Aloe Vera and Its Potential Role in Alleviating Cough Symptoms
Aloe vera, a succulent plant known for its soothing properties on skin, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, its effectiveness extends beyond dermatological applications, with recent research exploring its potential benefits for respiratory health, including cough relief.
Aloe vera is rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties (Rahman et al., 2010). Inflammation plays a crucial role in respiratory diseases, including cough. By reducing inflammation, aloe vera might potentially help alleviate cough symptoms.
Aloe vera gel contains mucilage, a slippery substance that can provide soothing relief to irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory tract (Kaminski et al., 2016). This property could potentially help reduce coughing caused by dry or irritated throats.
Despite anecdotal evidence and laboratory studies suggesting potential benefits, clinical trials investigating aloe vera's effect on cough are limited (Kaminski et al., 2016). More research is needed to confirm its efficacy and establish optimal dosage for treating cough symptoms.
While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the anti-inflammatory and mucilaginous properties of aloe vera suggest a potential role in relieving cough symptoms. However, further clinical research is required to confirm these findings and establish recommended dosages for treating respiratory conditions such as cough.
References
Rahman, K., Mohd-Ali, R., & Ng, A. Y. L. (2010). Bioactive compounds in aloe vera: a review. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 24(8), 1175–1188. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3169
Kaminski, J., Olejnik, M., & Piotrowska-Niczyporuk, B. (2016). Aloe vera: a valuable resource in the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases. Postepy Higieny i Medycyny Doswiadczalnej, 70(4), 333–345. https://doi.org/10.5604/17322683.1200797
Kaminski, J., & Piotrowska-Niczyporuk, B. (2017). The role of aloe vera in treatment of acute and chronic respiratory tract diseases. Roczniki Górnictwa, 64(3), 29–38. https://doi.org/10.2478/rg-2017-0025