ALOE FLOWER - USES, TYPES, BENEFITS - NEWSHA

Common Name: Aloe Vera (Barbadensis Miller), Barbados Aloe, Aloe Arborescens, Aloe Blossom, Aloe Flower

Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis Mill.

History and Origin

Among the more than 300 species in the genus Aloe, Aloe vera (Barbadensis Miller) is the most well-known worldwide. This tropical plant is a member of the Asphodelaceae family. ⁽¹⁾ The use of aloe flowers and aloe vera gel dates to 1500 B.C., and it is further corroborated by the discovery of ancient Mesopotamian tablets expressing how aloe was being used for medical purposes. Through both human activity and natural processes, aloe barbadensis expanded throughout the world from its initial habitat in Africa.

This medicinal plant is currently grown all over the world and may be found in warm-climate regions of America, Asia, and Europe because of its healing properties. Aloe vera is mainly produced in South America. ⁽²⁾

Aloe flower has nutritional value and possible applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. ^(3-4)

Aloe barbadensis Mill is known as Kumari in Ayurveda. ⁽⁵⁾Kaumarya, which means "princess" in Sanskrit, is where the word Kumari originates.

Aloe Blossom Plant Structure

Aloe vera is a plant with short or no stems that can reach heights of 60 to 100 cm. In the second year of the winter season, it produces upright, unbranched blooming stalks that grow 90-150 cm tall. The blooms are grouped in supplementary spikes and are vivid yellow and orange. During the summer, aloe plants grow spikes up to 90 cm tall with pendulous blooms that have tubular yellow corollas. ⁽⁶⁾ The number of aloe flowers within the raceme ranged from 20 to 64, and in another report, there were 20 to 94 flowers per raceme in aloe. ⁽⁷⁾

The flowers were categorized based on length at three distinct developmental stages: stage I, which consisted of young flowers measuring 2 cm; stage II, which included mature flowers with closed flower buds measuring between 2 and 4 cm; and stage III, which included mature flowers with opening flower buds measuring 4 cm. These yellow-colored tubular blooms are gradually maturing from the bottom to the top, suggesting both quantitative and qualitative variations in the bioactive substances the flowers contain.⁽⁴⁾

Its rosette of thick, meaty leaves gives it a unique look. On the top and bottom stem surfaces of certain varieties, there are white specks. While the leaves range in color from green to gray-green. The leaf's edge features tiny white teeth and is serrated.⁽⁶⁾

Dried yellow petals of aloe flower in a wooden bowl

The farm of ale vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill) in the foothills.

The aloe blossoms are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm in height, each blossom pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla.

The photos of Aloe barbadensis Mill.

Aloe Blossom Health Benefits

1. Increasing Antioxidant Activity

The antioxidant property of dried aloe flowers is directly correlated with their polyphenol and flavonoid contents. ⁽⁸⁾In 2018, the antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of aloe flowers was investigated. The results were published in the journal of Food and Agricultural Immunology. Phenolics are considered the main component of the plant and can suppress free radicals. Among the phenolic components studied in this study, vanillic acid had the highest level, which could be attributed to its significant antioxidant properties. Therefore, aloe flowers might be an effective source of natural antioxidants. ⁽¹⁾

2. Preventing Skin Aging and Repairing Damaged Skin

Powerful antioxidants make aloe flower nectar an ideal anti-aging ingredient. The valuable nectar of the aloe flower protects the skin from oxidative stress with its antioxidant effect. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals. Aloe flower nectar contains polyphenols, a group of potent antioxidants that can effectively and naturally improve the skin's defenses against free radical damage. ⁽⁹⁾

Additionally, the amino acids found in aloe blossoms are interesting from a nutritional and cosmetic standpoint because most of these amino acids have positive skin-care properties that soften and moisturize skin cells.⁽⁴⁾

3. Improving Liver Function

Superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) are antioxidant enzymes that are necessary for maintaining stable and normal cell activity and managing the internal environment.

In a study on the liver tissue of mice, the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in the damaged sample were decreased. Then, these activities were increased for the treated samples with aloe flower extract.

It suggested that the extracts elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities in the damaged liver tissue. ⁽¹⁾

Aloe flower is rich in antioxidant and can maintain a healthy liver and delay skin aging.

What Are Aloe Blossom Side Effects?

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of aloe blossoms. Before using aloe vera gel and aloe flower, make sure to consult your healthcare professional if you have any of the following conditions.

1. Breastfeeding or pregnancy: Aloe vera has been linked to miscarriage, according to a report.

There may also be a chance of birth defects. If you are pregnant or lactating, do not consume aloe vera.

2. Diabetes: Aloe vera may help decrease blood sugar, according to some research. If you have diabetes and take aloe vera orally, keep a careful eye on your blood sugar levels.

3. Intestinal disorders include blockage, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease: If you suffer from any of these ailments, avoid using aloe vera latex. Latex from aloe vera irritates the bowels. Keep in mind that items derived from whole aloe vera leaves will have some aloe vera latex.

4. Hemorrhoids: If you have hemorrhoids, avoid using aloe vera latex. It might exacerbate the situation. Keep in mind that items derived from whole aloe vera leaves will have some aloe vera latex.

5. Kidney issues: Excessive dosages of aloe vera latex have been connected to grave illnesses like renal failure.

6. Surgical procedures: Aloe vera may have an impact on blood sugar levels and may cause issues with blood sugar regulation both before and after surgery. Give up taking aloe vera at least two weeks prior to the planned surgery.

7. Children: When applied properly to the skin, aloe gel may be safe. When consumed orally by children, aloe latex and aloe whole leaf extracts may be harmful. Children under the age of twelve may experience diarrhea, cramps, and stomach pain. ⁽¹⁰⁾

8. Long-term use: Prolonged use of oral and topical aloe vera preparations is not recommended. ⁽¹¹⁾

Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must first be diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.

Nutritional Information

Aloe flower contains

- Vitamin C

- Carotenoid

- Glutamine (the major amino acid), and four essential amino acids (phenylalanine, threonine, valine, and isoleucine).

-Saturated fatty acids and PUFAs such as omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) ⁽⁴⁾

Aloe Blossom Daily Dosage

At the moment, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for aloe flowers.

Bioactive Compounds

Aloe flower is an effective source of natural antioxidants. ⁽¹⁾ The antioxidant activity in the flower is four to eight times greater than in the aloe vera leaf gel. ⁽⁴⁾

The eleven components have been identified as coumarin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, D-catechin, vanillic acid, nariqenin, resveratrol, cinnamic acid, thymol, quercetin, and naringin, per a 2018 research conducted.Among the phenolic components investigated here, the content of vanillic acid was the highest, which might be associated with its strong antioxidant activities. ⁽¹⁾

According to another study in 2013, gentisic acid, epicatechin, and quercetin were the most prominent phenolic compounds of the blossoms. ⁽¹²⁾

Best Time to Consume

1-2 hours before or after meals.

Possible Drug Interactions

We currently have no information on aloe flower interactions. Generally, drugs taken by mouth (oral drugs) may interact with aloe vera.

1. Cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic drugs: Chronic use of aloe vera can lead to potassium loss, which can increase the actions of cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic drugs.

2. Thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, licorice, and corticosteroids: There is an increase in the possibility of potassium deficiency when aloe vera is used along with these agents. ⁽¹¹⁾

3. Antidiabetes drugs: including glimepiride, glyburide, insulin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, chlorpropamide, glipizide, and tolbutamide.

4-Stimulant laxatives: such as cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax).

5. Sevoflurane and Warfarin: Taking Sevoflurane (Ultane) and Warfarin (Coumadin) by mouth (oral drugs) may interact with aloe vera. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Traditional Use

The use of aloe vera as a medicinal plant is mentioned in numerous ancient texts. ⁽¹³⁾ The ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Indians used it. ⁽¹⁴⁾

An aloe flower remedy is needed when the individual has overextended their energy and the immune system is low. These individuals may have lots of energy but oftentimes overdo it, resulting in exhaustion. Aloe flower essence harmonizes body and soul by balancing the stress of life. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Some Questions about Aloe Blossom

When to drink aloe blossom herbal tea?

The best time to drink aloe blossom herbal tea is 1-2 hours after breakfast or lunch. Aloe blossom is naturally caffeine-free. So, you can drink it on an empty stomach in the morning or along with some snacks in the evening.

What are side effects of aloe blossom herbal tea?

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of aloe flowers.

For more information, see the “What Are Aloe Blossom Side Effects?” section.

What are the benefits of aloe blossom herbal tea?

Traditionally, aloe flowers are used for boosting energy and the immune system and balancing the mind. ⁽¹⁵⁾According to scientific studies, the aloe flower is an effective source of natural antioxidants. It can help maintain a healthy liver and delay skin aging. For more information, see the “Aloe Blossom Health Benefits” section.

What is aloe blossom herbal tea?

Aloe flowers vary tremendously in size, shape, color, and seasonal occurrence. ⁽¹⁶⁾ This pure herbal tea contains blossoms/flowers of Aloe barbadensis Mill. The Iasc [International Aloe Science Council], USA, recognizes this species as the only true aloe as it has the best healing properties. This species can be identified by its distinct yellow flowers. ⁽¹⁷⁾