Aloe Vera Product Properties

There is a wide range of research from all over the world based upon different species of Aloe. These hyperlinks let you read more about the remarkable history, properties, uses, and constituents found in Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera).

BRIEF HISTORY OF ALOE VERA

For over 5000 years, Folk medicine has celebrated the juice of the aloe vera plant for its healing properties and it has been rediscovered repeatedly throughout history. Aloe vera is often called Nature's Miracle Plant or Nature's Pharmacy and that's hardly an exaggeration given the remarkable healing properties of the succulent leaves. Historical records tell of aloe's usage by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Algerians, Morocans, Tunisians, Arabians, Indians and Chinese. The earliest written reference to its almost magical curative powers is in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus dating from 1500 B.C. and aloe's are even mentioned in the The Holy Bible.

Historians have written that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the Island Socotra (East Africa), in order to have enough aloe to threat the wounds of his soldiers.

African Congo hunters rubbed their bodies with aloe to reduce perspiration and human scent, enabling them to approach their prey with less chance of detection.

From the treatment of digestive dysfunction, to use as a healing accelerant for surface wounds, medical practitioners have administered Aloe Vera to patients for centuries.

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ALOE VERA, A WONDER PLANT

In today's fast changing world, people are starting to realize that nature has the answers to many of our health and beauty needs. People are going back to natural products whenever possible. There are more than 200 kinds of Aloe, ranging from tiny little one-inch plants to others as tall as a tree. While many varieties of Aloe have been used with some success in folk medicine, only Aloe Vera barbadensis has been scientifically proven to possess the remarkable healing and curative powers that have become so widely known throughout the world. Scientific studies on aloe vera have been published for decades proving its effectiveness in multitude of conditions. There have been numerous world-wide scientific studies by authoritative and respected medical researchers revealing aloe's unique healing benefits for people and animals as well.

Most people are familiar with the recuperative properties of aloe vera and confirm in testimonials the curative effects on:

	burns, scalds, rashes, sores itching
	abrasions, cults, injuries, scars, skin ulcers
	stretch marks, acne, age spots, bruising
	sun burns, varicose veins, hemorrhoids
	dandruff, pimples and cold sores
	gingivitis, denture sores, bad breath
	sore throats, nasal and sinus congestion
	indigestion's, heartburn, stomach ulcer
	constipation, muscle cramps, colitis
	asthma, hey fever, herpes, headaches
	aches and pains, arthritis, bursitis
	rheumatism, eezema, dermatitis
	psoriasis, thrust, scalp problems

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CONSTITUENTS

The aloe constituents are derived from the aloe leaf which has three primary sections: the rind (photosynthesis) with sap contained in the pericyclic transport tubules (xylem and phloem), the mucilage (container) layer and the parenchyma or gel fillet (storage) layer. The relative quantities of the aloe constituents may be quite small (the total solid fraction varies from 0.5 to 1.5%), but most researchers claim that many of the observed effects may be due to the synergistic actions of the 75 known ingredients. The table represents a consensus view of published work so may not be complete. The properties and associated activities reported in the table have been constructed using the reference cited below the table.

Constituents	Number & Identification	Properties & Activity	Comment
Amino Acids	Aloe vera provides 20 of the 22  amino acids required  by humans & 7 of the 8 essential ones	Provides the basic building blocks of proteins in the production of muscle tissue etc	The 8 essential amino acids are those the human body cannot manufacture. Aloe vera has all but tryptophan.
Anthraquinones	Aloe vera provides 12 anthraquinones: Aloe emodin, Aloetic Acid, Aloin, Anthracine, Antranol, Barbaloin, Chrysophanic Acid, Emodin, Ethereal Oil, Ester of Cinnamonic Acid, Isobarbaloin, Resistannol.	In relatively small concentrations together with the Gel fraction they provide analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal & antiviral activity. In high concentrations on their own they can be toxic.	Traditionally known as laxatives.The antraquinones are found in the sap. The anthraquinone derivatives (anthrones & chromones) comprise the phenolic fraction of the sap. They contribute to the bitter taste and the yellow colorouration of the gel/sap mixture. The primary sap component is the Aloin/Barbaloin anthrone derivative.
Enzymes	Aloe vera provides 8 enzymes: Aliiase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Amylase, Carboxypeptidase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Peroxidase	Helps breakdown of food sugars and fats aiding digestion & enhancing nutrient absorbtion	Enzymes help the nutrients in our food be more easily absorbed.
Hormones	Auxins & Gibberellins	Wound healing & anti-inflammatory properties
Lignin	Cellulose based substance	Thought to provide penetrating power in Aloe vera skin preparations and may act as a carrier for other components
Minerals	Aloe vera provides 9 minerals: Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc	Essential for good health and work best in certain combimations with each other, vitamins and other trace elements.	Calcium for bones and teeth Chromium for maintaining blood sugar levels and insulin Copper for helps iron act as the oxygen carrier in blood Iron is the "haem" part of haemoglobin which transports oxygen around the body Magnesium for bone formation with calcium and also for nerves and muscles for conduction of electric impulses Manganese for enzyme production and activation Potassium helps maintain the acid-base balance Sodium helps maintain the acid-base balance and the uptake of nutrients in cells Zinc is involved in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc deficiency can lead to schizophrenia.
Salicylic Acid	Aspirin like compound	Analgesic
Saponins	Glycosides	Soapy substances both cleansing and antiseptic
Sterols	Aloe vera provides 4 main plant steroids: Cholesterol, Campesterol, Lupeol, ß Sitosterol	Anti-inflammatory agents. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties
Sugars	Monosaccharides: glucose & fructose Polysaccarides: gluco-mannans / polymannose	Anti-inflammatory action Anti-viral, immune modulating activity of Acemannan	The long chain gluco-mannans are absorbed intact by the pinocytotic process of certain cells lining the digestive tract.
Vitamins	Aloe vera provides these vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, Choline, B12, Folic Acid	Antioxidant (A,C,E): neutralise free radicals	A (Carotene) is required to maintain normal & night vision. B's & Choline involved in amino acid metabolism, B12 required for production of red blood cells, Folic Acid in the development of blood cells

References

The Essential Aloe Vera, The Actions And The Evidence, by Dr Peter Atherton, 2nd Edition, 1997

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WHAT MAKES ALOE VERA WORK

There have been numerous worldwide scientific studies by authoritative and respected medical researchers revealing aloe's wide spread health benefits for people and animals as well.

The active ingredient contained in aloe vera is mucopolysaccharides. They are long-chain sugars found in large amounts in the plant and properly prepared whole-leaf aloe juice. Scientists and the Health field have just begun in the last few years to recognize the major role that mucopolysaccharides (MPS) play in human and animal health. They are found in every single cell in the body and are as vital to a healthy body as bricks are to a brick house.

The human body stops manufacturing MPS around puberty. After this, one must begin to receive them from outside sources.

One of the very best sources comes from whole leaf aloe vera. Experts agree that mucopolysaccharides contributes to good health and their deficiency can produce drastic degenerative diseases.

Aloe vera contains all the essential minerals, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes needed for rapid cell regeneration and improve overall health and appearance.

Inherent in aloe vera is its unique ability to penetrate damaged infected tissue until it reaches healthy tissue. Aloe vera enzymes then eat (breakdown) the damaged cells and regenerate the healthy cells.

Aloe vera, a natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Aloe vera as a pain killer, antibiotic and biogenic (cellular) stimulator.

We know that cold-processed Aloe Vera gel, often in combination with other ingredients, can help reduce inflammation at wound sites, relieve pain, speed wound healing by accelerating cell replication, improve vascular (blood) flow, inhibit the production of thromboxanes that interfere with healing, and reduce scarring. Given all this, it is hardly surprising that many in the medical commu-nity have suggested the possibility that Aloe Vera gel may well turn out to be the next "wonder drug" of our age!

Adding to the above, cold-processed Aloe Vera gel has the same pH reaction as human skin, is hypoallergenic, has anti-itching properties, is a superior skin penetrant, and is an effective skin moisturizer.

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PROPERTIES OF ALOE VERA

When asked what aloe vera is used for, people would almost universally answer "BURNS", with possibly a few cosmetic skin products. But aloe is increasingly being seen as a natural healer for more than just burns.

Many scientific studies have shown aloe vera, either taken internally or applied to the skin, to have positive effects these include: a natural cleanser

The following properties of aloe vera appear repeatedly and are well documented,

	it relieves pain deep beneath the surface
	it is a natural cleanser
	it penetrates tissues deeply
	it is a mild antibiotic
	it is anti-inflammatory - its action being similar to steroids
	it is anti-puritic, relieves itching
	it is nutritional, providing a wide range of nutrients including, vitamins E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, Folic acid, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, sulfur, 18 amino acids.
	it stimulates normal cellular growth, hastening the regenerative phase of healing.
	it dissolves and digests dead cells through the action of proteolytic enzymes, enhancing the degenerative phase of healing
	it is an effective humectant, promotes the retention of water in skin tissues

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ALOE VERA AND REPORTED INTERNAL EFFECTS

Aloe Vera and the Stomach & Intestines: Over 250 years ago, the Curanderos and Curanderas of the Rio Grande river valley recommended taking Aloe gel internally for "las enferemedades del estomago y los intestinospero espcialmente para las ulceras," or to relieve diseases of the stomach-especially ulcers. This and other anecdotal reports have led modern science to investigate the effects of Aloe when taken internally.

Studies have been conducted on lab animals that show Aloe apparently producing an 80% reduction in the number of ulcers being formed, and if administered after the formation of ulcers, healing was three times faster! (Galal et al, 1975).

In one laboratory study Aloe Vera gel pretreatment was 85% effective in preventing stomach lesions, and 50% better than the controls in healing gastric ulcerations. (Kandil and Gobran, 1979).

A second study showed that when Aloe was mixed with heavy liquid petrolatum (2:1) and given to 12 human patients, ages 24 to 84 years old with duodenal ulcers, all 12 subjects achieved a complete recovery with no recurrence for at least one year. However, it should be noted that duodenal ulcers often heal by themselves without medical intervention. (Blitz et al, 1963).

Aloe Vera and the Heart: Coronary heart disease associated with the accumulation of blood fats (lipids) in the lining of the arteries is still one of the major causes of death in the United States. Several studies in animal and human subjects suggest the regular ingestion of Aloe Vera gel may have a substantially beneficial effect on the lowering of serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum phospholipids. When elevated quantities of these three elements exist, there seems to be a marked increase in the deposit of fatty materials in the large and medium-sized arteries and the coronary arteries of the heart itself.

In one study, laboratory animals were fed high cholesterol diets with the experimental group additionally being given glucomannan (polysaccharides derived from Aloe Vera gel).

Compared with the control animals, the group fed the Aloe Vera fractions showed a marked decrease in total cholesterol levels, a decrease in triglyceride, phospholipid, and nonesterified fatty acid levels, and an increase in HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).

In another study involving 5,000 patients, the subjects were fed a mixture of Isabgal (a plant that provides fiber) and Aloe Vera gel. There were remarkable effects in three important areas: 1) Fatty Metabolism; again, a decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increase in HDL cholesterol, and 2) Carbohydrate Metabolism: a decrease in fasting blood sugar levels and decrease in post-prandial (after meal) elevation in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, and 3) in the area of Angina pectoris (chest pain due to insufficient delivery of oxygen to the heart) a decrease in the frequency of anginal attacks.

These, and other studies, seem to suggest that the regular ingestion of Aloe Vera gel may in fact have a positive effect on fat metabolism, which, if active in humans, would tend to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. (Joshi and Dixit, 1986).

The effects of regular ingestion of Aloe Vera gel and its reported lowering of serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum phospholipids, and the effects it seems to produce in several systems of the body, may account for reports of widespread use of Aloe Vera juice overseas as a treatment of circulatory and heart problems.

Aloe Vera Gel and Anti-Cancer Effects: A common cancer experimental research model is sarcoma-180. When Aloe Vera was administered to mice with S-180 tumors, the tumor growth was inhibited. (Soeda, 1969; Suzuki, 1979) Similarly, Alexin B, a specific molecule derived from Aloe, was shown to possess anti-cancer activity against lymphocytic leukemia. (Suzuki, 1979a)

Aloe Vera, the Immune System & AIDS: There are several mechanisms which contribute to the immuno-logical protection enjoyed by healthy humans. Among them, the ingestion of bacteria and potentially harmful agents by certain white blood cells (called phagocytosis) and the formation of antibodies are probably the most important. Scientific evidence suggests that Aloe Vera gel contains substances that are active both in stimulating phagocytosis and stimulating the formation of antibodies.

Perhaps the most far-reaching and exciting possibilities of the ingestion of Aloe Vera is in the area of the effects of Aloe Vera gel fractions on the status of HIV-the cause of AIDS.

The polysaccharides found in Aloe Vera gel were shown to exhibit antiviral activity and enhance immune cell function. The polysaccharide was administered orally to eight patients with ARC (AIDS Related Complex). All eight showed improvement within 90 days. Fever and night sweats were eliminated, diarrhea was alleviated in two of three patients, and opportunistic infections (usually responsible for the death of the AIDS victim) were controlled or eliminated in six of eight patients.

Two patients, unemployable due the intensity of their symptoms, returned to full employment. Three of three patients showed a decline in HIV core antigen (P-24). Initially positive HIV cultures became negative in three patients. Clinical toxicity and side-effects were entirely absent. Acute toxicity studies in animals showed no toxicity whatever. (McDaniel and McAnalley, 1988)

While these experiments were uncontrolled, they do encourage hope for the treatment of this terrible affliction. Currently, research continues to substantiate these and the claims of other researchers as to the effects of Aloe Vera gel on HIV.

 
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