Aloe-lujah! Common household plant has ‘exceptional’ anti-aging properties, could help treat skin disease: study

New York Post - Apr 12th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Scientists from Jiangsu University in China have discovered that aloe vera possesses significant anti-aging properties that can protect the skin from sun damage and aid in tissue repair. Published in the International Journal of Medicine, the study highlights the potential of aloe vera's nanoparticles as a natural alternative to synthetic skincare treatments, which often cause adverse reactions. By experimenting with mice and aloe extracts, researchers found that the plant's rind, traditionally regarded as waste, demonstrated considerable medicinal value, outperforming the gel in preventing DNA damage and combating free radicals.

This discovery could have profound implications for the development of cost-effective, safe skincare products and treatments for skin diseases. The study lays a foundation for further exploration into plant-based therapies, potentially transforming the fields of dermatology and cosmetics. While further clinical trials and standardization protocols are needed, the researchers are optimistic about aloe vera's potential in medical aesthetics and the prevention of clinical skin diseases, posing a promising alternative to conventional skincare solutions.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and engaging overview of a recent study on aloe vera's potential anti-aging properties, making it accessible to a broad audience interested in natural skincare solutions. It successfully highlights the significance of the findings and their potential impact on the cosmetics industry. However, the article falls short in providing comprehensive source attribution and transparency, as it lacks direct links to the study and detailed methodological explanations. The absence of diverse perspectives and expert commentary also limits the article's balance and depth. Overall, while the story effectively informs readers about an intriguing development, it could benefit from enhanced transparency and source quality to strengthen its credibility and impact.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate depiction of the recent study on aloe vera's anti-aging properties. It accurately reports on the study's findings that aloe vera nanoparticles have potential benefits in preventing skin aging and treating skin diseases. The description of the research being conducted by scientists from Jiangsu University in China is consistent with typical academic studies. However, the article lacks a direct citation or link to the study, which is a significant omission for verifying the claims. Additionally, while the story mentions the need for clinical trials, it does not delve into the specifics of how these trials might be conducted or their potential outcomes. The claim about the rind's medicinal value is well-supported by existing research, but again, direct references to specific studies would enhance verifiability.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the positive findings of the study, focusing on the potential benefits of aloe vera nanoparticles. It does not explore any counterarguments or potential downsides of using plant-based nanoparticles, such as possible side effects or the challenges in standardizing aloe vera preparations. The absence of alternative perspectives, such as views from dermatologists not involved in the study or experts in synthetic skincare products, results in a somewhat unbalanced presentation. Including a broader range of viewpoints would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the study's findings in a logical sequence. It uses straightforward language that is accessible to a general audience, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts without resorting to jargon. The tone is neutral and informative, focusing on the potential benefits of aloe vera nanoparticles without sensationalizing the findings. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of scientific terms like 'nanoparticles' and 'anti-photoaging' to enhance reader understanding.

5
Source quality

The story references a study conducted by scientists from Jiangsu University, which suggests a level of credibility given the academic nature of the source. However, it lacks direct citations or links to the study or the journal where it was published, which diminishes the ability to assess the quality and reliability of the source fully. The article also does not mention any peer reviews or endorsements from other experts in the field, which would further bolster the credibility of the claims made.

4
Transparency

Transparency is limited in the article, as it does not provide specific details about the study's methodology, such as the sample size, controls, or statistical significance of the findings. The lack of a direct link to the study or information about the journal in which it was published hinders the reader's ability to verify the claims independently. Additionally, there is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or funding sources for the research, which are crucial for assessing the impartiality of scientific studies.

Sources

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11972608/
  2. https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2025/vol14issue1/PartD/14-1-58-470.pdf
  3. https://aloegarve.com/blogs/news/skincare-trends-2025-aloe-vera-and-the-microbiome-revolution-en
  4. https://www.earth.com/news/aloe-vera-waste-shows-promise-as-natural-insect-repellent-anti-aging-properties/
  5. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240711/How-Aloe-veras-medicinal-properties-make-it-essential-in-medicine-cosmetics-and-food-products.aspx