Aloe vera can usually be found in gardens and kitchens even to various products including the facial creams and shampoos which are reinforced by Aloe gel. The plant is actually originated from Africa near to Sudan and it was then introduced to North Africa, Mediterranean and Asia, other countries. The first record of aloe vera was used in Mesopotamia back in 1500 BC, and they are favored by Egyptians and Greeks for many kinds of treatments including bacteria and parasites infection, cut wound, and burns. In recent time, the finest quality of aloe vera is actually grown and can be obtained from Southern California desert.
Aloe vera has its wide applications especially in food, beverage, cosmetics and nutraceutical industry. Aloe belonging to the family of Alliaceae and is a succulent herb leaf that have juicy content possesses wonderful functions to our biological body. They are usually processed in the form of gel or juice to become the essential ingredients in food and cosmetics products. It can bring us many therapeutic and medicinal uses because of its property. Aloe contains vitamins, minerals and some bioactive compounds which are the scientist preferred plant to get to further investigate.
Antioxidant Property
The outermost layer of the aloe stems are the most mature form and consist of the highest concentration of antioxidant compounds. Aloe vera is a very good example of plant which fights against the oxidative stress. The oxidative stress refers to the compound which have a changed in its oxidative state and have potential to damage the cells in many biochemical way. These compounds are called as free radicals and antioxidants can eliminate or reduce them in amount to boost the immune system.
Minerals and Vitamins
Aloe vera is like a house full of vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese, folic acid, and vitamins A, B complex (B1, B2 and B6), C and E. These can help us to cleanse body toxins and helps in development of immunity.
Besides it is able to help us deal with daily stress which includes reducing the chances of getting ulceration due to formation of stress. There are studies show that aloe vera can treat sinus problem because it is rich in magnesium lactate that play a role as an antihistamine which reduce the pain.
Aloe vera is good to treat normal and mild illness including those who suffer regularly from cold flu, stuffy nose, coughs, bronchitis and some respiratory problem as effect of aloe can act as moisturizer to the lung.
Promote cell growth and acts as wound healer
Traditionally, aloe vera has been used as the healing remedy for burn scar. It is the cheapest way of treatment back in time. Aloe vera reduces the inflammation on the wound and able to stimulate the rejuvenation and growth of new cells, promote cell repair and reduce the scar intensity. Additionally, it can be a pain inhibitor.
Hair treatment
Aloe vera is used by some old folks and by villagers in some rural area that they believed it can help to reduce the itching and dandruff. this may be from the mineral and vitamins that confers such advantages to acts like a natural shampoo.
Anti-diabetic
The five main phytosterols present in the aloe vera is helpful in anti diabetic effects in type II diabetes (diabetes mellitus). The aloe vera can stimulate the production of insulin which is able to bring down the high blood sugar level. Besides, the aloe vera shows hypoglycemic properties and do not contribute in raising the blood glucose level. It is also popularly used as an agent for weight loss and control.
Anti-inflammatory Anticancer and Anti-ulcer
The presence of peptidase bradykinase enzyme in the aloe exhibits very good anti-inflammatory activity. This was showed in many studies that it can break down the bradykinin, an inflammatory substance that induces pain. Additionally, the chromone is also one of the anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds found in the aloe that is able to reduce inflammation. The mode of action of chromone is to inhibit the cyclo-oxgenase (COX) pathway and reduce the function of arachidonic acid that produce prostaglandin E2 which is the real culprit that causes inflammation.
Aloe vera is very useful in curing the bowel disease, rheumatism and arthritis due to inflammation. Consuming aloe vera regularly can help to detoxify and cleanse body system to treat ulcers. Because of the laxative properties of aloe vera, it is also able to treat constipation and stabilize the alkaline level of our body. Besides, aloe vera contains high level of anti-carcinogenic compounds and it can prevent or reduce the chance of tumour development.
Skin Hydration, Skin Protection from UV radiation
The aloe vera is suitable to be used as moisturizer and it is very suitable for all types of skin including sensitive skin. It is the most common type of skin remedy used and recommeded from clinician. The aloe vera can gets rid of wrinkles and make skin firmer to give finer lines and remove death skin cells. It can give skin radiance and reduce blemishes besides it can reduce the stretch marks.
Oral Health
Studies and survey concluded that the consumption of aloe can improve the oral hygiene and health. Aloe also is potent agent to reduce gingivitis and minimize the formation of plague. It also can act as reliever for mouth ulcer, gum problems and cold sore.
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