Q: What is Aloe vera? Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant (also known as Aloe barbadensis) widely distributed in hot, dry areas, particularly in Africa.
Q: Why the interest in Aloe vera? When Aloe vera leaves are cut, sap oozes from the inner tissues of the leaves. This clear fluid has long been touted as having a variety of medicinal properties—
Q: Does it work? Despite a long history of the use of Aloe vera to treat burns, the scientific evidence has often been conflicting. Numerous published research studies on Aloe vera have reported (1) anti-
Still, there is no consensus at this point, with several published research reports finding no increase in burn healing or skin regeneration, and no reductions in bacterial counts. One study even found that Aloe vera “hindered the healing process” when compared with an antibacterial cream.
Q: Why would a plant’s compound soothe human sunburn? Aloe vera contains a large number of compounds that are toxic to many herbivores, making it resistant to most insect pests. Researchers believe that these molecules, particularly some organic compounds called anthraquinones, salicylic acid (an aspirin-
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