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Top 4 aloe vera health benefits

Top 4 aloe vera health benefits

Team ErbologyErbology

From Alexander the Great to the twenty-first century, aloe vera has been widely recognised around the world to hold medicinal properties. It is is used extensively to treat not only damaged skin but also fevers and wounds.

May 01, 2023 5:13 pm

A short history of aloe

The first document we know of making reference to aloe vera is a Sumerian clay tablet, dating back to around BC 2100. However, aloe has also been traced back to around 3,500 years ago thanks to Egyptian papyri. Its name comes from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’ referring to the plant’s ‘bitter’ taste.

Our love of aloe vera dates back thousands of years. The ancients, for example, had several uses for aloe vera. Ancient Egyptians called it ‘the plant of immortality’, and Egyptian queens credited it as the source of their beauty.

Meanwhile, Ayurveda (India’s ancient science of life and health) considered aloe vera to be the rejuvenator of all living organisms. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, aloe vera contains 4 flavours: sweet, sour, bitter and astringent. They believe that in addition to aloe, just two other plants (rose petals and guggul) contain these four flavours.

Legend has it that, acting upon the advice of Aristotle, Alexander the Great besieged and conquered the aloe vera capital of the ancient world. Lying roughly 150 miles east of the Cape Guardafui coast, the Island of Socotra produced a large portion of the Mediterranean’s aloe vera. In doing so, Alexander secured a steady stream of the healing plant to his army.

Aloe vera in modern times

Fast forward to the middle of the twentieth century and the military was still relying on healing aloe vera. This time, however, the injuries being treated were found on the bodies of Japan’s soldiers. Their wounds were caused by the 1944 atomic bomb rather than iron headed spears, swords, javelin or slingshots.

Today, aloe vera is a big business. Aloe-derived products have a market value of around $13 billion.

Although there are 22 species of aloe in the world, aloe vera is the only one which is not considered to be endangered on CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). As well as managing to do quite well in the wild, aloe vera is grown around the world for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, too.

In the present day, anthropologists have recorded present-day hunter-gatherers who live in sub-Saharan Africa as using the plant as a natural deodorant.

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"Ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the 'plant of immortality'."

So, what is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a green succulent plant which grows in tropical and arid climates around the world. It has triangular, fleshy, serrated leaves, which grow in a rosette shape.(2)

Aloe produces two substances: one gel and one latex. The gel is the jelly-like, clear substance found in the inner leaf, while the latex comes from just under the plant’s skin.(3)

Given that aloe vera has been around for about 6,000 years, it is not surprising that it has acquired a few nicknames. These include ‘shining bitter substance’, as well as ‘the plant of immortality’.(3)

aloe vera benefits

Inner leaf vs outer leaf

The main difference between the inner leaf and the outer leaf of aloe vera is in the chemical composition and physical properties of the gel and latex found within each layer.

The outer leaf of the aloe vera plant contains a thick, tough rind that is composed primarily of cellulose, a type of fiber. Beneath the rind is a layer of yellow latex, which is bitter and contains anthraquinones, a type of laxative compound that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people.

In contrast, the inner leaf of the aloe vera plant contains a thin rind that is easier to remove, and the gel inside is clear and mucilaginous. This gel is composed of water, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that may offer a range of health benefits. The inner leaf gel is a common ingredient in cosmetic and medicinal products, such as lotions, creams, and functional foods.

Finally, the outer leaf latex is typically used as a natural laxative or purgative. It is important to note that the use of aloe vera latex as a laxative can have potential risks and side effects and should be done under medical supervision.

What are the key nutrients in aloe vera juice?

Research has identified 75 potentially active components in aloe vera. As mentioned previously, the gel of the aloe vera contains most of the bioactive compounds.(10) It also contains powerful nutrients that may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.(11) These protective properties become more significant as the aloe vera ages.(12)

Here are some of the nutrients that aloe vera gel contains:

  1. Polysaccharides: Aloe vera gel contains a variety of polysaccharides, including acemannan, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
  2. Enzymes: Enzymes are specialised proteins that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. Aloe vera gel contains a variety of enzymes that can aid in digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
  3. Amino acids: Aloe vera gel contains 20 of the 22 amino acids that the body needs to function properly, including 8 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce. These amino acids must be obtained through the diet.
  4. Vitamins: Aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are important antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
  5. Minerals: Aloe vera gel contains a variety of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, iron, potassium, and copper. These minerals play important roles in maintaining healthy body functions. However, aloe vera is not a rich source of these minerals as the amounts present in aloe vera gel are relatively low compared to other food sources.

Overall, aloe vera gel is a rich source of nutrients that can support health and wellness.

sustainable aloe vera
Our aloe vera growing in southern Spain

Which polysaccharides does aloe vera gel contain?

Aloe vera gel contains several polysaccharides, including:

  • Acemannan: This is a long-chain polysaccharide and the most active component in aloe vera gel. It may have immuno-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.(1)
  • Mannose: This is a simple sugar which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Glucomannan: This is a type of soluble fibre that may have prebiotic effects. This means that it can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Cellulose: This is a type of insoluble fibre. It helps to promote regular bowel movements and can aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
  • Xylose: This is a simple sugar which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These polysaccharides may be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with aloe vera gel, such as its ability to soothe the digestive tract, support immune function, and promote healthy skin.

To conclude, the acemannan polysaccharide is responsible for much of aloe vera’s healing power. It is this component that differentiates aloe vera from the rest of the species in the aloe plant family. Studies have shown that acemannan can help stimulate the immune system.(2)(13) Scientists are also studying it as an aid for regulating blood sugar levels.(14) However, we require more research to confirm these aloe vera benefits.

aloe vera drink

Top 4 aloe vera health benefits

There are different healing properties associated with the gel of the aloe vera plant. Here are the top 4 aloe vera health benefits:

  1. Digestive health: Aloe vera juice can help support digestion and relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As we’ve seen before, it contains enzymes that help break down food, as well as compounds that soothe and heal the digestive tract.(16)(17)
  2. Immune system: Aloe vera contains many nutrients that help support the immune function. For example, the acemannan polysaccharide may help stimulate the production of white blood cells, which play a key role in the immune response.(18)(19)
  3. Skin and hair health: Aloe vera juice may help improve skin health by hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. Moreover, the gel may be able to support collagen activity. Additionally, it may help protect the skin from free radical damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There’s good news for your hair and scalp, too. A study found that aloe vera can help reduce scalp inflammation caused by issues like dandruff.(4) Since your scalp incubates your new hair follicles, keeping it healthy is key to growing healthy, strong hair.(5)(15)
  4. Blood sugar control: According to some research, aloe vera juice may help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar spikes after meals. However, these studies are not conclusive. Please consult your healthcare practitioner first before consuming aloe vera. 

While aloe vera juice may offer these health benefits, it is important to note that we need more research to fully understand the effects of aloe vera on human health. Additionally, you should not use the aloe vera juice as a replacement for medical treatment for any health condition.(20)(21)

natural skincare

Alkalising aloe vera

Pure aloe vera juice alkalises the human body. In other words, it helps to balance overly acidic diets.

Our body is designed to keep a proper balance between acid and alkali. It is measured on a pH scale from 0 to 14, with 0 being highly acidic and 14 being highly alkaline. The ideal pH level falls between 7.35 and 7.45. In this range, the fluids and tissues in our body can do their work and we can function properly.(6)(7)

Different parts of our body have different pH levels. For example, with a pH of 3.5, our stomach is acidic and must remain that way in order to break the food down. On the other hand, our blood is almost neutral. This makes sense because we rely on the blood to transport substances around our body without reacting with them.(8)

There are negative health consequences on either end of the spectrum. On the one hand, if our blood or fluids become too alkaline we can experience alkalosis. Symptoms of this include confusion, lightheadedness, twitching, tingling, and distress.

On the other hand, if our body is too acidic, we can experience acidosis (metabolic, respiratory, lactic or kidneys). This is marked by confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath and lethargy.(8)

The Western pattern diet tends to be meat heavy and lack fruits and vegetables. As a result, this type of diet is linked to metabolic acidosis. This increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney stones.(9)

aloe vera cocktail ingredients

How to enjoy aloe vera health benefits?

The best way to enjoy the aloe vera health benefits, is in the form of pure inner leaf juice, which is high in acemannan polysaccharides.

Erbology sources its aloe vera from the south of Spain. This region is one of the best and oldest sources in the world. Most importantly, we use mature plants, which are higher in nutrients, and extract the juice from the inner leaf. On average, the Erbology Inner Leaf Aloe Vera Juice contains over 1600mg of acemannan polysaccharides per one litre of juice.

You may also come across a variety of drinks containing aloe vera. Note that often these drinks are diluted, sweetened, and contain a very small amount of this powerful ingredient. To enjoy its health benefits, we recommend sourcing organic and undiluted aloe vera juice extracted from mature plants.

Pure aloe vera juice has a slightly bitter and tangy taste, with a mild, refreshing sweetness. Some people describe it as tasting like a blend of citrus and cucumber. You can consume a few tablespoons per day neat. Alternatively, you can add your aloe juice to smoothies or water.

Finally, many of us turn to aloe vera creams or gels when we have a sunburn. Studies have supported the use of aloe vera in accelerating the healing of burns. You can also apply pure aloe vera juice topically to soothe and hydrate irritated and sensitive skin.

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  • References

    1. “Aloe Vera”, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016.
    2. Dabfm, et al. “Aloe Vera: Explaining What Acemannan Can Do”, Dr. Group’s Healthy Living Articles, Global Healing Center, 2016.
    3. Surjushe, Amar, et al. “Aloe Vera: A Short Review”, Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications, 2008.
    4. Da Vardy, Ad Cohen, T Tchetov, E Medvedovsky & A Biton (1999) A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, Journal of Dermatological Treatment
    5. Trüeb, Ralph M et al. “Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress.” International journal of trichology vol. 10,6 (2018): 262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
    6. Schwalfenberg, Gerry K. “The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline PH Diet Benefits Health?”, Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Hindawi Publishing, 2012.
    7. Waugh A, Grant A. Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, 10th edition. Philadelphia, USA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007. Print.
    8. Dragani R. “What is the pH of blood?”, Sciencing.com.
    9. Adeva, M M, and G Souto. “Diet-Induced Metabolic Acidosis”, Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011.
    10. Leech, Joe. “Aloe Vera: Eight Health Benefits.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2017.
    11. Nejatzadeh-Barandozi, Fatemeh. “Antibacterial Activities and Antioxidant Capacity of Aloe Vera.” Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Springer, 2013.
    12. Hu, Y, et al. “Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) Extracts.”, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2003.
    13. Peng SY, Norman J, Curtin G, Corrier D, McDaniel HR, Busbee D. Decreased mortality of Norman murine sarcoma in mice treated with the immunomodulator, acemannon. Mol Biother. 1991;3:79–87.
    14. Yongchaiyudha, S, et al. “Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe Vera L. Juice. I. Clinical Trial in New Cases of Diabetes Mellitus.”, Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1996.
    15. Maenthaisong, R, et al. “The Efficacy of Aloe Vera Used for Burn Wound Healing: a Systematic Review”, Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2007.
    16. Al-Harbi, M. M., Islam, M. W., Al-Shabanah, O. A., & Al-Gharably, N. M. (2011). Effect of aloe vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, cytokine levels and gastric ulcer healing in rats. Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology, 17(4), 299–306. doi: 10.4103/1319-3767.82560
    17. Langmead, L., Feakins, R. M., Goldthorpe, S., Holt, H., Tsironi, E., & De Silva, A. (2004). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 19(7), 739–747. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01874.x.
    18. Shida, T., Ueda, S., Yamaguchi, S., & Kato, S. (2006). Aloe vera extract enhances proliferation and interleukin-2 production of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. International Journal of Immunopharmacology, 6(8), 1314-1319. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.03.012.
    19. Zhang, Y., Liu, W., Liu, D., Zhao, T., Tian, H., & Ran, L. (2021). A systematic review of the pharmacological effects of Aloe vera on the immune system. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143, 112163. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112163.
    20. Yongchaiyudha, S., Rungpitarangsi, V., Bunyapraphatsara, N., & Chokechaijaroenporn, O. (1996). Antidiabetic activity of aloe vera L. juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine, 3(3), 241–243. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(96)80058-5.
    21. Bunyapraphatsara, N., Yongchaiyudha, S., Rungpitarangsi, V., & Chokechaijaroenporn, O. (1996). Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Phytomedicine, 3(3), 245–248. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113.

    Further reading:

    Svetlana Pasarić, A Brief History of Aloe Vera

    “Anthraquinones”, The Naturopathic Herbalist, 13 Apr. 2016.

    Overall, Best Diets, “Acid Alkaline Diet”, U.S. News & World Report.

    Reddy, S T, et al. “Effect of Low-Carbohydrate High-Protein Diets on Acid-Base Balance, Stone-Forming Propensity, and Calcium Metabolism”, American Journal of Kidney Diseases: the Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2002.

    Dabfm, et al. “Understanding the Alkaline Diet and Its Benefits”, Dr. Group’s Healthy Living Articles, Global Healing Center, Inc, 20 Oct. 2016.

    The Aloe Vera Story, 2017.

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