Aloe vera

Aloe vera syn. A. barbadensis

Aloe is the source of two products that are completely different in their chemical composition and their therapeutic properties but which have very similar names that are sometimes interchanged. Aloe (aloe vera) gel or mucilage is a thin, clear, jellylike material obtained from the so-called parenchymal tissue making up the inner portion of aloe leaves. It is prepared from the leaf by various procedures, all of which involve its separation not only from the inner cellular debris but, especially, from specialized cells known as pericyclic tubules that occur just beneath the epidermis or rind of these same leaves. Such cells contain a bitter yellow latex or juice that is dried to produce the pharmaceutical product known as aloe, an active cathartic.

Aloe gel (mucilage) is used both externally and internally for its wound-healing properties and as a general tonic or cure-all. This is the aloe product commonly incorporated in a wide variety of non-laxative drug and cosmetic products. Aloe latex or juice, usually in its dried form, is employed as a potent cathartic. Unfortunately, the mechanical separation processes employed are often not completely effective. As such, aloe gel is sometimes contaminated with aloe latex, thus inducing an unwanted laxative effect following consumption of the so-called gel. In addition, advertisements prepared by copywriters who do not understand the vast difference between aloe gel and aloe juice often use the word juice to describe the thin mucilaginous gel.

To confuse matters even more thoroughly, there is still another product called aloe that is entirely different from the two just described. That is the aloe of the Bible, the so-called lignaloes or aloe wood, a fragrant wood from an entirely different plant that was once used as an incense. It has nothing to do with the aloe we are discussing except that some persons try to glamorize aloe gel by incorrectly ascribing to it a biblical origin. The names may be the same, but the plants referred to are not. Actually, aloe latex has been used as a laxative for about eighteen centuries, but neither it nor aloe gel is referred to in the Bible.

Having disposed of these nomenclatural difficulties, let us return to the use of aloe gel (mucilage) as a wound-healing agent and all-around remedy. Although many sources agree that the gel possesses some activity in its fresh state, there is controversy over whether this activity is retained during storage. Commercial processors claim that the stability problem has been overcome, and a "stabilized" product is incorporated in a wide variety of preparations, including juices, gels, ointments, creams, lotions, and shampoos.

However, at least one scientific test failed to verify any beneficial effects of a "stabilized" aloe vera gel on human cells. Fluid from fresh leaf sources was found to promote significantly the attachment and growth of normal human cells grown in artificial culture. It also enhanced the healing of wounded monolayers of the cells. On the other hand, the "stabilized" commercial product not only failed to induce such effects but actually proved toxic to the cultured cells. The investigators who carried out these studies concluded that commercially prepared aloe vera gel fractions "can markedly disrupt the in vitro attachment and growth of human cells."

Review of several other studies led to the conclusion that a number of them did provide evidence to support the use of aloe vera gel, and some preparations containing it, for the treatment of various types of skin ulceration in humans and burn and frostbite injuries in animals. More recently, a cream base containing aloe was found effective in preserving circulation in the skin after frostbite injury. Stabilized aloe vera was shown to produce a dramatic acceleration of wound healing in patients who had undergone full-face dermabrasion.

It is postulated that aloe may function in such cases by inhibiting bradykinin, a pain-producing agent; also, it apparently hinders the formation of thromboxane, whose activity is detrimental to burn wound healing. Aloe gel also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies on the mechanism of action of aloe gel or partially purified extracts in vitro on skin wound-healing repair processes provides evidence that aloe stimulates fibroblast and epithelial cell growth, induces lectinlike responses in human immune cells, and stimulates neuronlike cell growth. Still, relatively little is known about the identity and stability of the ingredients responsible for these effects. A glycoprotein fraction has been shown to promote cell growth in human and animal cell media, while a polysaccharide fraction did not stimulate growth. Many compounds of aloe are probably subject to deterioration on storage, so use of the fresh gel is the only way to be certain of maximal activity.

In addition, various commercial preparations often contain minimal amounts of aloe. One way to determine the relative quantity present is to determine the position of aloe in the list of ingredients stated on the label. If it is not near the top, the amount present is probably quite small. Also, be cautious about preparations labeled "aloe vera extract," which may be highly diluted or "reconstituted aloe vera," meaning that the product has been prepared from a powder or liquid concentrate.

Aloe gel (often incorrectly designated "juice") is described in the popular literature as a cleanser, anesthetic, antiseptic, antipyretic, antipruritic, nutrient, moisturizer, and vasodilator and is also said to possess anti-inflammatory properties and to promote cell proliferation. Recommendations for internal use range from the treatment of coughs to constipation; externally aloe vera is used primarily for burns, for conditioning the skin, and even for headache. One Arkansas physician applied it to relieve the symptoms of poison ivy. The utility of aloe in treating many of these conditions has not been verified.

Mixed results have been published on the traditional use of aloe juice in treating diabetes. A controlled clinical study involved seventy-seven volunteers who were administered one tablespoonful of aloe juice, twice a day for up to forty-two days. A significant reduction in blood sugar and triglyceride levels was observed in the treatment group. This conflicts with an earlier study that was unable to support benefit of claimed efficacy in diabetes mellitus or in gastric ulcers.

In the 1990s, a body of scientific literature has arisen providing a rational scientific basis for aloe's use in treating minor wounds and burns. This provides a foundation to support an impressive body of folklore attesting to aloe's healing properties on external application.

Many people keep a potted aloe plant on the windowsill in the kitchen so that a leaf can be cut off and the freshly exuded gel applied to minor burns. Since the safety of such procedures has never been questioned, it is a therapy that has much to recommend it. Also, the treatment is inexpensive and overcomes the potential problems of stability and retention of the gel's desirable properties following commercial processing and storage.

The properties of aloe vera mean that it is excellent as a vulnary or wound healer, mainly due to the anthraquinones, and the gel is particularly noted for its soothing quality when used topically on the skin. Internally the gel is also useful as a healer, particularly in the digestive system. Generally, the gel is good for the immune system. The laxative effect derives from the irritant nature of the yellow sap, which in lower doses stimulates the colon producing a bowel movement. However, in larger doses it acts as a purgative, giving a much more vigorous action, which can result in griping pains. New scientific interest is in the use of aloe vera for radiation burns.

Other names

• Aloes
• Barbados Aloe
• Curacao Aloe
• Kumari
• Lu Hui

Parts used

Leaves exude a bitter liquid, which is dried and known as "bitter aloes." They also contain a clear gel, which is a soothing skin remedy.

Uses

Beauty treatment - Aloe vera has a long history as a skin lotion -Cleopatra is said to have attributed her beauty to it.
Western remedy - In the West, aloe vera first became popular in the 1950s when its ability to heal burns, in particular radiation burns, was discovered.
First aid - Aloe vera is an excellent first aid remedy to keep in the home for burns, scrapes, scalds, and sunburn. A leaf broken off releases soothing gel, which may be applied to the affected part.
Skin conditions - The gel is useful for almost any skin condition that needs soothing and astringing, and will help varicose veins to some degree.
Ulcers - The protective and healing effect of aloe vera also works internally, and the gel can be used for peptic ulcers and  irritable bowel syndrome.
Laxative - The bitter yellow liquid in the leaves (bitter aloes) contains anthraquinones, which are strongly laxative. They cause the colon to contract, generally producing a bowel movement 8 - 12 hours after consumption. At low doses, the bitter properties of the herb stimulate the digestion. At higher doses, bitter aloes are laxative and purgative.
Aloe vera is also used to treat balanitis, electric shock, and jellyfish sting.

HOMEOPATHY
The aloe has been used in medicine from early times both as a purgative and tonic. The Greeks and Romans thought aloe was good for stimulating bile flow in order to cure abdominal afflictions. In the early part of the 20th century, aloe was frequently used as a purgative. The homeopathic remedy was first proved by Dr. Constantine Hering in 1864.
This remedy is used to treat congestion, especially in the pelvic organs, abdomen, and head; for example minor prolapse of the uterus, prostate problems, constipation, and headaches. It is also useful for diarrhea with painful urination brought on by food intolerance. This is a common remedy for people who have a very sedentary lifestyle, especially the elderly and those who suffer fatigue. Aloe is also useful for those who have drunk too much alcohol, especially beer.

Habitat & cultivation

Native to eastern and southern Africa, aloe vera grows wild in the tropics and is cultivated extensively worldwide. (The plants grown as potted plants have a low anthraquinone content.) Aloe vera is propagated by breaking off small rooted plantlets. To collect the gel and bitter liquid, the leaves are cut and drained as required.

Research

Healing properties - Extensive research since the 1930s in the US and Russia has shown that the clear gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers, and burns, putting a protective coat on the affected area and speeding up the rate of healing. This action is in part due to the presence of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system.

Constituents

Aloe vera contains: anthraquinone glycosides, resins, polysaccharides, sterols, gelonins, chromones.

How much to take

For constipation, a single 50-200 mg capsule of aloe latex can be taken each day for a maximum of ten days. Topically for minor burns, the stabilized aloe gel is applied to the affected area of skin three to five times per day; Treatment of more serious burns should only be done after first consulting a health care professional. For internal use of aloe gel, 30 ml three times per day is used by some people.

Side effects

Except in the rare person who is allergic to aloe, topical application of the gel is harmless. For any burn that blisters significantly or is otherwise severe, medical attention is absolutely essential. In some severe burns and wounds, aloe gel may actually impede healing. Laxative preparations, if used for more than ten consecutive days, can aggravate constipation and cause dependency. Constipation that does not resolve within a few days of use of laxatives may require medical attention.

Applications

GEL :

FRESH - Apply the split leaf directly to burns, wounds, dry skin, fungal infections, and insect bites. Take up to 2 tsp in a glass of water or fruit juice, three times a day, as a tonic.

OINTMENT - Split several leaves to collect a large quantity of gel, and boil it down to a thick paste. Store in clean jars in a cool place and use like the fresh leaves.

TONIC WINE - Fermented aloe gel with honey and spices is known as kumaryasava in India and is used as a tonic for anemia, poor digestive function, and liver disorders.

INHALATION - Use the gel in a steam inhalant for bronchial congestion.

LEAVES:

TINCTURE - Use 1-3 ml per dose as an appetite stimulant or for constipation. The taste is unpleasant.

POWDER - Use 100 - 500 mg per dose or in capsules as a purgative for stubborn constipation and to stimulate bile flow.

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