The Aloe vera plant is a member of the lily family with stiff lance-shaped bright green to gray leaves. It is native to North Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Aloe vera was used to help prevent burning sensations in ancient civilizations ranging from Persia to China. It’s commonly sold as a houseplant in the United States, and many people keep plants in the kitchen, because of the reputed ability of the gel from its spiky leaves to help soothe skin.
There are over 300 known aloe species, but only a few are currently used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Aloe vera is the best-known of these. The chemical composition of the aloe plant depends upon its species, climate and growing conditions. Pure aloe vera extract has been shown to contain glucose, uric acid, salicylic acid, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, lactate, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium and chloride. An analysis of the gel portion of the plant showed it contained 25% sugars and 30% mucilage that would confer to Aloe Vera its soothing and anti-irritant properties.
Aloe Vera is reputed to be able to help soothe the skin.
Products containing aloe vera are contraindicated in the immediate post-surgical period for patients who have undergone dermabrasion or chemical peels due to a high incidence of contact dermatitis. (Baumann LS 2003)
Although rare cases of allergy to Aloe vera have been reported, one patch-test study in 702 patients revealed no contact allergy. (ref: Rietschel R, Fowler J: Fisher’s Contact Dermatitis 6th ed. 2008, p. 181, B C Decker Inc. Hamilton, Ontario). Allergic cross-reactions with benzoin and Myroxylon pereriae have been noted. (same ref)
