Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Other Names: Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe Capensis, Aloe ferox, Aloe frutescens, Aloe Gel, Aloe indica, Aloe Latex, Aloe Leaf Gel, Aloe natalenis, Aloe Perfoliata, Aloe perryi, Aloe spicata, Aloe supralaevis, Aloe ucriae, Aloe Vera Barbenoids, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe vera, Aloes, Aloès, Aloès de Curaçao, Aloès des Barbades, Aloès du Cap, Aloès Vrai, Aloès Vulgaire, Arborescens natalenis, Barbados Aloe, Burn Plant, Cape Aloe, Chritkumari, Curacao Aloe, Elephant's Gall, Gel de la Feuille d’Aloès, Ghee-Kunwar, Ghi-Kuvar, Ghrita-Kumari, Gvar Patha, Hsiang-Dan, Indian Aloe, Jafarabad Aloe, Kanya, Kumari, Latex d’Aloès, Lily of the Desert, Lu-Hui, Miracle Plant, Plant of Immortality, Plante de l’Immortalité, Plante de la Peau, Plante de Premiers Secours, Plante Miracle, Plantes des Brûlures, Sábila.
Over the past 3,000 years, people from countries all over the world have given this plant nicknames like: The Silent Healer, Plant of Immortality, No Need of a Doctor, Man's Natural Medicine Cabinet, Pain's Natural Enemy, and Energy of Youth. Aloe is a plant originally from Africa. The long, green leaves contain ALOE GEL and a sticky yellow residue called ALOE LATEX.
Source of Anthraquinone.

Special Precautions of Aloe Vera

• Menstruating or pregnant women should not use Aloe Vera, in any form, to relieve constipation
• Some people are allergic to Aloe Vera. So if you show a rash or have any other undesirable symptoms, don't use it.
• Aloe-emodin, aloin and aloe latex (all substances naturally present in aloe juice) are classified as anthraquinones, a type of powerful laxative. Since these substances may have toxic effects, medical experts typically avoid consuming aloe juice that contains anthraquinones.
• Contraindicated in intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory intestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), appendicitis and idiopathic abdominal pain.
• There's also some concern that drinking aloe juice may lower blood sugar levels and trigger gastrointestinal problems (such as abdominal cramping and diarrhea).
• Aloe latex : People with intestinal disorders should not use aloe latex.Overdose of aloe latex can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, red urine, severe diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and possibly death.Aloe latex is not recommended for use internally for longer than 10 days, because it can cause laxative dependency. Long-term use of aloe latex may cause potassium deficiency and result in irregular heartbeat and weakness.
• Aloe gel : There haven't been problems reported with the use of aloe gel, other than occasional allergic reactions. More research on the safety of aloe needs to be done. Aloe gel should not be used for severe burns or wounds. People should seek medical attention.The safety of aloe in children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver and kidney disease has not been established.
• Aloe must be stabilized properly as a mannose digesting enzyme is activated when the plant is crushed.

Pharmacological Activities

Angiogenic, Antifungal, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Chemopreventive, Gastric mucosal protection, Hepatoprotective, Neuroprotective, Hypolipidaemic, Immunomodulatory, Immunostimulatory, Antimutagenic, Alloantigenic, Antileishmanial, Prevention of kidney stones, Radioprotective and W ound healing.

The benefits of Aloe Vera are

This plant is rich in over 300 nutrients that your body needs every day, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids, salicylic acid, etc. And the way these nutrients work in harmony is truly unique. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything else that grows naturally with this much beneficial potency. The use of Aloe Vera has been around for thousands of years. It has been used for both external and internal problems - skin rashes, burns, ulcers, internal bleeding. It also promotes bowel movements, which helps to relieve constipation.

• helps the body fight infections and malignant cells. It is also a detoxifier and an immunomodulator, meaning it will balance your immune system. One company, Mannatech, produces a stabilized aloe extract in pill form called Ambrotose. (See also : Immuno therapies)
• an astringent, acts to tighten muscles, and has purgative and laxative action - dispels fecal matter that has collected in your colon. There are many aloe vera products to choose from. For best results, choose an aloe that is close to that of fresh organic aloe whole leaf.
• Constipation, the most common form of digestive problem, is experienced when egesting becomes difficult, irregular and painful. Aloe vera becomes a powerful laxative if taken internally and maintains bowel movement that helps bring back the balance of good bacteria in the colon. This can be done by adding 2 tablespoons of pure aloe gel into a glass of apple or cranberry juice and taking it once a day in 5 days. Aloe capsules may also be taken with the proper prescription of your doctor.Drinking peppermint tea when taking aloe vera capsules can relieve mild cases constipation. You can also mix aloe gel with peppermint tea to form a constipation drink. Taking aloe vera to relieve constipation can give you good results since aloe vera has a strong action in the colon.
• Diabetes : Aloe has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics may find a need to lower medication dosages when using aloe for a long time. But monitor this with your blood tester and your doctor.
• In addition, aloe vera has a cleansing action and restores a healthy balance of the good bacteria in your colon. Diabetic patients who took aloe vera for 3 months experienced a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels. They also had lower cholesterol levels and slight improvements in total cholesterol. Numerous clinical studies have been published that demonstrate aloe vera's anti-diabetic properties.
• For skin problems : It help sooth skin injured by burns, irritations, cuts and insect bites, helps moisturize and soften the skin, can help speed the healing of skin wounds, burns and other injuries. Can relieve itching and swelling of irritated skin.
• Can speed and improve general healing when taken internally.
• Can help kill fungus and bacteria.
• May improve the effectiveness of sun screen products.
• Although not conclusive, studies have been done which indicate aloe vera may have some value in the treatment or prevention of some cancers and arthritis. Other trials have been conducted and preliminary evidence shows aloe vera may be useful in treating diabetes, immune system problems and psoriasis.
• Hemorrhoids : The very same anti-inflammatory constituents that reduce blistering and inflammation in burns also help reduce the irritation of hemorrhoids. Break off a piece of the aloe vera leaf and apply only the clear gel to the hemorrhoids.
• cancer : Aloe vera has been demonstrated to enhance the immune system's response to cancer, promote the growth of new and healthy cells, and reduce the overall viral load within the body thereby revitalizing the body in its fight against the cancer. Patients taking the aloe vera had a better quality of life and that they had fewer chemotherapy side effects such as numb fingers and fatigue. The antioxidant and restorative effects of aloe administer many benefits, such as inhibiting the growth of tumor cells, detoxifying and oxygenating your blood, and much more! Research into the anti-cancer effects of acemannan, a phytonutrient found in aloe vera, found promising results. In one study, dogs and cats undergoing radiation for cancer were given acemannan. Not only did the tumors shrink more in the acemannan-treated group, but post-treatment survival was significantly extended. Another study demonstrated that acemannan increased cells' production of nitric oxide (NO), an anti-cancer chemical strongly associated with the shrinking of cancer tumors. Although this particular research was focused on chickens, the same effect has also been observed in humans. In other studies, aloe vera showed a marked result in producing remission in skin cancers. Its highly effective antioxidant effect has also been found to help prevent skin damage from x-rays and other forms of radiation.
• HIV/AIDS : Research also showed aloe vera to possess antiviral polysaccharides, which enhance cell function. These preliminary findings led to more reports linking aloe vera to the treatment of AIDS : Aloe is to an AIDS patient such as insulin is to a diabetic.
• Normalize Cholesterol Levels 
and Maintain Heart Health
• Aloe Vera contains plant sterols that are powerful Anti-inflammatory agents.
• Acne : Probably one of the most known benefits of aloe vera is its excellent ability in improving numerous skin conditions such as acne. However, it must be noted that it does not “treat” acne but instead reduces its swelling, redness and inflammation as little as one week of application. Sufferers can simply break the aloe vera leaf and apply the watery gel to the acne area. It acts as an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial ointment for the skin.
• Burns : Aloe Vera also can also act as an anti-inflammatory ointment for the skin. Just like acne and other skin conditions like itching, insect bites, rashes and cold sores, rubbing the watery gel upon the burned skin would improve its condition. It can help reduce the redness of the skin and provide therapeutic effect on mild burns and sun burns.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) : Many herbs have shown to be an effective high blood pressure treatment, and aloe vera is no exception. Carboxypeptidase, a compound found in aloe vera, inactivates a compound called bradykinin in the blood that can weaken and damage blood vessels thus improving blood circulation. It also acts as a body alkalizer, helping maintain normal body pH level and avoiding free radical damage in veins and arteries. Adding aloe vera in you daily diet, together with regular exercise will help in preventing hypertension.
• Arthritis : Doctors define arthritis as an inflammation of one or more joints which results to stiffness, swelling and pain. Aloe Vera, which is widely known as an anti-inflammatory, is one of the best treatments for arthritis sufferers. A study published in the Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association in 1994 showed how aloe vera prevents arthritis and reduces inflammation in affected areas, showing a 70% decrease in the swelling.
• Psoriasis : A study presented at the International Congress of Dermatology showed a greater decrease in disease activity for those with plaque psoriasis who took aloe vera rather than topical steroids. Psoriasis is a skin diseases characterized by red, dry plaques of thickened skin. Most psoriasis sufferers rely on topical ointments like expensive steroids. In the study, half of the 80 patients received a 70% aloe vera cream and the other half 0.1 percent of topical steroid. After eight weeks, those who were given aloe vera cream showed greater reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
• Varicose Veins : Swollen, irregular shaped veins called varicose veins found in legs commonly develop in women and cause much self-consciousness. Treatment of aloe vera together with tea tree oil combat varicose veins as they help in reducing redness, swelling, inflammation and discomfort from mild to moderate cases. Recommended aloe vera dosage is from 50 to 200mg per day in capsule for while tea tree oil is applied three to four times a day in the affected skin.
• natural blood booster. It cleanses arteries and is anti-inflammatory. It is also rich in amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals—all of which help build strong blood.

Phytoconstituents

Aloin (barbaloin), arabinose, aloe-emodin, aloetinic acid, emodin, aloeresin A–C, aloesone, aloeride and others

Dosage

Single dose of powdered Aloe, 50–200 mg at bedtime; tincture BPC 1949 (1:40, 45% ethanol), 2–8 ml. Aloes should only be taken for short periods, maximum 8–10 days. Doses of 10–30 mg act as a bitter stomachic; 60–200 mg as a laxative and 300–1000 mg as a purgative. A dose of 1 teaspoon after meals, or otherwise advised by manufacturers and practitioners has been reported. To prevent kidney stones, a dose of 2 to 3 tablespoon daily is reported. As a laxative, the recommended dose is 500 to 1000 mg daily. For burns or wound healing, fresh gel from plant may be applied topically and liberally. For haemorrhoids, as a stool softener, 0.05 to 2 g of dry aloe extract is administered. In the treatment of HIV, 800 to 1600 mg of acemannan daily (equivalent to 0.5 to 1 L of Aloe vera juice) is administered. To relieve constipation, 20 to 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives daily, calculated as anhydrous aloin is prescribed.