Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe
For the health condition: Fungal Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aloe vera has a long history of traditional use for various skin ailments, including wounds, burns, and infections. Its gel is commonly applied topically in folk medicine for soothing and healing purposes. In the context of fungal infections, traditional medicine systems—particularly in regions such as Africa, India, and the Middle East—have employed Aloe vera for conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other superficial fungal problems. The rationale for its use generally stems from its perceived antimicrobial and skin-soothing properties rather than direct antifungal activity.
Scientific studies on Aloe vera’s antifungal efficacy are limited and primarily in vitro (test tube) rather than clinical. Some laboratory studies suggest that Aloe vera extracts possess mild inhibitory effects against certain fungal species, including Candida albicans and dermatophytes, possibly due to compounds like anthraquinones and saponins. However, these effects are modest and not consistently reproducible, and there is little high-quality clinical evidence—such as randomized controlled trials—demonstrating effectiveness for treating fungal infections in humans. Consequently, the primary justification for Aloe’s use against fungal infections remains traditional, with scientific validation remaining weak and preliminary.
In summary, Aloe vera’s use for fungal infections is rooted in traditional medicine, and while some laboratory data hint at possible antifungal actions, robust clinical evidence is lacking. Its role is best considered as supportive or complementary rather than primary therapy for fungal infections.
Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections
AjoeneAloe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
basil
beta-pinene
bisabolol
black walnut
caprylic acid
chamomile
cinnamon
turmeric
goldenseal
green tea
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
Monolaurin
oregano
oregon grape
phenolic compounds
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
Undecylenic acid
Neem tree
nut grass
commiphora
Caesalpinia crista
pau d'arco
lemongrass
Morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
eucalyptus
camphor oil
Menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Allicin
anamu
Ajuga
Ampelopsis
Allyl sulfide
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Alantolactone
bee propolis
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
bisabolene
bee hive
black nightshade
benzyl isothiocyanate
borneol
curry leaf
caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
coconut oil
carvacrol
cajuput
citral
Centipeda
chalcone
copaiba oil
citronella
Dianthus
Euphorbia
eugenol
geraniol
Gnaphalium
glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
garlic
glyceryl caprylate caprate
Glechoma hederacea
geranial
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
henna
Herb Robert
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kefir
Lebbek
Litsea
lichen
Laggera pterodonta
lodhtree
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
liverwort
linalool
Labdanum
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Melia
mangostin
Mahonia
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Naphthoquinones
Oroxylum indicum
Onosma bracteatum
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phlorotannins
Plumbago zeylanica
Plectranthus amboinicus
Polygodial
rue
Sophora
Self-Heal
Salvia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Sumac
Storax
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Thymol
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Tulbaghia
Tea Tree Oil
Thiosulfinate
Terpinolene
Violet
Wrightia tinctoria
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Aloe
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Lesions
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
