Aloe vera can be found in almost everything, from cream and lotion to food flavorings. Due to its therapeutic properties, it becomes one of the most popular topics in medical studies.
Aloe vera in a form of gel - used in creams or ointment - is regarded as safe to use, but aloe latex, a laxative, taken orally might contain compounds that can cause cancer or can damage the kidney. Thus, there's still insufficient research to back up claims about aloe vera, as the majority of studies were funded by cosmetic companies.
For now, here are some of the potential health benefits of aloe vera, according to Medical Daily.
Aloe vera could heal sunburns
According to Nada Elbuluk, M.D., a dermatologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, aloe vera gives soothing feeling to the skin, especially in healing sunburns. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends that moisturizers containing aloe vera could soothe sunburned skin, but void ingredients like lidocaine, petroleum, and benzocaine and it is not also an alternative for sunscreen.
Aloe vera could improve oral health
A study has found that aloe vera in the form of mouthwash could reduce periodontal indices. Then, a separate study published in the General Dentistry journal also found aloe vera tooth gel is effecting in eliminating pathogenic oral microflora in the mouth. This benefit likely attributed to the compound called anthraquinones.
Study co-author Dilip George explained aloe vera shouldn't be treated with excessive heat or filtered during the manufacturing process and should have stabilized gel to emphasize the importance of manufacturing standards. Still, it's not yet proven the gel could be a substitute for commercial toothpaste to completely eradicate bacteria in the mouth.
Aloe vera could make marks fade
Aloe vera could be useful in helping post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation fade, but the plant alone hasn't been established effective treatment to target acne itself. But you can still ask your dermatologist if there are other aloe products that can be used along with conventional acne treatment medication. A 2014 study noted this combination might be more effective in some cases.
Aloe vera could treat cold sores
Aloe vera is considered antiseptic with six agents which are known to help inhibit viruses, fungi, and bacteria, including sulfur, phenols, and salicylic acid, said David Lortscher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
Cold sores are caused by herpes complex virus, basically patches of blisters formed around the borders of the lips. Although they usually heal for weeks, aloe vera could accelerate the healing process and can reduce associated pain as well.
