Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, or Aloe Vera as it is more commonly known, is extracted from the leaves of the plant Aloe. It has been used medicinally for several thousands of years in many cultures. Scientists have discovered over 200 nutritional substances in Aloe Barbadensis leaves, including 20 minerals, 20 amino acids, 12 vitamins, and active enzymes.Scientists have shown that skin can absorb the key ingredients of Aloe up to 7 layers deep.
Thanks to this capacity, Aloe effectively stimulates proteolytic enzyme action in skin tissue, stimulating fibroblast cells that manufacture collagen. Moreover, because of the aforementioned enzymatic breakdown of dead skin cells from Aloe, it is an excellent cleansing and detoxifying agent that has the ability to remove dead skin cells and toxins while purifying the pores. Aloe also acts as a moisturizing agent; can be an effective humectant, increasing water retention in the skin. It moisturizes skin and also has antimicrobial properties against many common bacteria and fungi.Also can soothe skin and serve as an anti-inflammatory. Aloe protects the skin from UV damage. Aloe contains aloin, which can block up to 30 percent of the ultraviolet rays when applied to the skin’s surface.
Aloe Vera, which carries the status of superstar, contains an impressive number of vitamins,Choline and Folic Acid. These vitamins are great for protecting the skin from free radicals, dangerous compounds that cause signs of premature aging due to damaging effects on the DNA and other cell structures. Aloe also contains enzymes, which are the life-principle in every life. These organic molecules rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.
Primary Nutrients Found in Aloe
Amino Acids: Our bodies use 22 amino acids to make more than 50,000 proteins we need to be healthy. The body itself can produce 14 amino acids and the remaining 8 are considered essential because our bodies can’t manufacture them. All of the eight essential amino acids can be found in Aloe Vera and they are Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Leucine, Phenylalanine, Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, and Valine. Aloe Vera also contains 12 non-essential amino acids, including Glutamine, Glycine, Alanine, Cysteine, Arginine, Proline, Glutamic acid Asparagine, Serine, Histidine, Tyrosine, and Aspartic acid.
Anthraquinones: In relatively small concentrations they provide Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal & Antiviral activity. Provides 12 anthraquinones: Aloe-emodin, Aloetic Acid, Aloin, Anthracine, Antranol, Barbaloin, Chrysophanic Acid, Emodin, Ethereal Oil, Ester of Cinnamonic Acid, Isobarbaloin, Resistannol
Enzymes: Provides 8 enzymes: Aliiase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Amylase, Carboxypeptidase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Peroxidase. These organic molecules rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.
Hormones: Provides 2 hormones, Auxins & Gibberellins that have wound healing & anti-inflammatory properties.
Lignin: Cellulose-based substance, thought to provide penetrating power in Aloe Vera skin preparations and may act as a carrier for other components.
Minerals: 20 minerals essential for good health and is known to work in certain combination with each other, vitamins and other trace elements.
Salicylic Acid: Aspirin-like compound that has analgesic properties.
Saponins: Soapy substance for cleansing and antiseptic.
Sterols: Provides 4 main plant steroids that act as anti-inflammatory agents: Cholesterol, Campesterol, Lupeol, and Sitosterol. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Sugars: Monosaccharides: glucose & fructose; Polysaccarides: gluco-mannans / polymannose.
Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E, Choline and Folic Acid. A, C and E act as antioxidants, B’s & Choline involved in amino acid metabolism, B12 required for the production of red blood cells, Folic Acid in the development of blood cells.