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From Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Author: Judith
Turner. http://www.gale.com
 Aloe
Biologic components: Aloe Vera contains a
wealth of substances that are biologically active. The laxative, and
in large doses, purgative, effects of Aloe Vera latex are
attributable to a group of chemicals known as the anthraquinones.
Aloin, barbaloin, and aloe-emodin, and aloectic acid, are a few of
the anthraquinones contained in the latex layer. The latest, and
perhaps most exciting component discovered in Aloe Vera is a
biologically active polysaccharide known as acetylated mannose, or
acemannan. This substance has been shown to be a highly effective
immune stimulant, with activity against the viruses causing the flu,
measles, and early stages of AIDS. It has been used effectively
against some veterinary cancers, most notably sarcoma, and is being
investigated as an agent to be used to treat cancer in humans.
Acemannan is one of many saccharides contained in Aloe Vera Some of
the others are arabinose, cellulose, galactose, mannose, and xylose.
Prostaglandins are a third important set of compounds, and are
thought to play a major role in wound healing. Aloe Vera also
contains fatty acids, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and
other substances. The interaction of all these components produces a
favorable environment for wound healing.
General use: Few botanicals are as well
known or as highly thought of as the Aloe Vera plant. Throughout
recorded history, it has been used to keep skin beautiful and restore
it to health. A frequent moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics and
hair care products, it also promotes the healing of burns and
superficial wounds, but should not be used on deep or surgical wounds
of punctures. Topical application has been successful in treatment of
sunburn, frostbite, radiation injuries, some types of dermatitis,
psoriasis, cuts, insect stings, poison ivy, ulcerations, abrasions,
and other dermatologic problems. Healing is promoted by the
anti-inflammatory components, including several glycoproteins and
salicylates, and substances that stimulate growth of skin and
connective tissue. Aloe Vera contains a number of vitamins and
minerals that are necessary to healing, including vitamin C, vitamin
E, and zinc. It also exerts antifungal and antibacterial effects, and
thus helps to prevent wound infections. One study showed it to have a
little more activity than the antiseptic silver sulfadiazine against
a number of common bacteria that can infect the skin. It has
moisturizing and pain relieving properties for the skin lesions, in
addition to healing effects.
Aloe Vera gel products may also be used internally.
They should not contain the laxative chemicals found in the latex
layer. There is some evidence that Aloe Vera juice has a beneficial
effect on peptic ulcers, perhaps inhibiting the causative bacteria,
Helicobacter pylori. It appears to have a soothing effect on the
ulcer, and interferes with the release of hydrochloric acid by the
stomach. Colitis and other conditions of the intestinal tract may
also respond favorably to the internal use of gel products. Aloe Vera
has been shown to exert a stabilizing effect on blood sugar in
studies done on mice, indicating a possible place for it in the
treatment of diabetes. One study suggested that giving Aloe Vera
extract orally to patients with asthma who are not dependent on
steroids could improve symptoms. A health care provider should be
consulted about these uses. Other suggested, but insufficiently
proven, indications for oral Aloe Vera gel include prevention of
kidney stones and relief of arthritis pain. Aloe Vera products
derived from the latex layer are taken orally for the laxative
effect. They can cause painful contractions of the bowel if taken in
high doses. Milder measures are recommended first.
The concentration of the immune stimulant acemannan is
variable in the natural plant, as well as gel and juice products, but
it is also available in a purified, standardized, pharmaceutical
grade form. An injectable type is used in veterinary medicine to
treat fibrosarcoma and feline leukemia, a condition caused by a virus
in the same family as AIDS.
Continued
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