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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Annals of Dermatology"; Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in Vivo; Soyun Cho, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; February 2009
- "Annals of Dermatology"; Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in Vivo; Soyun Cho, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; February 2009
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology"; Aloe Vera: A Short Review; Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani and D. G. Saple; March 2008
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology"; Aloe Vera: A Short Review; Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani and D. G. Saple; March 2008
- "Journal of Korean Medical Science"; Aloe-Induced Toxic Hepatitis; Ha Na Yang, et al.; March 2010
- "Journal of Korean Medical Science"; Aloe-Induced Toxic Hepatitis; Ha Na Yang, et al.; March 2010
- "Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology"; Risks and Benefits of Commonly Used Herbal Medicines in Mexico; Lourdes Rodriguez-Fragoso, et al.; February 2008
- "Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology"; Risks and Benefits of Commonly Used Herbal Medicines in Mexico; Lourdes Rodriguez-Fragoso, et al.; February 2008
- "Nutrition Journal"; Immunomodulatory Dietary Polysaccharides: A Systematic Review of the Literature; Jane E. Ramberg, Erika D. Nelson and Robert A Sinnott; November 2010
- "Nutrition Journal"; Immunomodulatory Dietary Polysaccharides: A Systematic Review of the Literature; Jane E. Ramberg, Erika D. Nelson and Robert A Sinnott; November 2010
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Aloe Vera Juice Ingested as an Anti Aging Skin Care
Scientific evidence suggests that aloe vera juice can heal skin and reverse skin aging. Aloe vera juice contains aloe gel and preservatives, such as citric acid. You need to dilute an aloe concentrate according to the manufacturer's directions. When buying aloe juice, make sure it only contains the gel of the inner leaf. But before going ahead and drinking aloe juice, you should be aware of potential risks and possible side effects.
Aloe
Aloe vera is a green, cactus-like plant which grows naturally in dry locations such as Africa and Mexico. There are many species of this plant, but the aloe juice you drink comes from Aloe barbadensis. Two substances come from the aloe leaf, a clear gel and a yellow fluid, known as latex. The latex, commonly used as a laxative, contains chemicals called anthraquinones. You can use aloe gel on your skin to help burns and other skin problems, such as psoriasis. Aloe gel is taken internally for inflammatory conditions such as joint pain. Aloe gel contains acetylated mannose, a polysaccharide that may help your immune system.
- Aloe vera is a green, cactus-like plant which grows naturally in dry locations such as Africa and Mexico.
- Two substances come from the aloe leaf, a clear gel and a yellow fluid, known as latex.
Skin Aging
Aloe Vera & Kidney Disease
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Your skin ages from ultraviolet light damage and other biological causes. As you get older, your skin loses collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic. Aging causes an increase in matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs, that break down the collagen matrix in your skin. Exposure to sunlight triggers MMPs and causes genetic mutations.
- Your skin ages from ultraviolet light damage and other biological causes.
- Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic.
Korean Study
Medical researchers from Seoul National University in South Korea conducted an experiment to determine whether aloe vera could reduce wrinkles. Published results of the study are in the February 2009 edition of "Annals of Dermatology." Women, over age 45, were given aloe gel to take internally for 90 days. The highest dose given was 3,600 mg per day. The researchers found that a dose as low as 1,200 mg per day was enough to cause significant changes in wrinkles on the face. Wrinkle depth decreased and skin elasticity improved due to increased collagen production. The women did not experience any side effects from taking the aloe.
- Medical researchers from Seoul National University in South Korea conducted an experiment to determine whether aloe vera could reduce wrinkles.
Side Effects
Side Effects of Topical Aloe Vera
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There may be risks associated with taking aloe gel or latex internally and the long term effects of ingesting aloe gel are unknown. A study in the March 2010 edition of the "Journal of Korean Medical Science" reports that aloe may be toxic to the liver 3. You might notice itching from taking aloe gel internally or using it on the skin. Taking aloe products containing the latex can cause diarrhea. The National Institutes of Health states that taking aloe latex could be fatal. Note that supplements made from the entire aloe leaf also contain the latex. Don't take aloe in any form if you are pregnant.
- There may be risks associated with taking aloe gel or latex internally and the long term effects of ingesting aloe gel are unknown.
- Taking aloe products containing the latex can cause diarrhea.
Related Articles
References
- "Annals of Dermatology"; Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in Vivo; Soyun Cho, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; February 2009
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology"; Aloe Vera: A Short Review; Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani and D. G. Saple; March 2008
- "Journal of Korean Medical Science"; Aloe-Induced Toxic Hepatitis; Ha Na Yang, et al.; March 2010
- "Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology"; Risks and Benefits of Commonly Used Herbal Medicines in Mexico; Lourdes Rodriguez-Fragoso, et al.; February 2008
- "Nutrition Journal"; Immunomodulatory Dietary Polysaccharides: A Systematic Review of the Literature; Jane E. Ramberg, Erika D. Nelson and Robert A Sinnott; November 2010
- Nejatzadeh-barandozi F. Antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera. Org Med Chem Lett. 2013;3(1):5. doi:10.1186/2191-2858-3-5
- Wan P, Chen H, Guo Y, Bai A-P. Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: From bench to bedside. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. 2014;20:14099-14104. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099
- Guo X, Mei N. Aloe Vera: A Review of Toxicity and Adverse Clinical Effects. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2016;34(2):77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826
- Guo X, Mei N. Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2016;34(2):77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826
- Langmead L, Feakins RM, Goldthorpe S, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004;19(7):739-47. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01902.x
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Aloe Vera. Herbs at a Glance. Dec 2006.
Writer Bio
Deirdre Denholm launched her professional writing career in 2010. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, a certified personal trainer and teaches aqua aerobics, yoga and cycle. Denholm also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English literature and psychology from York University, Toronto.