aloe vera appears to be effective for psoriasis, genital herpes, wound healing, frostbite, dry skin, some inflammatory skin conditions and certain forms of cancer. It may also have anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities. Larger studies are needed to fully confirm these findings. This study was featured in the February 2009 issue of "Giomale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia."
Aloe For Psoriasis
Based on the fact that topical aloe vera previously showed good results in psoriasis, a randomized double blind eight-week study published in the February 2010 "European Journal of Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" compared the effectiveness of aloe vera with the conventional ointment triamcinolone in participants diagnosed with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. The authors found that both aloe vera and 0.1 percent triamcinolone ointment improved the quality of life of the subjects, and aloe was more effective than the conventional drug in decreasing the clinical symptoms of psoriasis.
Available Forms
Aloe vera can be used as a home remedy. Simply cut a fresh aloe leaf and apply the gel directly on the affected areas of the skin. Aloe is also available in ointments, gels and lotions in combination with other nutrients that may also help improve skin conditions. Lastly, aloe can be found in juice or in capsule or tablet forms.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out the exact dosage and to determine which aloe based supplement may help improve your condition. Keep in mind that aloe products do not replace and should not be used to replace conventional drugs prescribed for psoriasis. Aloe is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat psoriasis.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Aloe; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- "Giomale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia.";Aloe Vera in Dermatology: a Brief Review; A. Feily, et al.; February 2009
- "European Journal of Academy of Dermatology and Venereology"; A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Topical Aloe Vera with 0.1% Triamcinolone Acetonide in Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis; C. Choonhakarn et al; June 2010
