Aloe Vera and its Wonderful Health Benefits

Periodontitis is an infectious inflammatory disease. Bacteria modulate the inflammatory response and alter the diversity of periodontal disease. In recent years, various host-response modulation therapies and local drug therapies have been developed to block the pathways responsible for periodontal tissue breakdown.[1]

Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. More than 300 species of aloe plants exist, but only 2 species have been studied, which are Aloe barbadensis Miller and Aloe aborescens.[2] Ideal environment to grow this plant is tropical climate and low-rainfall areas.[3]

The Aloe vera leaf consists of 2 different parts: central mucilaginous part and peripheral bundle sheath cells. The parenchymal tissue makes up the inner portion of the aloe leaves and produces a clear, thin tasteless jelly-like material called Aloe vera gel.[4] In recent years, various cosmetic and medical products are made from the mucilaginous tissue present in the center of the Aloe vera leaf in the form of Aloe vera gel.

History

Aloe vera has been used medicinally since the last few thousand years. History states that wars have been fought, as by Hannibal, in order to obtain control over its growing area in North Africa around 1750 BC. Its uses are mentioned in various books and Mesopotanian clay tabloids in various countries like Egypt, Greece,[5] South Africa, India, China, Mexico, Japan[4] for various ailments like burns, hair loss, skin infections, hemorrhoids,[6] sinusitis, gastrointestinal (GI) pain. It is also a wound healer for bruises, x-ray burns,[5] insect bites; and anti-helminthic, somatic, anti-arthritic.[7–18]

Aloe vera is a handy home remedy that can be used as a moisturizing agent.[19] Aloe vera has been used for various skin conditions, including radiodermatitis,[20] frostbite, psoriasis and genital herpes infection with good results.[7,21] Reported pharmacological actions of Aloe vera include anti-inflammatory,[5,22–27] antibacterial,[28–33] antioxidant,[34] antiviral[35–37] and antifungal actions,[38] as well as producing hypoglycemic effects.[21]

Dental uses of Aloe vera are multiple.[39,40] It is extremely helpful in the treatment of gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis.[3] It reduces bleeding, inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is a powerful antiseptic in pockets where normal cleaning is difficult, and its antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of denture stomatitis,[41] apthous ulcers, cracked and split corners of the mouth.[42] It is a powerful healing promoter and can be used following extractions.[43] It has been used in root canal treatment as a sedative dressing and file lubrication during biomechanical preparation.[39]

Various forms of Aloe vera used[33,39,44]

1. As a toothpaste, mouthwash
2. As gel for promoting healing in burns, stings, insect bites and many skin lesions; it protects and promotes healing[45]
3. As Aloe activator topical spray, which is used for throat infections, painful teeth eruptions and joint pains
4. Aloe vera juice, which is taken systemically as a drink for irritable bowel syndrome and as a strong detoxifying agent. It also acts as neurosedative and an immune enhancer
5. As powerful nutritional supplement and antioxidant