Aloe vera is a key ingredient in many health and beauty products. in last few years aloe vera became immensely popular in health and beauty industry. there is thousands of aleo vera products are available in market. many market analysts projects that aleo vera is going to be huge portion in future in field of cosmetology.
have you ever wonder why aloe vera is so popular?
here are some facts the will make you understand why aloe vera became so popular in modern times.
Historical facts of aloe vera
- Aloe vera plant is used in case of medical treatments, beauty therapies, health care products and skin care since centuries in countries like Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China.
- 2000 years ago greek scientists labeled aloe vera as plant that can cure any disease.
- Egyptians named aloe vera as plant of immortality
- The ruler queen Nefertiti (c. 1370 – c. 1330 BC) of ancient egypt’s welthiest times used aloe vera as regualr part of her beauty regimen.
- Another famous and beautiful ruler qeen of egypt Cleopatra (70/69 BC – 10 August 30 BC) made sure to sure to keep aloe vera in her beauty care routine.
- Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds.
- aloe vera used as laxative since last 200 years in united states
- in year 1930 aloe vera found to be effective treating skin related side effects after radiaiton therapy for cancer.
Botanial facts of aloe vera
- The bulky leaves of aloe vera plant contain a clear gel that contains 99% water and rest 1% consists of helpful chemicals such as vitamins, essential fats, proteins and other biologically active chemicals
- Above the thick layer of gel there is thin layer of sticky yellow-brownish liquid that is bitter in taste, called latex. Latex is a laxative that is used in the treatment of constipation.
- outer most green-colored touch layer made up of proteins and carbohydrates provides protection to the leaf.
Important chemicals in aloe vera
Aloe vera contains more than 70 biologically acive and helpful chemicals.
Vitamins
Aloe vera is contains multiple vitamins such as:
- Vitamin A, C, and E (antioxidants): these vitamins help in cleaning harmful chemicals called free radicals
- Vitamin B12 – Essential for brain and nerves to function properly
- Folic acid is essential for brain function and DNA synthesis.
- Choline – helps in making of protective layer of various body cells.
Enzymes
Aloe vera contains 8 different types of enzymes.
Among the 8 enzymes, one is bradykinase which helps reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain) in the body.
Minerals
Aloe vera contains calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc.
These minerals are important in various essential body functions.
Sugars
It provides a complex sugar named mucopolysaccharides, which can help in reducing allergic reactions and inflammation.
Anthraquinones
it contains 12 phenolic compounds that have a laxative effect.
it provides Aloin and Emodin which act as antibacterial, antiviral and pain killer.
Fatty acids
It contains 4 steroids cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol.
these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and painkiller actions.
Hormones
It contains 2 hormones named Auxins and gibberellins which helps in wound healing and reducing inflammation.
Others
aloe vera has more than 20 amino acids. amino acids are building blocks of protein.
salicylic acid present in aloe vera acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.
Lignin increases the absorption of other substances through the skin.
Natural aloe vera gel contains 3% saponins, which act as cleansing and antiseptic agents.