Phytochemicals Found in Aloe Vera Plants

Aloe vera is rich in phytochemicals, which occur naturally in plants and have beneficial effects on health. The gel in the aloe leaves is used topically to help heal wounds and minor skin irritations such as frostbites, burns and sunburns, as well as skin conditions such as psoriasis and cold sores. People also extract aloe vera juice to take orally for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including diabetes, gastroduodenal ulcers, colitis, arthritis and immune-system deficiencies.

Salicylic Acid

• Salicylic acid is an aspirin-like chemical with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties. Its beneficial effects on the skin contribute to the popularity of aloe vera in the cosmetic industry as a key ingredient in many skin-care products aimed at the treatment of corns, calluses, warts, acne and other conditions.

Lupeol and Phenol

• The phytochemicals lupeol and phenol are considered effective painkillers thanks to their analgesic properties. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-arthritic attributes.

Mannose

• Mannose is a natural sugar that is considered a safe alternative treatment for bladder and urinary tract infections. Mannose is absorbed much more slowly into the body than any other sugar. It moves all the way to the kidneys, where it is filtered and sent to the bladder. There it attracts bacteria that otherwise would coat the lining of the bladder.

Aloin

• Aloin, also known as barbaloin, is the bitter, yellow sap of the aloe plant and has strong purgative attributes. Because of this, all the processed aloe products available on the market that contain aloin are usually designed as laxatives. Aloin is removed from other aloe products.

Acemannan and Cinnamic Acids

• Acemannan and cinnamic acids, present in aloe juice, possess antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. Acemannan, a polysaccharide, can also improve the metabolism of cells by regulating their function and nutriments, restoring and boosting the immune system.