Aloe Vera: An Ancient Plant with Modern Benefits
From skin benefits to digestive system support, aloe has much to offer.
Aloe vera is an herb that has been used since ancient times by cultures throughout the world for its healing properties. The first recorded use of aloe dates to the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century B.C. in Egypt.1 Traditional medicine supports the broad use of aloe as a remedy and modern science continues to validate its beneficial mechanisms of action.
The two main components of the aloe leaf are the latex and the inner leaf gel. The latex is a source of anthracene compounds, which have strong laxative effects. The gel, on the other hand, contains polysaccharides including glucomannan and galactan, as well as glycoproteins.
Aloe has historically been used for its wound-healing properties when applied topically, while evidence also supports its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-health benefits.2 Recent studies highlighted here attest to the beneficial effects of aloe on blood sugar and cardiovascular health, digestive function, healthy skin aging, and antioxidant support.
References:
1. Bahmani M, et al., “Aloe: An update on its phytomedicinal, pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties,” Der Pharmacia Lettre, vol. 8, no. 1 (January 2016): 206-213
2. Choi S et al., “Relationship between aloe components and their biologic effects,” Seminars in Integrative Medicine, vol. 1, no. 1 (March 2013): 53-62
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