Aloe vera, the Asphodelaceae family, the genus Aloe, which has more than 350 plant species. The plants of this genus have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine in many countries and its use can be documented as early as the earliest civilizations. Today, the species most known is the Aloe vera L. (Aloe barbadensis Miller), originally from Barbados and cultivated in warm climate countries. Also of interest is the Aloe ferox Miller, called Cape Aloe, grown in Africa.
From these two species produce two different products: aloe or aloes, which is extracted through incisions in the epidermis of fresh leaves and is rich in hidroxiantracénicos from laxative effects, and aloe gel, sticky substance that is obtained from the parenchyma or pulp of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis, whose main constituents are polysaccharides and is used in hygiene, cosmetics and in treating various skin problems.
The quality and effectiveness of aloe gel is conditioned by its content and composition in polysaccharides, which varies from plant life cycles and climate variations is subjected to. It is therefore essential to use products where quality is guaranteed from aloe cultivation and harvesting to final product.
Of the studies published in recent years suggests that aloe gel is very effective in healing wounds, burns of first and second degree sunburn, eczema, acute dermatitis, irritations and abrasions of the skin, promoting hydration, healing and regeneration of the same and reducing inflammation and pain, because of their actions moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiviral.
The aloe gel is also a common ingredient in many cosmetic and hygiene products due to its moisturizing and emollient properties and due to its antiaging effect. However, the gel should be free hidroxiantracénicos derivatives, as these can cause allergies, contact dermatitis and even photodermatitis (disorders of the skin caused by UV radiation from the sun).
If home use is made of the plant should be applied to the skin the central part of the pulp, avoiding which is under the bark, which may contain substances that cause allergies, dermatitis and photosensitization.
Tags: Aloe barbadensis, Aloe Vera, immunomodulatory, The Skin
