Aloe vera is a plant with multiple benefits and uses in both medicine and cosmetics. It contains more than 75 active substances and is recognized for its beneficial effect in supporting the immune system, relieving irritable bowel syndrome or soothing burns and irritations.
What aloe vera looks like and where it is grown
Aloe Vera is a plant native to North Africa and prefers a mild climate. It is grown in Australia, Bangladesh, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the United States. Even in Romania there are several aloe vera plantations, in controlled environments (greenhouses and solariums).
The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller and belongs to the family Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae). It is a perennial, xerophytic, succulent plant, has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges, yellow flowers and fruits with many seeds. In the leaves we find a transparent gel that contains vitamins, lipids, amino acids.
What does aloe vera contain?
The aloe vera leaf contains almost 80 active substances, and some are very difficult to synthesize in the laboratory. We are talking here about different amino acids, minerals, vitamins, phytosterols, bradykininase, plant hormones, mucopolysaccharides.
Another interesting thing is that the aloe vera plant, like the cucumber, is practically 97% of the water. This water, however, is not an ordinary substance, but the one chosen by the plant for its own growth and necessity.
For example, in the case of a gel based on Aloe vera leaves, it will be rich in anthraquinone and anthracene glucose, such as aloin and calcium oxylate crystals.
In addition, when the aloe plant is applied to a burn, wound, or skin irritation, a multitude of substances move in an orderly manner to help in the area with rashes.
The anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera sugars
Aloe vera has an important content of sugars, of which monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans / polymanosis) with notable beneficial effects. Among these sugars are alprogen (a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties) and a new anti-inflammatory compound – C-glucosyl chromium.
In fact, the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera have been known for a long time, which is why this ingredient is often found in pharmaceutical compounds designed to relieve pain based on an inflammatory process.
The benefits of aloe vera on the immune system
Aloe vera works as a true tonic for the immune system, playing an important role in activating the body’s immune system response as well as strengthening moisture in general. This effect is due to both the vitamins and minerals in the plant, as well as substances such as acemannan and alprogen.
Aloe vera and hair benefits
Aloe vera supports the health of the scalp, helping to prevent and remove dandruff. At the same time, according to the Healthline portal, aloe vera helps to moisturize the scalp, regulate the secretion of sebum from the scalp, as well as strengthen, regenerate and stimulate hair growth.
There are some studies that say that aloe vera and aloe vera products would have a beneficial effect in preventing alopecia.
Aloe vera skin cosmetics
Aloe vera cosmetics and serums help treat acne and seborrhea, prevent wrinkles, especially due to antioxidant compounds, and moisturize and soften the skin. Aloe vera also has a beneficial effect in treating dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
