Aloe vera, a succulent plant known for its gel-like substance, has been utilized for its potential health benefits for centuries. When it comes to preventing or aiding with the common Cold medical research suggests that the evidence surrounding Aloe vera's efficacy is limited and inconclusive. While some studies have indicated that Aloe vera may possess antimicrobial and immune-enhancing properties, the data remains mixed.
One study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology in 2012 found that Aloe vera gel demonstrated antiviral activity against certain strains of the human common Cold virus. However, the study was conducted in a laboratory setting and focused on examining the gel's effects on the virus itself, rather than its impact on human Cold symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine in 2020 suggested that topical application of Aloe vera gel may alleviate symptoms of the common Cold such as nasal congestion. Nevertheless, the study had a small sample size and lacked a control group, diminishing the strength of its findings.
