Aloegenic Cosmetics

About

Preparations made from Aloe vera are often referred to as "aloe vera".[39] Scientific evidence for the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness of aloe vera is limited and when present is frequently contradictory.[2][3] Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries regularly make claims regarding the soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties of aloe vera [4][40] commercially advertised mainly for skin conditions such as sunburns, cold sores and frostbite. Aloe vera gel is also used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts;[41][42][43] although at certain doses, its toxic properties could be severe whether ingested or topically applied.[44] The same is true for the use of aloe latex - which can also be either topically applied or ingested. Nonetheless, its power in aiding with the regulation of bowels, epilepsy, depression, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and a host of other ailments remains beneficial to humans.[45] Other uses for extracts of Aloe vera include the dilution of semen for the artificial fertilization of sheep,[46] as a fresh food preservative,[47] or for water conservation in small farms.[48] It has also been suggested that biofuels could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds.[49] Aloe is also used as a food substance, possibly for its gelling properties.

What's Life.

Without Beauty

Two 2009 reviews of clinical studies determined that all were too small and faulty to allow strong conclusions to be drawn from them, but concluded, "there is some preliminary evidence to suggest that oral administration of aloe vera might be effective in reducing blood glucose in diabetic patients and in lowering blood lipid levels in hyperlipidaemia. The topical application of aloe vera does not seem to prevent radiation-induced skin damage. It might be useful as a treatment for genital herpes and psoriasis. The evidence regarding wound healing is contradictory. More and better trial data are needed to define the clinical effectiveness of this popular herbal remedy more precisely." [5][58] One of the reviews found that Aloe has not been proven to offer protection for humans from sunburn, suntan, or other damage from the sun.[58]

A 2007 review of aloe vera's use in burns concluded, "cumulative evidence tends to support that aloe vera might be an effective interventions used in burn wound healing for ﬁrst- to second-degree burns. Further, well-designed trials with sufﬁcient details of the contents of aloe vera products should be carried out to determine the effectiveness of aloe vera.[59] Topical application of aloe vera may also be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis.[5]