supplements have been found to improve digestion and reduce the risk of diabetes. Now recent research reveals yet another benefit of aloe vera – a natural insticide!
Aloe vera fields, located in places such as Australia, China, India, South Africa, and the U.S., focus on harvesting gel from the thick leaves for its cosmetic and skin care uses. The outer covering is largely discarded by the ton. This issue recently caught the attention of Debasish Bandyopadhyay, an assistant professor in chemistry at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, who explored turning the discarded rinds into a natural insecticide.
Bandyopadhyay and his team noticed that many bugs refused to munch on the plants. That observation led them to check whether the same compounds protecting aloe in nature could help farms in regions plagued by pests. They dried the rinds at room temperature without sunlight. This step preserved valuable properties that might otherwise degrade under harsh conditions.
The researchers analyzed peel extracts made with different solvents, including dichloromethane (DCM). They discovered potent activity against insects that destroy crops.
“We identified [certain substances] as potential insecticidal compounds,” said Bandyopadhyay. These molecules appeared safe for people while still packing a punch against pests.
Tests showed that aloe’s insect-killing capabilities might relate to bioactive substances that disrupt insects’ feeding behavior. That disruption may eventually cause the insects to die, offering a more natural defense for vulnerable fields.
Early findings suggest the compounds in aloe peels could also have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Researchers continue to catalog more elements hidden in the dried peel.
Antiaging properties of aloe
In addition to being a great insecticide, aloe vera packs a surprising antiinflamatory punch. It’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help fight off free radicals – the little troublemakers that speed up wrinkles and skin damage.
Aloe also encourages collagen production, which is a big deal because collagen keeps your skin firm, bouncy, and smooth. As we get older, our natural collagen levels dip, so giving it a boost can help reduce fine lines and keep skin looking fresh.
On top of all that, aloe is a hydration hero. It soaks into the skin fast and locks in moisture, which helps plump things up and make your face look more youthful and dewy.
It also soothes inflammation, evens out skin tone, and can help calm down any irritation or redness that tends to make aging skin look a little tired.
If widespread use of aloe as a natural insecticide catches on, this can be yet another way that the plant can help us all live a bit longer by cutting down on toxins that get into our food supply from commercial pesticides.
