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Aloe Plant Offers More than Sunburn Relief
Aloe Plant Offers More than Sunburn Relief
Author: Mark Lange Sept 18, 2007 Source
The aloe plant is one of the world's oldest and most frequently used natural supplements. Aloe juice, gel,
and leaves have played a role in medicine since the 4th century B.C., when ancient Greek doctors
obtained it from Arab traders for its healing properties. Using aloe topically gained popularity in the United
States in the 1930s, with reports of its success in soothing x-ray burns. Today, the aloe plant is used in
the production of a wide range of products created to treat what ails you, from digestive tract issues to
mouth ulcers.
Aloe: Then and Now
Christopher Columbus once said, "Four vegetables are indispensable for the well-being of man: Wheat,
the grape, the olive and aloe. The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit, the third brings him
harmony, and the fourth cures him." Many people would agree with Columbus that the aloe plant is worth
keeping around for its bountiful benefits. It is one of nature's most useful plants, and one that people
have been turning to for centuries.
The first recorded reference to the aloe plant as a treatment or remedy was found on a Sumerian clay
tablet in 2200 B.C., discovered south of Baghdad. The second reference to aloe was in 1550 B.C. on a
piece of papyrus discovered in Egypt. This artifact contains what is considered to be the first detailed
discussion of the medicinal value of aloe. The piece of papyrus lists 12 recipes that utilize aloe to treat
internal and external conditions.
Today, aloe juice and aloe leaves continue to be a natural, reliable ingredient in both topical and
ingested formulas designed to promote wellness. Aloe vera gel is the most commonly known form of aloe,
and is used in skin lotions and sun blocks for its ability to protect skin. The aloe gel is the thin, clear
jelly-like substance that comes from within the leaves and is used to treat minor skin irritations, burns and
eczema. The gel has agents that control pain and inflammation and helps to repair damaged cells. The
emollient effect of the gel is due to the polysaccharides, or long chains of sugar, contained in the gel. It is
theorized that aloe's anti-inflammatory effect may result from blockage of the conversion of histidine to
histamine as a result of the inhibition of histidine decarboxylase. Wound healing is believed to result from
increased blood flow to the wounded area.
Although it is used most commonly to soothe minor skin injuries, aloe can treat a wide variety of health
issues. Aloe latex, also called aloe sap, is a bitter, yellow liquid derived from the outer layer of the leaves
of the aloe plant. It contains naturally occurring substances, including anthraquinones that stimulate
contractions of walls of digestive track. When taken by mouth, aloe latex has a very strong laxative effect
in pharmaceutical medications. Aloe juice works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down
impacted food residues and cleanse the bowel. It can help ease occasional constipation and help
maintain regularity, thereby reducing discomfort and bloating. When aloe sap is used in products other
than digestive medications, the manufacturer can remove the anthraquinones so that there is no laxative
effect.
To take advantage of the digestive benefits of the aloe plant, aloe juice is used as a whole leaf extract.
Obtained by pressing the entire leaf, aloe juice can be used as a functional ingredient in the form of a
juice or powder. In dietary supplements, acemanna, the major water-soluble carbohydrate derived from
the botanical, has been used for immune support and relieving oxidative stress.
Oral application of aloe is gaining popularity because the gel has the ability to promote healing against
mouth ulcers, which occur in 15 to 20 percent of the population, and have been resistant to conventional
approaches to treatment. Application of aloe orally promotes optimal healing. In addition, denture patients
who use aloe often experience increased comfort. It is theorized that oral administration of aloe vera
might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients, as well as for reducing blood
lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia.
Although the aloe plant is known to be a highly-effective and safe treatment option, there are some
individuals who should use caution when considering using the aloe plant. If a person is allergic to plants
in the lily family; such as garlic, onions and tulips, they should avoid taking aloe in any form or applying it
topically to the skin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using
aloe because aloe juice can affect potassium levels and cardiac rhythm. In addition, oral aloe latex should
be avoided by people with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities because the laxative effect can
affect blood potassium levels.
Conclusion
Aloe juice, aloe gel, aloe vera and other derivatives of the aloe plant have supported the health of people
from all over the world throughout history. Known mainly for its ability to soothe sunburns or minor pains,
the botanical is a precious resource that can be used to treat an extensive range of ailments, including
many digestive problems. Aloe, a plant recognized for its unique properties for centuries, will no doubt
play a significant role in consumers' health well into the 21st century.
Author Mark Lange, Ph.D., is the director of quality control for Market America; he previously served as
scientific director at the Institute for Nutraceutical Advancement, an international effort to harmonize test
methods for the supplement industry. Lange is holder of two patents and several peer-reviewed research
articles in the areas of electrochemistry and plant chemistry. Dr. Lange has also provided consulting
services to help companies establish quality systems and meet GMP requirements. For more information
about Market America, please visit www.marketamerica.com.
Author: Mark Lange Sept 18, 2007 Source
The aloe plant is one of the world's oldest and most frequently used natural supplements. Aloe juice, gel,
and leaves have played a role in medicine since the 4th century B.C., when ancient Greek doctors
obtained it from Arab traders for its healing properties. Using aloe topically gained popularity in the United
States in the 1930s, with reports of its success in soothing x-ray burns. Today, the aloe plant is used in
the production of a wide range of products created to treat what ails you, from digestive tract issues to
mouth ulcers.
Aloe: Then and Now
Christopher Columbus once said, "Four vegetables are indispensable for the well-being of man: Wheat,
the grape, the olive and aloe. The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit, the third brings him
harmony, and the fourth cures him." Many people would agree with Columbus that the aloe plant is worth
keeping around for its bountiful benefits. It is one of nature's most useful plants, and one that people
have been turning to for centuries.
The first recorded reference to the aloe plant as a treatment or remedy was found on a Sumerian clay
tablet in 2200 B.C., discovered south of Baghdad. The second reference to aloe was in 1550 B.C. on a
piece of papyrus discovered in Egypt. This artifact contains what is considered to be the first detailed
discussion of the medicinal value of aloe. The piece of papyrus lists 12 recipes that utilize aloe to treat
internal and external conditions.
Today, aloe juice and aloe leaves continue to be a natural, reliable ingredient in both topical and
ingested formulas designed to promote wellness. Aloe vera gel is the most commonly known form of aloe,
and is used in skin lotions and sun blocks for its ability to protect skin. The aloe gel is the thin, clear
jelly-like substance that comes from within the leaves and is used to treat minor skin irritations, burns and
eczema. The gel has agents that control pain and inflammation and helps to repair damaged cells. The
emollient effect of the gel is due to the polysaccharides, or long chains of sugar, contained in the gel. It is
theorized that aloe's anti-inflammatory effect may result from blockage of the conversion of histidine to
histamine as a result of the inhibition of histidine decarboxylase. Wound healing is believed to result from
increased blood flow to the wounded area.
Although it is used most commonly to soothe minor skin injuries, aloe can treat a wide variety of health
issues. Aloe latex, also called aloe sap, is a bitter, yellow liquid derived from the outer layer of the leaves
of the aloe plant. It contains naturally occurring substances, including anthraquinones that stimulate
contractions of walls of digestive track. When taken by mouth, aloe latex has a very strong laxative effect
in pharmaceutical medications. Aloe juice works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down
impacted food residues and cleanse the bowel. It can help ease occasional constipation and help
maintain regularity, thereby reducing discomfort and bloating. When aloe sap is used in products other
than digestive medications, the manufacturer can remove the anthraquinones so that there is no laxative
effect.
To take advantage of the digestive benefits of the aloe plant, aloe juice is used as a whole leaf extract.
Obtained by pressing the entire leaf, aloe juice can be used as a functional ingredient in the form of a
juice or powder. In dietary supplements, acemanna, the major water-soluble carbohydrate derived from
the botanical, has been used for immune support and relieving oxidative stress.
Oral application of aloe is gaining popularity because the gel has the ability to promote healing against
mouth ulcers, which occur in 15 to 20 percent of the population, and have been resistant to conventional
approaches to treatment. Application of aloe orally promotes optimal healing. In addition, denture patients
who use aloe often experience increased comfort. It is theorized that oral administration of aloe vera
might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients, as well as for reducing blood
lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia.
Although the aloe plant is known to be a highly-effective and safe treatment option, there are some
individuals who should use caution when considering using the aloe plant. If a person is allergic to plants
in the lily family; such as garlic, onions and tulips, they should avoid taking aloe in any form or applying it
topically to the skin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using
aloe because aloe juice can affect potassium levels and cardiac rhythm. In addition, oral aloe latex should
be avoided by people with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities because the laxative effect can
affect blood potassium levels.
Conclusion
Aloe juice, aloe gel, aloe vera and other derivatives of the aloe plant have supported the health of people
from all over the world throughout history. Known mainly for its ability to soothe sunburns or minor pains,
the botanical is a precious resource that can be used to treat an extensive range of ailments, including
many digestive problems. Aloe, a plant recognized for its unique properties for centuries, will no doubt
play a significant role in consumers' health well into the 21st century.
Author Mark Lange, Ph.D., is the director of quality control for Market America; he previously served as
scientific director at the Institute for Nutraceutical Advancement, an international effort to harmonize test
methods for the supplement industry. Lange is holder of two patents and several peer-reviewed research
articles in the areas of electrochemistry and plant chemistry. Dr. Lange has also provided consulting
services to help companies establish quality systems and meet GMP requirements. For more information
about Market America, please visit www.marketamerica.com.