Generality
What is aloe gel?
Aloe gel is the name of a preparation obtained from the foliage of plants belonging to the genus Aloe (mainly Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera or Aloe vulgaris ), widespread in subtropical environments of various parts of the world.
Being sensitive to light and easily deteriorated at high temperatures, the aloe gel must be stored in opaque containers and in a cool place (4-20 ° C).
Composition
In aloe gel we find large quantities of:
- Mucilages
- Glycoproteins
- Lipids
- Enzymes
- saponins
- Vitamins
- Minerals.
processing
Aloe gel is obtained through the following steps:
- Selection of the leaves of adult aloe plants;
- Removal of the external part, where the thorns and the relative glands secrete the anthraquinones are concentrated (these substances are particularly known for their laxative action; the aloe juice is considered the anthraquinone drug with a more intense laxative / purgative effect);
- Pressing of the aloe pulp, from which the gel is obtained at the expense of fibrous residues;
- Stabilization of the gel with appropriate additives to protect the active ingredients from chemical oxidation;
- Gel purification;
- Packaging in airtight, dark or opaque containers, as aloe gel degrades easily if exposed to oxygen and direct light;
- Storage in a cool place (4-20 ° C), since aloe gel remains strongly compromised by high temperatures.
Indications
When to use aloe gel?
External use
Aloe gel is indicated, for external use, in cases of burns, abrasions, bruises and wounds; it has in fact proved effective in accelerating the healing of skin lesions of various kinds.
It is also capable of dilating the capillaries, increasing the local blood flow.
Its antimicrobial properties, together with the stimulating effect on skin regeneration, make it particularly suitable for burns which, as we know, are often prone to infections.
This gelatinous liquid is used, always for external use, also for the care of the hair and scalp.
The use of aloe gel in the treatment of psoriasis and herpes simplex has also been proposed.
Its emollient and anti-aging properties, common to drugs rich in mucilage, are used in cosmetics for the preparation of products for chapped hands, dry skin and sun creams.
Doses and Mode of Use
How to use aloe gel externally?
Aloe gel is mainly used locally as follows:
- Relief from sunburn and sunburn: after excessive exposure to sunlight, by applying aloe vera on the affected area, you can benefit from its anti-inflammatory and accelerating effects on healing
- Disinfectant and healing on abrasions, small cuts and bruises: it is possible to apply aloe gel directly on the skin lesions to take advantage of its regenerating effect
- To give relief to the irritated scalp: aloe gel can be applied to burn the skin in case of dandruff, intense sun exposure or chemical-physical stress, using small doses and gently massaging
- Replace hair gel: thanks to its consistency and its nourishing effect, aloe gel can replace hair gel by helping to nourish them instead of damaging them
- Against herpetic lesions, psoriasis, bacterial acne, cracking etc. it is possible to exploit the emmoliente, antimicrobial and cicatrising action by applying it frequently but in small doses.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefits has aloe gel shown during the studies?
The healing properties of aloe gel, already known since ancient times, first emerged during a scientific study conducted around 1935, where it proved particularly useful in the treatment of X-ray burns.
Several researches have also confirmed its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulant and anesthetic properties.
Side effects
The most frequent side effects that occur after the application of aloe gel are:
- Erythema
- Contact dermatitis
- Phototoxicity (after sun exposure).
Contraindications
When should aloe gel not be used?
The significant use of aloe gel can be discouraged in the event of:
- Pregnancy
- Feeding time
- Children under the age of 12
- Individual hypersensitivity (reduced tolerance or allergic reactions)
- Possible drug interaction.
Aloe gel and deep wounds
A scientific study has shown that aloe gel can inhibit the healing of deeper surgical wounds.
Precautions for Use
What do you need to know before taking aloe gel?
Aloe gel toxicity risk
Topical use of aloe gel is generally considered safe, with some exceptions.
Aloin anthraquinone : any toxicity may be related to high concentrations of antrachinone aloin. This molecule (which is usually eliminated with industrial purification), especially when taken orally, is potentially responsible for various side effects.
Aloe interacts with the intestinal mucosa and causes diarrhea, cramps and electrolyte imbalances. Moreover, even more important as far as topical use is concerned, uterine contractions seem to be increasing and a possible pregnancy is at risk.
Other negative effects of aloin (from RAO aloe gel) observed on rats are:
- Normocytic and normochromic anemia
- hypoproteinemia
- High AST levels.
Note : the studies carried out using aloe gel purified from aloin did not show the same side effects.
It is always advisable to consider that even the skin is a non-negligible way of absorption and that it is not always appropriate to blindly trust industrial processes.
Raw aloe gel and cancer
A study carried out by the "National Toxicology Program" on the application of RAW extract of aloe gel on rats has highlighted a possible carcinogenic effect; we remind you that the raw extract is absolutely not marketed at retail and represents an ingredient for industrial processing.
