Why Aloe vera is so special among all succulent plants?

Bioactive compounds of Aloe vera.

Aloe contains a large amount of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, lectins, fatty acids, anthraquinones, mono- and polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses, glucomannan), tannins, sterols (campesterol, β-sitosterol), enzymes, salicylic acid and minerals . Aloin is one of the major anthraquinone compounds present in Aloe vera extract and gel. It is also known as barbaloin. The leaves of Aloe vera contain trace elements like Arsenic (0.31 ppm), Lead (1.02 ppm), Chromium (4.6 ppm), Copper (9.48 ppm), Selenium (43.13 ppm), Nickel (2.98 ppm), Molybdenum (0.96 ppm) and Ferrous (49.1 ppm). Tin is a toxic metal, the traces of which have been found to be 11.8 ppm.

Aloe vera for detoxification.

Aloe vera juice is known to help to detoxify the body and cleanse the colon. The detoxification properties of the juice also work to detoxify the blood stream. It is also said that aloe vera juice could benefit a person with intestinal or stomach problems. 

Aloe vera for skin. 

Aloe vera is a great natural moisturizer and can help to soothe dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles. Plus, aloe vera is non-irritating and can be used on any type of skin. People have used aloe vera for centuries as a treatment for various types of skin disorders and injuries. Some of these conditions include: 

acne

sunburn pain and swelling

minor burns

cuts or skin wounds

fungal infections, such as ringworm and tinea versicolor

eczema (atopic dermatitis)

rosacea

sun or chemically damaged skin/wrinkles

bug bites

Mucopolysaccharides in Aloe vera help in binding moisture into the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. In such a way, it acts as anti aging and moisturizing gel.

Antimicrobial activity of Aloe vera.

Aloe vera has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The antimicrobial effects of Aloe vera have been attributed to the plant's natural anthraquinones which have demonstrated in vitro inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Bacillus subtilis.

Aloe vera for cancer.

Emodin from aloe inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human liver cancer cell lines, and enhanced the effects of radiation treatment. Small studies suggest benefits of aloe in preventing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in adults and in pediatric patients.

Aloe vera for hair.

Aloe vera promotes healthy hair growth as it contains proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes effectively break down dead skin cells on the scalp that may clog hair follicles. If hair follicles are blocked with excess sebum, dirt, or dead skin, they won't be able to grow properly. Aloe vera encourages thicker, stronger, and healthier hair. It works great to boost growth stimulation of hair by improving scalp health and promoting more healthy hair follicles. Mix it with other thickening agents to create an effective DIY hair mask.

Aloe vera for weight loss.

Consuming Aloe vera juice before a meal aids weight loss. Taking a spoonful of aloe vera before a meal helps the digestive system and promotes weight loss. It helps boost metabolism, which in turn enables the body to burn fat. But you have to wash it properly before consuming 

 

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About Author

Iam a microbiologist. Worked as copy editor in scientific journals, biology teacher in many institutions and research assistant in COVID-19 rtPCR lab. More interested in science.