Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller
What is Aloe Vera Barbadenis Miller?
Aloe Vera Barbadenis Miller is a perennial, succulent plant belonging to the Lily (Liliaceae) family which historically, has been used for a variety of purposes. The plant has stiff green shaped leaves containing cleargel in a central mucilaginous pulp formation. Clinical evealuations have revealed that the pharmacologicalactive ingredients are concentrated in both the gel and rind of the aloe vera leaves. These active ingredientshave been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe Vera is known to be anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial.The true aloe vera plant is called Aloe barbadensis Miller, otherwise called the Curacao aloe, and is the mostmedicinally potent of the 400 varieties found around the world. Most people in the world today know of aloevera because of its inclusion in many popular cosmetic products. Over the years, the plant has been knownby a number of names such as ‘the gift of heaven’, ‘heaven’s blessing’ and ‘the silent healer’. Although notmedically recognised as a therapeutic preparation, there have been many reports of the healing power of aloevera and, in recent years, clinical studies have been undertaken and some are cited at the end of the article. What does Aloe Vera contain?The rich gel inside an Aloe plant is made up of over 75 different ingredients even though 95%-99% of it iswater. These nutrients includeVitamins - including C,E,Beta Carotene, B12 Minerals - including magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron. Amino Acids - 20 out of the 22 required by the body as the building blocks for protein and 7 out of the 8that the body cannot manufacture itself Sugars - including long chain polysaccharides that help boost the immune system Enzymes - to help break down and digest food Plant Sterols - that act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents Lignin - a woody substance that helps Aloe penetrate the skin Saponins - soapy substances with an anti-microbial effect Anthraquinones - powerful natural painkillers Salycylic Acid - anti-inflammatory, helps break down dead tissueAloe Vera contains 19 of the 20 amino acids required by the human body for good health. The human bodyhowever produces only 12 of these. The 8 outstanding amino acids – known as ‘essential‘ amino acids –required by the human body have to be taken in as food and drink.Aloe Vera contains 7 of the 8 ‘essential’ amino acids:Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine ValineThe 12 ‘non-essential’ amino acids contained in Aloe Vera are:Alanine Arginine Asparagine Cysteine Glutamic Acid Glycine Histidine Proline Serine Tyrosine Glutamine Aspartic AcidAloe Vera contains 12 anthraquinones:Aloe Emodin Aloetic Acid Aloin Anthracine Antranol Barbaloin Chrysophanic Acid Emodin Ethereal Oil Ester of Cinnamonic Acid Isobarbaloin ResistannolThese 12 Phenolic compounds are found exclusively in the sap of the Aloe Vera plant. In small quantities,when they do not exert their purgative effect, they aid absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract and haveanti-microbial and pain killing effects.Anthraquinones also provide anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral activity.Aloe Vera contains 8 enzymes:Aliiase Alkaline Phosphatase Amylase Carboxypeptidase Catalase Cellulase Lipase PeroxidaseThese enzymes contained in Aloe Vera help the breakdown of food sugars and fats aiding digestion andenhancing nutrient absorbtion.One in particular, Bradykinase, helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically andtherefore reduces pain, whereas others help digest any dead tissues in wounds. Lipases and proteases whichbreak down foods and aid digestion are also present.Aloe Vera contains 2 hormones:Auxins GibberellinsThese hormones provide wound healing & anti-inflammatory activity.Giberellin, in Aloe Vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells.Lignin is a Cellulose based substance, which provides penetrating power in Aloe Vera skin preparations andacts as a carrier for other components of Aloe Vera.Lignin takes the soothing properties of Aloe Vera down to damaged skin areas where it strips the toxicmaterials, increases the blood circulation to the area and flushes the dead tissue away. It is also keratolyticmeaning it destroys and softens hard skin.Aloe Vera contains Salicylic Acid which is an Aspirin like compound that works as a pain killer. It possessesanti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.Saponins which are Glycosides form about 3% of what’s in Aloe Vera gel. They are soapy substances whichprovide cleansing and antiseptic activity.They act powerfully as anti-microbials against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts.Aloe Vera contains 4 main plant steroids:Cholesterol Campesterol Lupeol ß SitosterolThese are anti-inflammatory agents. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic propertiesAloe Vera contains the following vitamins:Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin E Choline Folic AcidVitamins A, C and E provide Aloe Vera’s antioxidant activity and neutralise free radicals.The “B” Vitamins and Choline are involved in amino acid metabolism, Vitamin B12 is required for theproduction of red blood cells, Folic Acid is required in the development of blood cells.Several different minerals have been found in Aloe Vera, following are the 10 most important ones:Calcium Chromium Copper Iron Magnesium Manganese Potassium Phosphorous Sodium ZincAloe Vera contains 2 Monosaccharides:Glucose FructoseThey provide anti-inflammatory activity. Aloe Vera also contains PolysaccharidesIt provides number of benefits to the health of the person. The most important health benefit of aloe veraplant is that it reduces the pain of a burn very fast and quickly.So, one can apply aloe vera gel immediately in case of any type of burn. This gel not only reduces the painbut also helps in healing the wound quickly.Aloe vera contains various essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins and enzymes which help instrengthening the immune system. Another health benefit of aloe vera is that aloe vera juice is used inrelieving digestive problems.Aloe vera acts as an antibacterial agent and protects the skin of a person against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.It increases the flow of blood to the areas of wound and enhances fibroblasts. Other health benefits of aloevera include aloe vera gel is helpful in case of minor cuts, scrapes and bruises and provides relief to aperson rapidly.Aloe vera gel has provided number of benefits to a person such as it helps in healing the sores and blistersand also helps people suffering from Psoriasis by reducing the itching and pain. It has shown considerableimprovement in the reduction of lesions.The properties of Aloe Vera Barbadensis MillerThe healing properties of the succulent plant aloe vera have been known for thousands of years. Belongingto the lily family and related to the onion, garlic and asparagus, evidence supporting the early use of aloe wasdiscovered on a Mesopotamian clay tablet dating from 2100 BC. In Cairo in 1862, George Ebers, a GermanEgyptologist, bought a papyrus which had been found in a sarcophagus excavated near Thebes a few yearsearlier. Aloe vera as a herbal preparation, was mentioned in the papyrus no fewer than 12 times.Aloe vera was well known not only to the Egyptians, but also the Roman, Greek, Arab and Indian cultures. Infact, many famous physicians of those times, including Dioscorides, Pliny the EIder and Galen - considered tobe the father of modem medicine - included aloe vera in their therapeutic armouries.Myths and legends surrounding the use of aloe vera in ancient times suggest that it was an important part ofthe beauty regime of the Egyptian queens, Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Legend has it that, in 333 BC, Alexanderthe Great was persuaded by his mentor Aristotle to capture the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean, famedfor its supply of aloe which he needed to heal his wounded soldiers.Aloe Vera has been used by people to compliment their current regime of medication and supplements withthe advice and approval of their doctor:Acid Reflux Disease Acne Acne Scars Arthritis Asthma Bleeding Gums Boils Bowel Disorder Brown Skin Spots Burns Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Constipation Crohns Disease Cuts and Wounds Dermatitis Diabetes Diverticulum Dry Skin Eczema Fibromyalgia Genital Herpes Gout Hair Loss Hay fever Hemorrhoids Hypertension Interstitial Cystitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Joint Pain Kidney Stones Liver Spots Migraine Milia Nappy Rash Psoriasis Rheumatism Scalds Scars Sinus Problems Spastic Colon Stretch Marks Sunburn Tendinitis Ulcerative Colitis Ulcers of the Mouth Ulcers of the Skin Ulcers of the Stomach Varicose VeinsAloe Vera Juice and Aloe Vera GelSome recent studies appear to show topical and orally administered aloe vera preparations in patients withchronic venous leg ulcers may aid healing.The aloe vera plant, , with an average pH of 4.5. The remaining solid material contains over 75 differentingredients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin,saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid. These are described in more detail below.The plant contains many vitamins, excluding vitamin D but including the important antioxidant vitamins A, Cand F. Vitamins B (thiamine), niacin, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), choline and folic acid are also present. Someauthorities suggest that there is also a trace of vitamin B12 (Coats1979).When taken orally, several of these biochemical catalysts, such as amylase and lipase, can aid digestion bybreaking down fats and sugars. One important enzyme, a carboxy-peptidase, inactivates bradykinins andproduces an anti-inflammatory effect. During the inflamma-tory process, bradykinin produces pain associatedwith vasodilation and, therefore, its hydrolysis reduces these two components and produces an analgesiceffect (Obata et al 1993, Shelton 1991).Minerals Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium and iron are all found in thealoe plant. Magnesium lactate inhibits histidine decarboxylase and prevents the formation of histamine fromthe amino acid, histadine (Shelton 1991). Histamine is released in many allergic reactions and causes intenseitching and pain. The prevention of its formation may explain the antipuritic effect of aloe vera.Sugars Sugars are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant under the rind, surrounding the inner parenchyma orgel. They form 25 per cent of the solid fraction and comprise both mono- and polysaccharides. By far themost important are the long chain polysaccharides, comprising glucose and mannose, known as the gluco-mannans (Beta - (1, 4) - linked acetylated mannan). When taken orally, some of these bind to receptor sitesthat line the gut and form a barrier, possibly helping to prevent ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Others are ingestedwhole by a method of cellular absorption known as pinocytosis. Unlike other sugars which are broken downprior to absorption, the polysaccharides are absorbed complete and appear in the blood stream unchanged.Here, they act as immuno-modulators — capable of enhancing and retarding the immune response (Green1996, Kahlon etal 1991, Sheets etall9gi).Saponins These soapy substances form 3 per cent of the gel and are general cleansers, having antiseptic properties(Hirat and Suga 1983).Plant Sterols These include Campesterol, f3 Sitosterol and Lupeol (Coats 1979).Sallcylic acid This is an aspirin-like compound possessing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Topically, it has akerolytic effect which helps to debride a wound of necrotic tissue.Amino acids These are the building blocks of proteins. Aloe vera gel provides 20 of the 22 necessary amino acids requiredby the human body and seven of the eight essential amino acids which the body cannot synthesise. Thesemust be ingested in food.What makes Aloe Vera work?It is surprising that the evident healing effects of aloe vera can be produced by such a small quantity of solidmaterial. Some people believe that there is a synergistic action between all the component ingredients, givinga result which is greater than the sum of the individual actions. The combined action of all herbalpreparations taken from whole stems, roots, leaves or fruits containing huge numbers, but very smallamounts of phyto-chemicals, stretches the boundaries of the conventional medicinal paradigm.In all allopathic (orthodox) medicine, the practice is to isolate, in a chemically pure form, the biologically activesubstance of the consitutent ingredients. These extracted drugs must be uniform in their composition inorder to demonstrate a consistent physiological effect. Perhaps there is some truth in an ancient Ayurvedictext from India: ‘Extracting drugs from a part of the plant is taking out the intelligence and throwing away thewisdom.’ Whole plant preparations, though less potent, are generally considered to be safer with fewer sideeffects.The evidence suggests that the primary sites of action for aloe vera are:Epithelial tissues — the epithelium is the layer of cells which covers the surface of the body or lines a cavitythat communicates with the surface. The skin, the largest organ of the body, is also the largest epithelialsurface — but other epithelial tissues line the nose, sinuses, lungs, mouth, oesophagus and alimentary tract,as well as the genital tract. This action on surfaces and membranes, rather than sol-id organs, may accountfor some of the healing properties of aloe vera (Davis et al 1987, Fulton 1990, Heggers 1996).The immune system — here, aloe vera exerts an effect on the cytokine system, resulting inimmunomodulation (Green 1996, Marshall et al 1993, Winters 1993). In the US, the polymannose sugar hasbeen extracted by Carrington Laborat-ories and its product, Carrisyn, has been licensed to treat theonchogenic retroviral infection which causes Ieukaemia in animals.Aloe vera appears to speed up the healing of damaged epithelial tissue in bums and leg ulcers by:Providing essential micronutrients An anti-inflammatory effect An antimicrobial effect The stimulation of skin fibroblasts (Danhoff and McAnally 1983).Aloe vera can be taken internally as an aloe vera juice drink or aloe vera gel can be used topically. Theprinciple ingredient of any product should be the stabilised aloe vera gel which is as near to the inner gel ofthe natural plant as possible. It must not, therefore, be treated with excessive heat or filtered during themanufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effect of certain essential compounds, such as theenzymes and polysaccharides. Regrettably there are many products which contain virtually no aloe and yetare marketed as though they do. Caution applies particularly to cheap capsules of dried aloe leaf.Not only does aloe vera provide nutrition and pro-duce an anti-inflammatory action, it also has a wide range ofantimicrobial activity. In-vitro experiments have been carried out on numerous organisms and have regularlyshown that, in normal strength, aloe vera is either bactericidal or bacteriostatic against a number of commonwound pathogens. ReferencesSims P Ruth M, Zimmerman ER (1971a) Effect of Aloe Vera on Herpes simplex and herpes virus (strainZoster). Aloe Vera of American Archives, 1, 239-240 Sims P, Ruth M, Zimmerman ER (1971b) The effects of Aloe Vera on Mycotic organism (fungi). Aloe Vera ofAmerican archives, 1, 237-238 Strickland FM et al (1993) Prevention of Ultraviolet radiation and induced suppression of contact anddelyed hypersensitivity by Aloe Barbadensis gel extract. Journal of investigative dermatology. 9, 6, 197-204 Winters WD (1993) Immuno-reactive lectins in leaf gel form from aloe Barbadensis Miler. PhytotherapyResearch 7, S23-25 Coats BC (1979) The Silent Healer, A Modern Study of Aloe Vera. Texas, Garland Danhoff IE, McAnally BH (1983) Stabilised Aloe Vera, its effect on human skin cells. Drugs in the CosmeticsIndustry. 133, 52-196 Mckeown E (1987) Anthraquinones and anthracenic derivatives absorb UV light. Cosmetics and toiletries. 102,64-65 Obata M et al (1993) Mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and anti thermal burn action of carboxypeptidasefrom aloe aborescens miller. Natalensis berger in rats and mice Physiotherapy research, 7, special issues,530-533 Sheets MA et al (1991) Studies of the effect of ace Mannan on retrovirus infections, clinical stabilisation offeline leukemia virus infected cats. Molecular Biothermy. 3, 41-45 Shelton MS (1991) Aloe Vera, its chemical and therapeutic properties. International journal of dermatology.30, 679-683. Davis RH Kabbani JM, Moro NP (1987) Aloe Vera and wound Healing. Journal of the American PodiatricMedical Association. 77, 4, 165-169 Fulton JE (1990) The Stimulation of postdermal abrasion wound healing with stabilised Aloe Vera gel –polythylene oxide dressing. Journal of Dermatological and Surgical Oncology, 16, 5, 460-467 Green P (1996) Aloe Vera extracts in equine clinical practice. Veterinary Times,26, 9. Heggers JP (1996) Beneficial Effect of Aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound healing model.Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2, 2, 271-277 Hirat T, Suga T (1983) The efficiency of aloe plants, chemical constituents and biological activities.Cosmetics and toiletries. 98, 105-108 Kahlon JB et al (1991) Inhibition of Aids Virus replication by Ace Mannan in vitro. Molecular Biothermy. 3,127-135. Lorenzetti LJ et al (1964) Bacteriostatic property of Aloe Vera. Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society. 53,1287-1290. Marshall GO, Gibbons AS, Parnell LS (1993) Human cytokines induced by ace Mannan. Journal of Allergy ofclinical immunology. 1, 4, 505-509.
Aloe Vera Barbadenis Miller is a perennial, succulent plant belonging to the Lily (Liliaceae) family which historically, has been used for a variety of purposes. The plant has stiff green shaped leaves containing cleargel in a central mucilaginous pulp formation. Clinical evealuations have revealed that the pharmacologicalactive ingredients are concentrated in both the gel and rind of the aloe vera leaves. These active ingredientshave been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe Vera is known to be anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial.The true aloe vera plant is called Aloe barbadensis Miller, otherwise called the Curacao aloe, and is the mostmedicinally potent of the 400 varieties found around the world. Most people in the world today know of aloevera because of its inclusion in many popular cosmetic products. Over the years, the plant has been knownby a number of names such as ‘the gift of heaven’, ‘heaven’s blessing’ and ‘the silent healer’. Although notmedically recognised as a therapeutic preparation, there have been many reports of the healing power of aloevera and, in recent years, clinical studies have been undertaken and some are cited at the end of the article. What does Aloe Vera contain?The rich gel inside an Aloe plant is made up of over 75 different ingredients even though 95%-99% of it iswater. These nutrients includeVitamins - including C,E,Beta Carotene, B12 Minerals - including magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron. Amino Acids - 20 out of the 22 required by the body as the building blocks for protein and 7 out of the 8that the body cannot manufacture itself Sugars - including long chain polysaccharides that help boost the immune system Enzymes - to help break down and digest food Plant Sterols - that act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents Lignin - a woody substance that helps Aloe penetrate the skin Saponins - soapy substances with an anti-microbial effect Anthraquinones - powerful natural painkillers Salycylic Acid - anti-inflammatory, helps break down dead tissueAloe Vera contains 19 of the 20 amino acids required by the human body for good health. The human bodyhowever produces only 12 of these. The 8 outstanding amino acids – known as ‘essential‘ amino acids –required by the human body have to be taken in as food and drink.Aloe Vera contains 7 of the 8 ‘essential’ amino acids:Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine ValineThe 12 ‘non-essential’ amino acids contained in Aloe Vera are:Alanine Arginine Asparagine Cysteine Glutamic Acid Glycine Histidine Proline Serine Tyrosine Glutamine Aspartic AcidAloe Vera contains 12 anthraquinones:Aloe Emodin Aloetic Acid Aloin Anthracine Antranol Barbaloin Chrysophanic Acid Emodin Ethereal Oil Ester of Cinnamonic Acid Isobarbaloin ResistannolThese 12 Phenolic compounds are found exclusively in the sap of the Aloe Vera plant. In small quantities,when they do not exert their purgative effect, they aid absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract and haveanti-microbial and pain killing effects.Anthraquinones also provide anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral activity.Aloe Vera contains 8 enzymes:Aliiase Alkaline Phosphatase Amylase Carboxypeptidase Catalase Cellulase Lipase PeroxidaseThese enzymes contained in Aloe Vera help the breakdown of food sugars and fats aiding digestion andenhancing nutrient absorbtion.One in particular, Bradykinase, helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically andtherefore reduces pain, whereas others help digest any dead tissues in wounds. Lipases and proteases whichbreak down foods and aid digestion are also present.Aloe Vera contains 2 hormones:Auxins GibberellinsThese hormones provide wound healing & anti-inflammatory activity.Giberellin, in Aloe Vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells.Lignin is a Cellulose based substance, which provides penetrating power in Aloe Vera skin preparations andacts as a carrier for other components of Aloe Vera.Lignin takes the soothing properties of Aloe Vera down to damaged skin areas where it strips the toxicmaterials, increases the blood circulation to the area and flushes the dead tissue away. It is also keratolyticmeaning it destroys and softens hard skin.Aloe Vera contains Salicylic Acid which is an Aspirin like compound that works as a pain killer. It possessesanti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.Saponins which are Glycosides form about 3% of what’s in Aloe Vera gel. They are soapy substances whichprovide cleansing and antiseptic activity.They act powerfully as anti-microbials against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts.Aloe Vera contains 4 main plant steroids:Cholesterol Campesterol Lupeol ß SitosterolThese are anti-inflammatory agents. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic propertiesAloe Vera contains the following vitamins:Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin E Choline Folic AcidVitamins A, C and E provide Aloe Vera’s antioxidant activity and neutralise free radicals.The “B” Vitamins and Choline are involved in amino acid metabolism, Vitamin B12 is required for theproduction of red blood cells, Folic Acid is required in the development of blood cells.Several different minerals have been found in Aloe Vera, following are the 10 most important ones:Calcium Chromium Copper Iron Magnesium Manganese Potassium Phosphorous Sodium ZincAloe Vera contains 2 Monosaccharides:Glucose FructoseThey provide anti-inflammatory activity. Aloe Vera also contains PolysaccharidesIt provides number of benefits to the health of the person. The most important health benefit of aloe veraplant is that it reduces the pain of a burn very fast and quickly.So, one can apply aloe vera gel immediately in case of any type of burn. This gel not only reduces the painbut also helps in healing the wound quickly.Aloe vera contains various essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins and enzymes which help instrengthening the immune system. Another health benefit of aloe vera is that aloe vera juice is used inrelieving digestive problems.Aloe vera acts as an antibacterial agent and protects the skin of a person against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.It increases the flow of blood to the areas of wound and enhances fibroblasts. Other health benefits of aloevera include aloe vera gel is helpful in case of minor cuts, scrapes and bruises and provides relief to aperson rapidly.Aloe vera gel has provided number of benefits to a person such as it helps in healing the sores and blistersand also helps people suffering from Psoriasis by reducing the itching and pain. It has shown considerableimprovement in the reduction of lesions.The properties of Aloe Vera Barbadensis MillerThe healing properties of the succulent plant aloe vera have been known for thousands of years. Belongingto the lily family and related to the onion, garlic and asparagus, evidence supporting the early use of aloe wasdiscovered on a Mesopotamian clay tablet dating from 2100 BC. In Cairo in 1862, George Ebers, a GermanEgyptologist, bought a papyrus which had been found in a sarcophagus excavated near Thebes a few yearsearlier. Aloe vera as a herbal preparation, was mentioned in the papyrus no fewer than 12 times.Aloe vera was well known not only to the Egyptians, but also the Roman, Greek, Arab and Indian cultures. Infact, many famous physicians of those times, including Dioscorides, Pliny the EIder and Galen - considered tobe the father of modem medicine - included aloe vera in their therapeutic armouries.Myths and legends surrounding the use of aloe vera in ancient times suggest that it was an important part ofthe beauty regime of the Egyptian queens, Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Legend has it that, in 333 BC, Alexanderthe Great was persuaded by his mentor Aristotle to capture the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean, famedfor its supply of aloe which he needed to heal his wounded soldiers.Aloe Vera has been used by people to compliment their current regime of medication and supplements withthe advice and approval of their doctor:Acid Reflux Disease Acne Acne Scars Arthritis Asthma Bleeding Gums Boils Bowel Disorder Brown Skin Spots Burns Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Constipation Crohns Disease Cuts and Wounds Dermatitis Diabetes Diverticulum Dry Skin Eczema Fibromyalgia Genital Herpes Gout Hair Loss Hay fever Hemorrhoids Hypertension Interstitial Cystitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Joint Pain Kidney Stones Liver Spots Migraine Milia Nappy Rash Psoriasis Rheumatism Scalds Scars Sinus Problems Spastic Colon Stretch Marks Sunburn Tendinitis Ulcerative Colitis Ulcers of the Mouth Ulcers of the Skin Ulcers of the Stomach Varicose VeinsAloe Vera Juice and Aloe Vera GelSome recent studies appear to show topical and orally administered aloe vera preparations in patients withchronic venous leg ulcers may aid healing.The aloe vera plant, , with an average pH of 4.5. The remaining solid material contains over 75 differentingredients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin,saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid. These are described in more detail below.The plant contains many vitamins, excluding vitamin D but including the important antioxidant vitamins A, Cand F. Vitamins B (thiamine), niacin, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), choline and folic acid are also present. Someauthorities suggest that there is also a trace of vitamin B12 (Coats1979).When taken orally, several of these biochemical catalysts, such as amylase and lipase, can aid digestion bybreaking down fats and sugars. One important enzyme, a carboxy-peptidase, inactivates bradykinins andproduces an anti-inflammatory effect. During the inflamma-tory process, bradykinin produces pain associatedwith vasodilation and, therefore, its hydrolysis reduces these two components and produces an analgesiceffect (Obata et al 1993, Shelton 1991).Minerals Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium and iron are all found in thealoe plant. Magnesium lactate inhibits histidine decarboxylase and prevents the formation of histamine fromthe amino acid, histadine (Shelton 1991). Histamine is released in many allergic reactions and causes intenseitching and pain. The prevention of its formation may explain the antipuritic effect of aloe vera.Sugars Sugars are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant under the rind, surrounding the inner parenchyma orgel. They form 25 per cent of the solid fraction and comprise both mono- and polysaccharides. By far themost important are the long chain polysaccharides, comprising glucose and mannose, known as the gluco-mannans (Beta - (1, 4) - linked acetylated mannan). When taken orally, some of these bind to receptor sitesthat line the gut and form a barrier, possibly helping to prevent ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Others are ingestedwhole by a method of cellular absorption known as pinocytosis. Unlike other sugars which are broken downprior to absorption, the polysaccharides are absorbed complete and appear in the blood stream unchanged.Here, they act as immuno-modulators — capable of enhancing and retarding the immune response (Green1996, Kahlon etal 1991, Sheets etall9gi).Saponins These soapy substances form 3 per cent of the gel and are general cleansers, having antiseptic properties(Hirat and Suga 1983).Plant Sterols These include Campesterol, f3 Sitosterol and Lupeol (Coats 1979).Sallcylic acid This is an aspirin-like compound possessing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Topically, it has akerolytic effect which helps to debride a wound of necrotic tissue.Amino acids These are the building blocks of proteins. Aloe vera gel provides 20 of the 22 necessary amino acids requiredby the human body and seven of the eight essential amino acids which the body cannot synthesise. Thesemust be ingested in food.What makes Aloe Vera work?It is surprising that the evident healing effects of aloe vera can be produced by such a small quantity of solidmaterial. Some people believe that there is a synergistic action between all the component ingredients, givinga result which is greater than the sum of the individual actions. The combined action of all herbalpreparations taken from whole stems, roots, leaves or fruits containing huge numbers, but very smallamounts of phyto-chemicals, stretches the boundaries of the conventional medicinal paradigm.In all allopathic (orthodox) medicine, the practice is to isolate, in a chemically pure form, the biologically activesubstance of the consitutent ingredients. These extracted drugs must be uniform in their composition inorder to demonstrate a consistent physiological effect. Perhaps there is some truth in an ancient Ayurvedictext from India: ‘Extracting drugs from a part of the plant is taking out the intelligence and throwing away thewisdom.’ Whole plant preparations, though less potent, are generally considered to be safer with fewer sideeffects.The evidence suggests that the primary sites of action for aloe vera are:Epithelial tissues — the epithelium is the layer of cells which covers the surface of the body or lines a cavitythat communicates with the surface. The skin, the largest organ of the body, is also the largest epithelialsurface — but other epithelial tissues line the nose, sinuses, lungs, mouth, oesophagus and alimentary tract,as well as the genital tract. This action on surfaces and membranes, rather than sol-id organs, may accountfor some of the healing properties of aloe vera (Davis et al 1987, Fulton 1990, Heggers 1996).The immune system — here, aloe vera exerts an effect on the cytokine system, resulting inimmunomodulation (Green 1996, Marshall et al 1993, Winters 1993). In the US, the polymannose sugar hasbeen extracted by Carrington Laborat-ories and its product, Carrisyn, has been licensed to treat theonchogenic retroviral infection which causes Ieukaemia in animals.Aloe vera appears to speed up the healing of damaged epithelial tissue in bums and leg ulcers by:Providing essential micronutrients An anti-inflammatory effect An antimicrobial effect The stimulation of skin fibroblasts (Danhoff and McAnally 1983).Aloe vera can be taken internally as an aloe vera juice drink or aloe vera gel can be used topically. Theprinciple ingredient of any product should be the stabilised aloe vera gel which is as near to the inner gel ofthe natural plant as possible. It must not, therefore, be treated with excessive heat or filtered during themanufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effect of certain essential compounds, such as theenzymes and polysaccharides. Regrettably there are many products which contain virtually no aloe and yetare marketed as though they do. Caution applies particularly to cheap capsules of dried aloe leaf.Not only does aloe vera provide nutrition and pro-duce an anti-inflammatory action, it also has a wide range ofantimicrobial activity. In-vitro experiments have been carried out on numerous organisms and have regularlyshown that, in normal strength, aloe vera is either bactericidal or bacteriostatic against a number of commonwound pathogens. ReferencesSims P Ruth M, Zimmerman ER (1971a) Effect of Aloe Vera on Herpes simplex and herpes virus (strainZoster). Aloe Vera of American Archives, 1, 239-240 Sims P, Ruth M, Zimmerman ER (1971b) The effects of Aloe Vera on Mycotic organism (fungi). Aloe Vera ofAmerican archives, 1, 237-238 Strickland FM et al (1993) Prevention of Ultraviolet radiation and induced suppression of contact anddelyed hypersensitivity by Aloe Barbadensis gel extract. Journal of investigative dermatology. 9, 6, 197-204 Winters WD (1993) Immuno-reactive lectins in leaf gel form from aloe Barbadensis Miler. PhytotherapyResearch 7, S23-25 Coats BC (1979) The Silent Healer, A Modern Study of Aloe Vera. Texas, Garland Danhoff IE, McAnally BH (1983) Stabilised Aloe Vera, its effect on human skin cells. Drugs in the CosmeticsIndustry. 133, 52-196 Mckeown E (1987) Anthraquinones and anthracenic derivatives absorb UV light. Cosmetics and toiletries. 102,64-65 Obata M et al (1993) Mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and anti thermal burn action of carboxypeptidasefrom aloe aborescens miller. Natalensis berger in rats and mice Physiotherapy research, 7, special issues,530-533 Sheets MA et al (1991) Studies of the effect of ace Mannan on retrovirus infections, clinical stabilisation offeline leukemia virus infected cats. Molecular Biothermy. 3, 41-45 Shelton MS (1991) Aloe Vera, its chemical and therapeutic properties. International journal of dermatology.30, 679-683. Davis RH Kabbani JM, Moro NP (1987) Aloe Vera and wound Healing. Journal of the American PodiatricMedical Association. 77, 4, 165-169 Fulton JE (1990) The Stimulation of postdermal abrasion wound healing with stabilised Aloe Vera gel –polythylene oxide dressing. Journal of Dermatological and Surgical Oncology, 16, 5, 460-467 Green P (1996) Aloe Vera extracts in equine clinical practice. Veterinary Times,26, 9. Heggers JP (1996) Beneficial Effect of Aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound healing model.Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2, 2, 271-277 Hirat T, Suga T (1983) The efficiency of aloe plants, chemical constituents and biological activities.Cosmetics and toiletries. 98, 105-108 Kahlon JB et al (1991) Inhibition of Aids Virus replication by Ace Mannan in vitro. Molecular Biothermy. 3,127-135. Lorenzetti LJ et al (1964) Bacteriostatic property of Aloe Vera. Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society. 53,1287-1290. Marshall GO, Gibbons AS, Parnell LS (1993) Human cytokines induced by ace Mannan. Journal of Allergy ofclinical immunology. 1, 4, 505-509.
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