Aloe Vera as a Potential Stress Reliever: An Examination of the Evidence
Aloe vera, a succulent plant native to Africa and some parts of Asia, has been traditionally used in various medicinal practices due to its healing properties. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring its potential benefits for managing stress. This article aims to delve into the scientific evidence supporting the use of aloe vera as a stress reliever.
The stress-relieving effects of aloe vera can be attributed to its rich content of phytochemicals, including salicylic acid, lupeol, and beta-sisosterol. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (Khan et al., 2017). By reducing inflammation and pain, they may indirectly help manage stress levels.
Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. Preliminary research suggests that aloe vera consumption may help regulate cortisol levels (Goyal et al., 2017). However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
While the physical benefits of aloe vera for stress management have received some attention, its impact on mental health remains less explored. Some studies hint at potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (El-Khateeb et al., 2016). However, further investigation is required to validate these claims and establish aloe vera's role in improving overall mental wellbeing.
Though the evidence is still emerging, the phytochemicals present in aloe vera may contribute to stress reduction by managing inflammation, pain, and potentially regulating cortisol levels. Additionally, some studies hint at its possible mental health benefits. However, more comprehensive research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and administration methods for reducing stress with aloe vera.
References:
1. Khan, A., Mukhtar, H., Ali, R., & Ahmad, A. (2017). Aloe vera: A short review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 7(8), 629-634.
2. Goyal, S., Goyal, M., & Sharma, R. (2017). Effect of aloe vera gel on stress levels in students of medical college: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 8(4), 235-240.
3. El-Khateeb, H., Abdel-Rahman, E., Hassan, M., Abd El-Hady, A., & Khalil, R. (2016). Antidepressant-like activity of ethanol leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 187, 257-263.