Wonder plant: This natural insect repellent also has anti-aging properties

Aloe vera is a familiar name in everyday skincare and therapeutic products. Many people trust its soothing gel to help with various skin concerns or to add a gentle touch to cosmetics.

While the gel is widely used, the leftover aloe peels become waste that might reach millions of tons each year.

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.

Aloe waste peels found new purpose

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. The outer covering is rarely used on a large scale.

Some people blend gel with onions or other ingredients to repel bugs, but that approach often leaves the peels out of the equation.

Hoping to address that gap, researchers decided to test the peels for possible phytochemicals that might discourage insects.

They noticed that many bugs refuse 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.

Aloe waste extract kills bugs

Scientists 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 the 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.

Farmers and the environment

Crop losses to insects can be huge, pushing many farmers toward strong chemical pesticides. A 2021 review in the journal Molecules revealed that the heavy use of these chemicals harms the environment, creates resistant pests, and endangers people’s health.

Natural alternatives that rely on plant-derived elements often offer a kinder impact on local ecosystems. They break down faster, target pests without lingering in soil or water, and pose fewer risks for farmworkers.

Turning aloe waste into a new defense strategy brings financial and environmental upsides. It transforms what was formerly “trash” into a resource that can help feed populations reliant on staple crops.

A shift to plant-based pest controls may also align with sustainable farming approaches. Researchers see aloe-based insecticide as another tool in this more balanced strategy.

Practical plans with aloe spray

Real-world testing is the next step to verify how peel extracts perform against pests in places where insects often threaten staple grains and vegetables.

The researchers want to confirm how strongly the compounds repel or eliminate harmful bugs in open fields.

Studies into any anti-mosquito or anti-tick properties of these extracts are also under way.

“By creating an insecticide that avoids hazardous and poisonous synthetic chemicals, we can help the agricultural field,” said Bandyopadhyay. If the extracts repel disease-carrying pests, there might be a public health benefit too.

This approach could cut back on synthetic pesticides, which often have harsh side effects. Natural methods can still be powerful if used correctly and monitored for consistent quality.

Peel-based formulations could be simpler to handle than certain standard pesticides. This method might bring cost savings for farmers who pay high prices for chemical products.

Anti-aging properties of aloe

In addition to being a great insecticide, aloe vera packs a surprising punch when it comes to anti-aging.

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.

Aloe waste and sustainable farming

Researchers are collaborating with growers and local producers to see if these extracts fit into their routine spraying practices. They want to ensure that the product meets safety guidelines without being burdensome to apply.

Experts continue to measure the shelf life of this plant-based solution. Proper drying and storage can help maintain stability, ensuring that farmers and communities benefit from a reliable product.

Many wonder if large-scale aloe peel recycling can become a fresh revenue stream. If it does, aloe growers will have an added reason to collect the rinds rather than sending them off as compost or letting them rot.

Sustainability is the underlying theme of this new venture. Adding aloe peel extracts to pest management could aid global efforts to grow healthy produce while protecting soil, water, and wildlife.

The press release is published here.

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