Ancient Uses of Aloe Vera Ayervedic medicine considers aloe gel to be estrogenic, which may be why the plant was highly prized by Indian and Egyptian women. The word in Sanskrit means "goddess." Used daily for three months in combination with tumeric root or alone, aloe powder regulates liver function and counteracts symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.(10)

Date:   2/8/2005 4:54:05 PM ( 19 y ago)

Aloe Acemannan Demonstrates Potent Antiviral and Immune Enhancing Activity

Aloe Acemannan Augments the Immune System

Significant Immune Enhancing and Antiviral Activity from Acemannan

The immune enhancing and antiviral properties of aloe vera are attributed to its water soluble polysaccharide, acemannan. Human studies have shown that acemannan increases lymphocyte response to alloantigen by enhancing the monocyte release of interleukin-I.(1)

Adult bronchial asthmatic patients not dependent on corticosteroids responded positively to aloe vera treatment.(8) Acemannan also demonstrated significant antiviral activity against influenza virus, measles virus and herpes simplex type 1(HSV-1) by inhibiting their replication.(6)

Diabetics May Benefit from Aloe

Administration of aloe vera may benefit patients with type II diabetes by stimulating the synthesis and release of insulin. Patients in one study experienced a reduction from 273 to 151 mg/dl in mean glucose levels.(7) In another study, aloe reduced the blood glucose levels of diabetic mice by 40% over the control group.(7)

Aloe Relieves Constipation and Digestive Problems

Aloe contains anthraquinone, a stimulant laxative which produces a soft to semifluid stool in 6-12 hours after ingestion.(5) The dried powder is considered one of the best herbal laxatives.(10) However, excessive use of stimulant laxatives is not recommended. Moderate use can help soothe the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract.

Anthraquinones also bind calcium in the urinary tract and significantly reduce the growth rate of urinary calcium crystals in lower-than-laxative doses. Aloe can be used to prevent stone formation and reduce the size of kidney stones.(11)

Acemannan Approved for Veterinary Use in Feline Leukemia

Although untested on human malignancies, acemannan has been approved for veterinary use in injectable form for fibrosarcomas and feline leukemia (FeLV), caused by a retrovirus as is AIDS. Over 70% of cats with FeLV die within 8 weeks of onset of clinical signs, yet acemannan has shown impressive results. After 6 injections of acemannan (2 mg/kg) over a six-week period, re-examination after 6 more weeks showed 71% of 44 cats were alive and in good health.(9) Researchers believe the mechanism to be related to increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin, and interferon leading to increased initiation of immune attack.

Aloe Indicated as Adjunct to AZT

Preliminary studies indicate the potential usefulness of aloe as an adjunct to current AIDS therapy (i.e., AZT).

Three studies conducted by H.R. McDaniel, Ph.D., et al., demonstrated that 500-800 mg. of acemannan per day in HIV-1 infected patients 1) raised CD8 levels and maintained CD4 levels; 2) significantly increased circulating monocytes/macrophages and improved phagocytic activity; 3) significantly improved Modified Walter Reed Clinical (MWR) scoring, absolute T-4, absolute T-8, and p24 core antigen levels.(2,3,4)

Researchers believe that acemannan may potentiate the antiviral drug azidothymidine (AZT), reducing the amount of AZT required by as much as 90%.(5)


Aloe vera products, both for internal and external use, are widely used in the United States. Internal use of aloe vera is well accepted for its bowel regulating effect. Preliminary studies and anecdotal reports indicate a tonic and anti-ulcer effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in type II diabetics.(5)


WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

REFERENCES

1. Womble, D., and Helderman, J.H. Enhancement of all-responsiveness of human lymphocytes by acemannan. Int. J. Immunopharmacol 10(8):967-74, 1988.

2. McDaniel, H.R., Ph.D., et al. CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte levels in acemannan (ACM)-treated HIV-1 infected longer-term survivors. Int. Conf. AIDS 9(1):438, 1993.

3. McDaniel, H.R., et al. An increase in circulating monocyte/macrophages (MM) is induced by oral acemannan (ACE-M) in HIV-1 patients. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 94:516-17, 1990.

4. McDaniel, H.R., et al. Extended survival and prognostic criteria for acemannan(ACE-M) treated HIV-1 patients. Antiviral Res. 13(Suppl. 1):117, 1990.

5. Werbach, Melvyn R., M.D. and Murray, Michael T., N.D. Botanical Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1994.

6. Kahlon, J.B., et al. In vitro evaluation of the synergistic antiviral effects of acemannan in combination with azidothymidine and acyclovir. Mol. Biother. 3:214-23, 1991.

7. Ghannam, N. The antidiabetic activity of aloes: Preliminary clinical and experimental observations. Hormone Res. 24:288-94., 1986.

8. Shida, T., et al. Effect of aloe extract on peripheral phagocytosis in adult bronchial asthma. Planta Med. 51:273-5, 1985.

9. Sheets, M.S., et al. Studies of the effect of acemannan on retrovirus infections: Clinical stabilization of feline leukemia virus-infected cats. Mol. Biother. 3(1):41-5, 1991.

10. Tierra, Michael, C.A., N.D. The Way of Herbs. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc. 1990.

11. Murray, M., N.D. and Pizzorno, J., N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1991.



 

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