Aloe vera – properties, effects and uses

Aloe (Aloe spp.) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and includes over 500 species of drought-resistant succulents capable of storing water. Thanks to its diverse properties, it has been of interest to scientists, folk phytotherapy specialists, and the food and cosmetics industries for centuries. Since ancient times, it has been used in herbal medicine, cosmetics and as a food ingredient by Mediterranean, Asian and African civilisations.

1. Appearance and occurrence of aloe vera
2. Properties of aloe
3. Uses of aloe vera
4. The effects of aloe vera

Appearance and occurrence of aloe vera

How to recognise it?

Aloe vera leaves are fleshy, thick, lanceolate, ranging from several to several dozen centimetres in length, arranged in a dense rosette, with sharp spines on the edges. The skin of the leaves is firm and durable, which minimises water loss and protects against intense sunlight. The colour of the leaves varies from light green to dark green to shades of grey, bluish or even reddish-brown, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Aloe flowers are elongated clusters or spikes, usually yellow, orange or red in colour, and the fruit is a dry, multi-seeded capsule.

Where can it be found?

Aloe vera occurs naturally mainly in the dry, desert and semi-desert areas of Africa, especially in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar, Sudan and Ethiopia. However, thanks to its high adaptability, it is now also widespread on other continents, primarily in tropical and subtropical zones, where it is often cultivated as an ornamental or herbal plant.

Properties of aloe

The sensory properties of aloe vera are relatively neutral, although they may vary depending on the part of the plant, how it is processed and the species. Fresh aloe vera pulp has a jelly-like consistency, with no distinct taste or a slightly bitter, slightly tart aftertaste. The aroma is subtle, almost imperceptible. When cut, the leaves secrete a sticky, transparent gel that oxidises in the air, darkening and losing its original sensory properties.

Composition

In terms of its physicochemical properties, aloe vera gel consists mainly of water (up to 99%), but the remainder contains a wide range of bioactive substances. Among these, polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates), as well as glucomannans and pectins, which give the gel its characteristic structure and viscosity, deserve special attention. In addition, aloe vera contains phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, anthraquinones such as aloin, aloe-emodin and barbaloin, as well as saponins, lignins, plant sterols, enzymes, vitamins (C, E, A and B group) and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Uses of aloe vera

Although aloe vera is not one of the most popular culinary ingredients in Western cultures, it has been an important part of the culinary tradition in many regions of the world for centuries, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Most often, the fresh, purified leaf pulp (aloe gel) is used for food purposes, which can be eaten raw or subjected to various culinary treatments.

In the kitchen

In Asian cuisines, especially in Japan, Korea and China, aloe vera is a textural addition to desserts, fruit salads and beverages due to its delicate flavour. In India and the Middle East, it is used in cooling drinks with citrus fruits, mint or spices, and in Latin America in refreshing sorbets and fruit jellies. Aloe pulp is also increasingly found in food products such as functional drinks, smoothies, fruit juices, bars and snacks.

In cosmetics

Aloe vera is also popular in the cosmetics industry, where it is used in numerous skincare products. It is valued primarily for its natural properties and mild action, which makes it a common ingredient in everyday cosmetics. Thanks to its neutral scent and beneficial consistency, aloe vera is used in both skin and hair care products.

General characteristics of aloe vera

The effects of aloe vera

Tissue regeneration

Studies indicate that aloe vera has certain health-promoting properties, especially in skin care. Meta-analyses confirm the effectiveness of aloe vera preparations in shortening the healing time of second-degree burns, post-operative wounds and chronic conditions such as bedsores, psoriasis and herpes. Aloe vera accelerates tissue regeneration after burns by an average of several days, thanks to its moisturising, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

When used prophylactically, it may also reduce the risk of moderate and severe skin changes caused by radiotherapy, although its effectiveness in severe cases is uncertain. In breastfeeding women, aloe vera gel can effectively relieve nipple irritation and pain.

Oral health

Previous studies also confirm the beneficial effects of aloe vera on oral health. The results of systematic reviews indicate that the use of aloe vera preparations can effectively reduce pain and burning in patients with submucosal fibrosis of the oral cavity, especially in the early stages of therapy. Aloe vera used as a mouthwash is used to reduce gingivitis and plaque, showing similar efficacy to chlorhexidine with significantly fewer side effects, such as discolouration or taste disturbances.

In the treatment of oral ulcers, aloe vera can shorten healing time and accelerate epithelial regeneration with similar efficacy to other treatments. In addition, aloe vera gel effectively supports the treatment of severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, outperforming placebo and matching standard therapies.

Effect on blood glucose

Furthermore, according to analyses of scientific research results, aloe vera may have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, although the results of the studies remain inconclusive. A moderate reduction in fasting glucose levels and a significant improvement in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values have been observed, but further, more precise clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Sources:

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• Wang T, Liao J, Zheng L, Zhou Y, Jin Q, Wu Y. Aloe vera for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis: A systematic review and cumulative analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Sep 29;13:976698. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.976698. PMID: 36249738; PMCID: PMC9557187.
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