Aloe vera contains more than 75 bioactive compounds, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, anthraquinones, sugars, hormones, and fatty acids, among others.[1] Therefore, several mechanisms of action have been proposed for the effects of Aloe vera.
In vitro studies suggest that aloesin, aloin, and emodin are the main compounds responsible for the skin-protective properties of Aloe vera, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.[1] Magnesium lactate present in Aloe vera may also contribute to alleviating skin itching and irritation by reducing histamine production.[2] Additionally, the glycoprotein fraction of Aloe vera appears to inhibit thromboxanes and promote type-III collagen production, which facilitates skin healing.[3]
Another essential constituent of Aloe vera, acemannan, is a mucopolysaccharide that exhibits anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties.[1] Furthermore, anthraquinones found in Aloe vera latex confer its laxative effect by increasing intestinal water content, stimulating mucus secretion, and enhancing intestinal peristalsis.[4][5]
Regarding its hypoglycemic effect, Aloe vera may work by reducing glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after food, stimulating glucose catabolism, and suppressing gluconeogenesis (glucose production). Activation of AMPK, akin to the mechanism of action of metformin (a medication for type 2 diabetes), is also proposed as a possible pathway for the hypoglycemic effects of Aloe vera.[6]