Surrasa Plant Series #2: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Botanical name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Synonyms: Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis
You might have heard of Aloe vera before. What exactly is it? What is it used for? We are here to answer some of your questions and give you a quick insight into this century-used plant.
Aloe vera, whose botanical name is Aloe barbadensis miller, is a succulent plant from the Liliaceae family [1]. It's been described as a short-stemmed shrub [2]. Typically grown in hot, dry climates [3], it has been a widely-used plant for several centuries in Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan, and China. In fact, its earliest record dates back to the 16th century BC from the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical record.
Its main feature is its inner high water content clear gel that contains around 99-99.5% water content [4] and is also composed of glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins. This is what we typically use when we talk about aloe vera! The thin middle layer is a latex that contains anthraquinones and glycosides. The outer layer is a rind that acts as a protective barrier and is responsible for the transportation of substances such as water and starch. It has over 75 different potentially active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids.
Aloe has a number of different properties, perfect to use for all types of situations. It has healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, antitumor, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic properties [5]. It is commonly used to treat wounds, burns, and eczema, and is a popular ingredient within skincare.
To get into more specifics, its ability to help heal wounds quickly makes it ideal in treating wounds and burns. Its anti-inflammatory properties help combat skin conditions that cause inflammation such as eczema and psoriasis and relieve itching. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help moisturize skin, which is especially helpful to eczematous skin. It creates softer skin, and takes away the dry scaly skin associated with eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Aloe vera also has anti-aging effects (1). It stimulates fibroblast, which makes the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. The amino acid softens hardened skin cells and zinc to tighten pores. Adding to the list, aloe vera has an anti-acne effect, perfect for helping treat those with acne. Its benefits and treatments are endless!
Their wide range of use explains why aloe vera usage dates back to ancient times. No wonder it’s also a popular staple ingredient within skincare today!
Useful for many situations!
Surrasa’s products contain aloe vera extracts, combined in an innovative formulation, based on a time-tested traditional method. They are carefully and methodically blended with other active botanicals and herbs to bring out the beneficial properties of each herb.
Check out these Surrasa products that contain aloe vera below!
Want to know more about other ingredients? Check out our other ingredient spotlights.
Sources:
(1) Surjushe, Amar et al. “Aloe vera: a short review.” Indian journal of dermatology vol. 53,4 (2008): 163-6. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785
(2) Newman, Tim. “Aloe Vera: Benefits and Medical Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 13 Sept. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265800.
(3) “Aloe Vera.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera.
(4) Radha, Maharjan H, and Nampoothiri P Laxmipriya. “Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review.” Journal of traditional and complementary medicine vol. 5,1 21-6. 23 Dec. 2014, doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.10.006
(5) Shadi, T Zari, and A Zari Talal. “A Review of Four Common Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Eczema.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, vol. 9, no. 24, 2015, pp. 702–711., doi:10.5897/jmpr2015.5831.