Aloe vera is known has many healing properties beyond preventing an infection from a scrap or cut.
Additional benefits of aloe vera include anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, immune boosting and more.
Previously we described the three different layers of Aloe here.
Here is some information about what is in the aloe gel
– Rind and gel constitute the major portion of whole leaf weight (20–30% and 70–80%, respectively).
– On a dry matter basis the gel consists of 55% polysaccharides, 17% sugars, 7% proteins, 4% lipids, 16% minerals, 1% phenolic compounds and a variety of vitamins including vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B12, niacin, choline and folic acid.
– Carbohydrates consist of mono and polysaccharides including glucomannans, xylose, rhamnose, galactose and arabinose.
– Enzymes present in Aloe vera gel include catalase, amylase, oxidase, cellulase, lipase and carboxypeptidase.
– Potassium and chloride are present in excessive amounts whereas sodium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium and iron are present in small amounts.
– A series of glycosides (anthraquinones) are present in Aloe gel with aloin A and aloin B being the most prominent.
– Anthraquinones and their derivatives are potent antimicrobials and analgesic agents.
– Around 20 amino acids are present in Aloe vera gel among which seven are essential amino acids.
Reference
Maan et al. The therapeutic properties and applications of Aloe vera: A review. Journal of Herbal Medicine 2018
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Infection, Inflammation, Medical Foods