Aloe Vera

What it is

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a succulent plant of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family and one of the oldest medicinal plants known to humanity. Egyptian papyri from 1550 BC mention aloe as the "plant of immortality"; Cleopatra reportedly included its gel in her daily skincare. Alexander the Great captured the island of Socotra specifically for aloe reserves to treat wounded soldiers.

The active part is the clear gel from the leaf parenchyma cells. It contains acemannan (a polysaccharide immunomodulator), anthraquinones (aloin, barbaloin), enzymes (bradykinase), vitamins C and E, minerals and lignin. For oral applications, acemannan and bradykinase are particularly important.

How it works

Acemannan and immunomodulation. Acemannan is a long-chain mannopolysaccharide that binds to macrophage receptors. It reduces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and accelerates fibroblast proliferation responsible for mucosal regeneration.

Bradykinase. The enzyme hydrolyses bradykinin — a mediator of pain and inflammation. This explains the analgesic effect of aloe gel on contact with inflamed tissue.

Anthraquinones. Aloin and aloe-emodin have proven antibacterial activity against S.mutans, S.salivarius and C.albicans — adding an antimicrobial component to the anti-inflammatory action.

Mucosal hydration. The polysaccharide gel matrix creates a protective barrier on the mucosa, reducing transepithelial water loss — particularly important in dry mouth conditions (xerostomia).

Efficacy

Meta-analysis and several randomised controlled trials (Ajmera 2013, Dehghani 2020) showed that aloe vera mouthwash reduces plaque and gingivitis indices comparably to 0.2% chlorhexidine over a 4-week period. Aloe does not cause the characteristic tooth staining or dysgeusia associated with chlorhexidine, which is critical for everyday use.

Separate trials in aphthous ulcers demonstrate a reduction in epithelialisation time from 7–10 to 4–5 days when gel is applied 2–3 times daily.

Safety

One of the safest botanical ingredients in cosmetics. Does not sensitise or cause photosensitisation when applied topically. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by FDA for food applications.

Important: for oral products, dealoinised extract is used (without the anthraquinone aloin), as aloin in high doses has a laxative effect. All certified cosmetic ingredients undergo dealoinisation.

Role in the QDRO formula

Aloe vera is the base moisturising and anti-inflammatory component of v.daily mouthwashes and toothpastes. At 10–20% concentration it creates a "gentle" anti-inflammatory foundation, allowing the dosage of more specialised ingredients (baicalin, chamomile) to be reduced. Synergy with hyaluronic acid delivers maximum hydration profile for sensitive mucosa.