Key Compounds and Their Functions

1. Aloin (barbaloin): a yellow latex substance with laxative properties, used to treat constipation.
2. Acemannan: a polysaccharide with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.
3. Aloe-emodin: a chromone compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.

Biological Compounds

1. Carbohydrates:
   • Pure mannan
   • Acetylated mannan
   • Acetylated glucomannan
   • Glucogalactomannan
   • Galactan
   • Galactoglucoarabinomannan
   • Pectic substance
   • Xylan
   • Cellulose
2. Proteins:
   • Lectins
   • Lectin-like substances
3. Polysaccharides:
   • Acemannan (a major component of aloe gel)
   • Aloeride (a polysaccharide with a molecular weight between 4-7 million Da)
4. Glycoproteins:
   • Speed wound healing by stopping pain and inflammation
5. Antioxidants:
   • Polyphenols (inhibit bacterial growth and have antiviral properties)
6. Other compounds:
   • Vitamins (A, C, E)
   • Minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium)
   • Enzymes (such as catalase and peroxidase)

Breakdown of benefits in health and Soil

Health Benefits of Aloe Leaf Gel:

1. Healing Burns and Wounds - Aloe vera contains polysaccharides (like glucomannan and mannose-6-phosphate) that stimulate cell proliferation and migration, enhancing wound healing. It also includes bradykinase, which reduces pain and inflammation through its action on bradykinins.

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects - Compounds like salicylic acid, anthraquinones, and lectins in aloe vera inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which are mediators of inflammation.

3. Moisturizing and Hydrating - Aloe vera gel's high water content, along with polysaccharides, forms a protective layer on the skin, reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

4. Anti-Aging Properties - Vitamin C in aloe vera aids in collagen synthesis, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from oxidative stress, both contributing to anti-aging effects.

5. Acne Treatment - Aloe vera's antibacterial component, specifically zinc in the gel, can inhibit Propionibacterium acnes. Its astringent properties help in reducing oil secretion and unclogging pores.

6. Hair Health - Enzymes like proteases in aloe vera break down dead skin cells on the scalp, while its moisturizing properties help in managing scalp conditions like dandruff. Gibberellins and auxins promote hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp.

7. Digestive Health - Aloe vera contains aloin, which acts as a laxative by stimulating peristalsis in the intestines, although it must be used cautiously due to potential side effects on the colon with overuse.

8. Immune Booster - Acemannan, a polysaccharide in aloe vera, activates macrophages, enhancing immune response by increasing cytokine production and phagocytosis.

9. Relief from Psoriasis and Eczema - The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects are due to aloe's ability to inhibit leukotriene B4 and thromboxane A2, inflammatory mediators in these conditions.

10. Oral Health - Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, including saponins, can reduce gingivitis and inhibit oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans.

Benefits of Aloe Vera in Soil:

1. Soil Conditioner - The gel contains mucopolysaccharides that can improve soil aggregation, increasing porosity and water infiltration rates.

2. Nutrient Enhancement - Aloe vera decomposes to release nutrients; its nitrogen content comes from proteins, phosphorus from nucleic acids, and potassium from cell fluids, all of which are critical for plant growth.

3. pH Stabilizer - The organic acids in aloe vera can act as buffers, helping to maintain a neutral pH, which is optimal for many plants.

4. Water Retention - The hydrocolloids in aloe vera gel can bind with soil particles, enhancing the soil's ability to hold moisture.

5. Microbial Activity - Aloe vera contains compounds that can selectively inhibit harmful bacteria while promoting beneficial soil microbes, impacting soil health.

6. Compost Accelerator - Enzymatic activity from aloe vera, including amylase, catalase, and lipase, speeds up the decomposition process in compost, turning organic matter into humus faster.

7. Detoxifies Soil - Aloe vera has phytoremediation capabilities; its roots can absorb and accumulate heavy metals, reducing their bioavailability in the soil.

8. Reduces Soil Compaction - The root system of aloe vera helps in loosening soil, increasing aeration, and reducing bulk density of the soil.

9. Natural Pesticide - Aloe vera contains aloin and anthraquinones, which are repellent to certain pests. This biological control mechanism reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

10. Promotes Root Development - The organic compounds from aloe vera decomposition can stimulate the activity of root growth hormones like auxins in nearby plants, enhancing root development.

These technical aspects highlight how aloe vera can serve as both a health supplement and a soil amendment, leveraging its complex chemical composition for multiple applications.