Article 1

The aloe "cactus," actually a desert succulent, has been touted as one of the "miracle" plants. The gel of the plant's leaves is used for treatment, both internally and externally. It contains some amino acids, vitamins, and minerals and a salicylate substance that may help reduce inflammation. Aloe vera has been used by many cultures for centuries as a healing plant. Though a number of studies have been performed world-wide, there is not much recent research evidence regarding its positive aspects, though a great deal of anecdotal evidence has come from the many users of aloe vera juice and gel.

The most common use of Aloe vera is the application of its gel (the inside of the leaf) for burns. This is very soothing, and many people experience reduced inflammation and blistering and more rapid healing.

Aloe concentrate or dried aloe gel powder is an intestinal purgative, that helps stimulate colon activity with less of the cramping that comes with many other herbal preparations.

Aloe vera capsules are a useful remedy or preventive for constipation. The dried aloe gel is very bitter to the taste, so it must be either purified for oral use or dried and capped.

The use of aloe vera juice has been promoted with many claims of its miraculous effects. These include rapid healing of injuries, relief from arthritis, help in weight loss, alleviation of ulcers and gastrointestinal disease, and anticancer, anti-viral properties, to name a few. There is little good research to substantiate these claims, other than on the aloe constituent acemannan for HIV and cancer, but aloe vera juice seems to be completely non-toxic, and it is possible that there are some other yet-undiscovered powerful healing agents within this plant (germanium is one possibility).

More recently, in 1984, a product trademarked Carrisyn was extracted from the leaf of the common plant, Aloe barbadensis. Carrington Laboratories has conducted research with carrisyn, a long-chain polysaccharide white powder, that appears to possess many of the healing properties attributed to aloe vera. Carrisyn has been shown to promote wound healing when applied topically, as well as aiding ulcer healing or providing tissue and ulcer protection in those sensitive to inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. This aloe extract, in a 1 gram daily dosage, has also shown antiviral (and possibly anticancer) effects, helping clear the herpes and AIDS viruses, possibly by stimulating both interferon and macrophage and phagocytic white blood cell activity. Carrisyn is clearly non-toxic and very stable and may be available soon by prescription in tablets, capsules, gels, and injectables, pending FDA approval.

The common oral preparation of the aloe plant currently available is aloe vera juice, a partially refined and diluted extract of the active gel. This is sold in pints, quarts, and even gallons. Many people drink this solution beginning at 1 ounce twice daily and increasing to about 6 ounces per day. Many users describe positive health effects from drinking aloe vera juice regularly. I have taken this nutrient, and it seems at least to be very soothing and vitalising if you can get past the taste (some preparations taste better than others).

Article 2

Aloe vera (Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis)

Part used and where grown: The aloe plant originally came from Africa. The leaves are used; they are long, green, fleshy, and have spikes along the edges. The fresh leaf gel and latex is used for many purposes. Aloe latex is the sticky residue left over after the liquid from cut aloe leaves has evaporated.

In what conditions might aloe be supportive?

• constipation

• diabetes

• maintaining a healthy pancreas

• minor burns

• minor injuries

Historical or traditional use: Aloe has been historically used for many of the same conditions it is used for today, particularly constipation and for minor cuts and burns. In India, it was also used to treat intestinal infections and for suppressed menses. The root was used for colic.

Active constituents: The constituents that cause the cathartic laxative effects of aloe latex are known as anthraquinone glycosides. These molecules are split by the normal bacteria in the large intestines to form other molecules (aglycones), which exert the laxative action. Various constituents have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects as well as to stimulate wound healing.¹ Preliminary evidence also suggests an antibacterial effect.²

How much should I 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 stabilised 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 healthcare professional. For internal use of aloe gel, 30 ml three times per day is used by some people.

Are there any side effects or interactions? 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.³

Laxative preparations, if used for more than ten consecutive days, can aggravate constipation and cause dependency. Constipation that doesn't resolve within a few days of use of laxatives may require medical attention.
References:

1. Pennies NS. Inhibition of arachidonic acid oxidation in vitro by vehicle components. Acta Derm Venerol Stockh 1981; 62:59-61.

2. Bruce W. Investigations of the antibacterial activity in the aloe. S Afr Med J 1967; 41:984.

3. Schmidt JM, Greensppon JS. Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay in wound healing. Ob Gyn 1991; 78:115-7.

Article 3

Two extracts of Aloe vera have long been used therapeutically. The clear, mucilaginous gel collected from the fleshy part of the leaf is taken internally for its purported antioxidant, immune stimulant, anti-cancer and anti-viral effects, or may be applied topically to aid skin/wound healing and soothe irritation. The yellow latex, a wax that's obtained from the leaves and traditionally called bitter Aloe vera, is used as a laxative. Bitter Aloe vera is typically dried to a brown resinous powder before use; Aloe vera gel is used fresh or stabilised.

This particular botanical monograph reviews the broad range of Aloe vera therapeutic uses, and the degree to which these applications are substantiated by scientifically sound research varies.

According to Hamilton, studies indicate that while Aloe vera aids in healing "partial thickness" wounds-wounds that occur on the epidermis, the top layer of skin-it is counterproductive in treating "full-thickness" wounds, such as caesarean section incisions. This is because "full-thickness" wounds involve the dermis, the skin below the epidermis, which ". . fuse[s] too quickly," according to Hamilton. This quick fusion prevents deep skin layers from healing.

In other studies, Aloe vera has been found to be effective in treating cosmetic dermabrasion, frostbite, psoriasis and eczema. Studies of Aloe vera and burns yield contradictory results. Several studies support its wound healing effects after dental procedures.

Aloe vera gel is also widely consumed as ulcer self-medication. Hamilton calls for more research on Aloe vera effects on these "internal wounds."

A University of Texas study indicates that Aloe vera stimulates collagen synthesis and maturation during the wound-healing process of granulation. Other studies that combined oral and topical Aloe vera use confirm this effect on collagen, and indicate that Aloe vera also influences inflammation, fibroplasia (the formation of fibrous tissue), and wound contraction.

Aloe vera has been successfully used as a "potentiating, biologically active vehicle for hydrocortisone," helping reduce inflammation while "block[ing] hydrocortisone's inhibitory effect on wound healing," according to Hamilton. Aloe vera also appears to inhibit "the release of reactive oxygen species by human PMN (polymorphonucleocytes), reducing its harmful effects at the site of inflammation." Researchers proposed three primary mechanisms to explain these effects: first, the Aloe vera compounds emodin, Aloe vera-emodin, and aloin have been shown to produce salicylates when metabolised; second, another Aloe vera constituent, magnesium lactate, inhibits histadine decarboxlyase, a compound involved in histamine formation in mast cells; third, Aloe vera glycoprotein NY945 inhibits mast cell production of leukotrines, compounds involved with inflammation.

In animal studies, Aloe vera demonstrates possible chemopreventive properties -the juice appears to inhibit cancer-cell division.

Acemannan, a carbohydrate fraction obtained from the gel, demonstrates anti-viral activity that is similar to the overall anti-viral action of the gel. In addition, Aloe vera contains at least seven superoxide dismutases, compounds with anti-oxidant activity.

It is not clear whether all of the studies cited in this monograph used controls, although in some cases the effects of Aloe vera were compared to the effects of topical anti-infective and vulnerary drugs.-Betsy Levy

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