Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Aloe Vera

Introduction

A brief overview of Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant originating from the Arabian Peninsula. It is part of the Aloe family, which contains over 500 Aloe species. Of these, Aloe vera is one of approximately 120 Aloe species which are used medicinally.¹

As such it is widely cultivated across the globe, and has been for thousands of years.² Aloe vera is renowned for its thick, fleshy leaves that contain a gel-like substance. This gel provides the plant with a water reservoir for ensuring its survival in drought conditions, and is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, making it a popular ingredient in various health and beauty products.^1,3

Aloe vera is revered for its soothing, moisturising, and healing properties, making it a staple in skincare, haircare, and wellness routines across cultures and generations.³

Importance of anti-inflammatory compounds

Inflammation is classically defined as rubor (redness), calor (heat), tumour (swelling), pain and loss of function.^4,5 This is the definition that most people will intuitively recognise, however, this definition is a simplification of a set of complex interactions that the body undergoes as part of an inflammatory response towards damage or infection.⁵

Due to the complexity and scope of inflammation and its surrounding processes, it is difficult to succinctly and accurately define it. An appropriate (but somewhat vague) definition of inflammation states: “Inflammation is a protective response by the body, causing the activation of immune and non-immune cells, to respond to infection, toxic compounds, damaged cells, or irradiation, to restore the body to its normal function.⁵

Inflammation is experienced in varying degrees of severity, according to both the response by the body and the stimulus that starts the inflammation. Inflammation is often accompanied by swelling, pain, heat and redness, which can often be uncomfortable.

In such circumstances where recommended by a medical professional, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to alleviate some of these symptoms to make the patient more comfortable. These drugs interfere with the complex interactions which cause inflammation, effectively allowing you to tamp down certain parts of the inflammatory response to make a person experiencing inflammation more comfortable.

Under most circumstances, people experience inflammation in acute (short-term) bouts, where the inflammatory processes are used to assist in the removal and repair of a negative stimulus (e.g. ejection of a splinter). However, when the inflammatory stimulus cannot be easily removed, or there is some issue in the inflammatory response (e.g. an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis), it can lead to chronic (long-term) inflammation, which takes much longer or may never resolve.

This can lead to scarring and damage in the affected areas.⁶ In these circumstances in particular, the ability to provide some relief from the inflammatory response not only relieves the suffering of an individual but may provide the body a chance to heal some of the damage that has been caused by the continual state of inflammation. 

As such, it means that understanding the complexities of the inflammatory response and where anti-inflammatory compounds fit in, is relevant to many scenarios, and can be used to help improve the quality of life of those living with inflammation in both acute and chronic contexts.

Composition of Aloe Vera

Key anti-inflammatory compounds in Aloe vera

Aloe vera has long been utilised in a medicinal context for a range of purposes. Pharmacological studies (studies investigating how compounds react in the body) have shown Aloe vera to have a range of activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, skin and digestive protective activity and anti-cancer properties.⁷ These studies have revealed a few major active compounds in Aloe vera such as aloesin, aloin, and emodin which act to help promote wound healing through anti-inflammatory processes.⁷

How do these compounds work?

The active components aloesin, aloin, and emodin are some of the most well-documented compounds in Aloe vera and are a good example of how the compounds in Aloe vera work synergistically (working together, enhancing each other’s effects) to help with repair processes, modulate the immune response and prevent severe levels of inflammation. Each of the compounds demonstrates a range of potent anti-inflammatory properties which can be observed to directly interact with the complex processes that guide the inflammatory response.⁷

Aloesin acts to help your body repair itself during inflammation through blood vessel formation and cell migration, acting as a sort of traffic director, helping the cells get to where they need to be while also paving a road that brings everything the cells require to successfully repair the site of inflammation.⁸

Aloin helps keep the immune system calm, by reducing how intensely the immune cells invade the affected areas, helping stop the body’s immune system from becoming overactive and thereby reducing inflammation.⁹ It also acts to help reduce the amount of damage that is done to your tissues from free radicals, which can be produced during an immune response, by boosting antioxidant activity.¹⁰

Finally, Emodin works like a combination of both Aloesin and Aloin, working both to create new blood vessels (bringing oxygen and nutrients to the site of inflammation) and help stop the inflammation response from being too severe.¹¹ It limits inflammation responses by acting as a brake on the inflammatory process. It works by blocking signals that can trigger inflammation, like nitric oxide and signalling proteins called cytokines.¹² This helps to make sure inflammation responses are no bigger than necessary, preventing severe levels of inflammation at the site of the insult.

Application of Aloe Vera for treating inflammation

Topical use

Skin conditions

Aloe vera benefits have long been known to soothe a variety of skin conditions, with the gel that can be extracted from the leaves containing a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds that help to improve wound healing as well as soothe redness, itching and swelling.⁷ Common applications involve direct application of the gel to the affected areas for conditions such as sunburn or eczema.¹³ Similar applications involve using Aloe vera gel in combination with cream or similar to assist with the desired healing/soothing effect, such as for the treatment of acne or psoriasis.^14,15

Wound healing

A paper recently investigated the available clinical data concerning the application of Aloe vera for the prevention and healing of skin-based wounds.¹³ While the volume of clinical data remains relatively limited, they concluded that Aloe vera stands out as a highly effective and cost-efficient option when compared to existing treatments.

Considering the growing interest in traditional medicines, widespread accessibility to Aloe vera and the minimal risk of adverse effects associated with it, incorporating this medicinal plant as a complementary treatment alongside other methods is a sensible next step to take to help enhance wound healing outcomes. Common topical application methods for wound healing involve applying similar methods to the above, but with the addition of a dressing in some cases, ensuring the affected area is kept clean and protected (e.g. burns or postoperative wounds).¹³

Internal use

Beyond the external applications of Aloe vera, it can also be ingested, most commonly as a juice or syrup extracted from the leaves.¹⁶ While there is limited evidence supporting the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as IBS, acid reflux or ulcerative colitis, it remains a popular choice for those affected by these diseases seeking more traditional treatments as well as simply promoting normal digestive health.^17,18,19

Safety and Considerations

While Aloe vera is generally safe for human consumption, there is some evidence to show that some compounds contained within the plant, could have harmful effects if consumed in large quantities.²⁰ Regarding external application, it is considered safe to use, with allergies being uncommon and little cross-reactivity with other medications.²⁰

However, as with anything new being consumed, it is important to monitor yourself for side effects and not consume anything in excess. Before combining Aloe vera with other medications it is best to consult a medical professional. If you experience an allergic reaction, cease consumption and contact medical advice immediately.

Summary

Aloe vera is a versatile remedy, offering accessibility, affordability, and proven effectiveness in a variety of applications. Aloe vera benefits are highlighted by several anti-inflammatory compounds which have clinically proven benefits, signifying its therapeutic value. It is user-friendly, with minimal allergy risks, making it a safe option for self-administration, although consultation with a medical professional before use is advisable.

Immediate cessation is recommended if significant side effects are observed (such as symptoms observed during an allergic reaction). While the current literature offers promising insights, there remains a notable gap in clinical peer-reviewed research in some applications (e.g. IBS). Continued exploration of the components and applications of Aloe vera holds promise for expanding the supportive evidence base as well as potentially leading to the development of new therapeutic medicines, further emphasising the importance of ongoing research.