Leaves: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera)

Question 1

General Properties

Answer 1

• high water content 99–99.5%
• 0.5–1.0% solid over 75 different potentially active compounds i.e. water- and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, enzymes
• anti-inflammatory
• skin protection
• anti-bacterial
• anti-viral
• antiseptic
• wound healing

Question 2

Skin Barrier

Answer 2

• retain skin moisture
• structural integrity

Question 3

UV Protective Effect

Answer 3

• radiation damage

Question 4

Wound Healing

Answer 4

• improve the wound healing process
• reduce inflammation.
• inhibit thromboxane (an inhibitor of wound healing)

Question 5

Regenerative Properties

Answer 5

• glucomannan
• polysaccharide rich i.e. mannose
• affects fibroblast growth factor receptors
• stimulates activity and proliferation

Question 6

Effects on Collagen

Answer 6

• increases collagen production
• change collagen composition
• increase collagen cross-linking —>promote wound healing
• stimulates fibroblast, produces collagen + elastin fibers

Question 7

Effects on Skin Appearance

Answer 7

• increases elasticity
• reduces wrinkles
• cohesive effects on superficial flaking epidermal cells
• skin softening: amino acids
• zinc: astringent, tighten pores

Question 8

Cosmeceutical Applications

Answer 8

• gel masks, moisturisers
• aloe vera gel gloves
• anti-acne treatment

Question 9

Side Effects

Answer 9

• generally well tolerated
• redness, burning, stinging sensation
• rarely: generalized dermatitis in sensitised individuals
  *anthraquinones (aloin, barbaloin—found in the outer rind of the plant)