Medical Attributes of Aloe vera -

Medical Attributes of Aloe vera - The Aloe Plant
by Chris Haydu, Natalie Karpinich, and Tina Sidonio
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
July, 1997
Aloe vera, commonly referred to as aloe, is a member of the Liliaceae (Lily family). Aloe vera evolved in Africa. However, it is now cultivated in many parts of the world including the southern United States (Anon., 1997a). A. vera contains four active ingredients used to treat various ailments. B-sitosterol, a sterol found in the skin or sap portion of the leaf is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent (Waller, 1978). The second active ingredient consists of mucopolysaccharides (MPS) which are long chain Sugar molecules effective in the treatment of inflammation, AIDS, and cancer (Danhof, 1997). The emodin and lectins are anti-tumor agents effective in their ability to control cancer (Anon., 1997c).

The anti-inflammatory quality of B-sitosterol found in A. vera has been tested extensively. In an ear swelling assay, A. vera extracts decreased inflammation by 29.2% when applied topically (Davis et al., 1991). In another study, A. vera appeared beneficial in an acute inflammatory model involving rats, but demonstrated no significant effect on chronic inflammation (Udupa et al., 1994). Mucopolysaccharides of 50 to 600 molecules also reduce inflammation particularly in diseases like ulcerative colitis, arthritis, and gastric reflux (Danhof, 1997).

A. vera contains very large mucopolysaccharides of up to 9,000 molecules that can treat AIDS (Danhof, 1997). In a clinical trial conducted in the 1980's, patients who took oral mucopolysaccharides showed a 70% improvement in symptoms within three to four months (Clumick et al., 1997). The CD4 helper lymphocytes rose, and HIV virus was unable to be cultured. The P-24 antigen levels of the HIV virus dropped during the course of this research (Clumick et al., 1997). When 20 ounces of Aloe vera juice was orally administered to 69 AIDS patients per day, eighty-one percent of these patients showed eventual disappearance of their symptoms (Pulse, 1988).

Aloe vera produces mucopolysaccharides, emodin, and lectins that aid in fighting cancer. Aloe mucopolysaccharides are phagocytized by macrophages that release cytokines (Kemp and Tizard 1997). This immune effect contributes to the prevention and healing of malignant neoplasms (Kemp et al, 1997). Emodin and lectins are anti-tumor agents that control cancer (Anon, 1997a). The anti-cancer effect of aloe on sarcoma 180 in the ICR mouse did not suppress tumor growth, however, it did promote an increased lifespan between 19% to 32% when it was administered in dosages between 10 to 100 mg/kg/day respectively (Jeong et al., 1994). The lectin-like substances in Aloe vera promoted the attachment of normal human cells instead of tumor cells (Winters et al., 1981).

Another healing property of A. vera is its use in the treatment of burns. Heggars (1980) noted that A. vera healed third degree burns up to six times faster than traditional medical treatments and that these effects were due to steroidal like compounds and salicylic acid. Another study comparing the healing effects of Aloe vera gel to commercial products found that in all trials the aloe gel was more effective in the treatment of burns as noticed by the better histological appearance and reduced bacterial contamination (Sumano-Lopez et al., 1989). In another study, burns covering the body surface in canines were examined. It was found that when an Aloe vera cream was used, it not only reversed the damage caused by the burns due to prostaglandins, but also wiped out a bacterial infection in animals with over a 35% burn (Cera et al., 1980). Various data from this study affirm the bactericidal and antiprostaglandin effect of Aloe vera cream in the canine species (Cera et al., 1980).

The reputation of Aloe vera as a healer for various ailments is well known. Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen have all detailed the successful uses of aloe. As the centuries passed, A. vera has been used as a therapy for many more ailments. Even though few negative side effects regarding the use of A. vera were reported in the literature, caution and discretion should be employed before venturing into the local nutrition store and attempting to heal oneself. Companies continue to promote falsehoods about A. vera and the consumers must take appropriate measures to ensure that they do not succumb to the advertising scams. First, A. vera has not been proven to cure anything (Anon., 1997b). Therefore, if the product promises a cure, more than likely it's a scam. Also, just as many people are allergic to various foods, it is possible that one could be allergic to A. vera (Anon, 1997b). Development of hypersensitivity to aloe has been documented, as for example, after four years of using oral and topical aloe, a 47 year old man acquired hives and papular dermatitis (Morrow et al., 1980). It would be wise to consult your physician before beginning an aloe regimen, and even a possible skin patch test before drinking the extract. Since the aloe industry is virtually unregulated, the consumer must be alert of the benefits and possible side effects when using aloe.

LITERATURE CITED

Anon. 1997a. About Aloe vera.(obtained from defunct webpage)

Anon. 1997b. Aloe vera-What to Believe. (obtained from defunct webpage)

Anon. 1997c. Why Aloe Works. (obtained from defunct webpage)

Cera, L.M., J.P. Heggars, M.C. Robson and W.J. Hagstrom. 1980. The therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera cream in thermal injuries: 2 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 16: 768-772.

Clumeck, R.M., T. Pulse, and T. Watson. 1997. Aloe vera and AIDS research. http://www.santrel.com/clinicalabstract/immuno4.html

Curtailing HIV Infection:

An extract of mannose, one of the sugars in aloe, can inhibit HIV-1 (the virus associated with AIDS). In a 1991 study in Molecular Biotherapy, HIV-1 cells were treated in vitro (outside the body) with a mannose extract. Aloe slowed virus reproduction by as much as 30%, reduced viral load (total amount of the virus), suppressed the spread of the virus from infected cells, and increased the viability (chance of survival) of infected cells
Nutritional Support for HIV Patients:

Aloe Vera juice proved to be an effective part of a nutritional support program for HIV+ patients according to the Journal of Advancement in

Medicine. For four months, 29 patients were given 100% pure aloe Vera juice (five ounces, four times daily) along with an essential fatty acid supplement and another supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Patients were told to continue with their normal diet and not to take other supplements.

After 90 days, all of the patients had fewer occurrences of opportunistic infections, thrush, fatigue, and diarrhea, as well as increased white blood cell counts (meaning their immune systems were responding positively). Their assessment of overall quality of health also improved. In 25% of the patients, aloe apparently knocked out the virus's ability to reproduce. Researchers found that aloe (the mannose extract and perhaps other compounds) stimulates the body's immune system, particularly T4 helper cells, white blood cells that activate the immune response to infection.


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Medical Attributes of Aloe vera - The Aloe Plant
by Chris Haydu, Natalie Karpinich, and Tina Sidonio
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
July, 1997
Aloe vera, commonly referred to as aloe, is a member of the Liliaceae (Lily family). Aloe vera evolved in Africa. However, it is now cultivated in many parts of the world including the southern United States (Anon., 1997a). A. vera contains four active ingredients used to treat various ailments. B-sitosterol, a sterol found in the skin or sap portion of the leaf is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent (Waller, 1978). The second active ingredient consists of mucopolysaccharides (MPS) which are long chain Sugar molecules effective in the treatment of inflammation, AIDS, and cancer (Danhof, 1997). The emodin and lectins are anti-tumor agents effective in their ability to control cancer (Anon., 1997c).

The anti-inflammatory quality of B-sitosterol found in A. vera has been tested extensively. In an ear swelling assay, A. vera extracts decreased inflammation by 29.2% when applied topically (Davis et al., 1991). In another study, A. vera appeared beneficial in an acute inflammatory model involving rats, but demonstrated no significant effect on chronic inflammation (Udupa et al., 1994). Mucopolysaccharides of 50 to 600 molecules also reduce inflammation particularly in diseases like ulcerative colitis, arthritis, and gastric reflux (Danhof, 1997).

A. vera contains very large mucopolysaccharides of up to 9,000 molecules that can treat AIDS (Danhof, 1997). In a clinical trial conducted in the 1980's, patients who took oral mucopolysaccharides showed a 70% improvement in symptoms within three to four months (Clumick et al., 1997). The CD4 helper lymphocytes rose, and HIV virus was unable to be cultured. The P-24 antigen levels of the HIV virus dropped during the course of this research (Clumick et al., 1997). When 20 ounces of Aloe vera juice was orally administered to 69 AIDS patients per day, eighty-one percent of these patients showed eventual disappearance of their symptoms (Pulse, 1988).

Aloe vera produces mucopolysaccharides, emodin, and lectins that aid in fighting cancer. Aloe mucopolysaccharides are phagocytized by macrophages that release cytokines (Kemp and Tizard 1997). This immune effect contributes to the prevention and healing of malignant neoplasms (Kemp et al, 1997). Emodin and lectins are anti-tumor agents that control cancer (Anon, 1997a). The anti-cancer effect of aloe on sarcoma 180 in the ICR mouse did not suppress tumor growth, however, it did promote an increased lifespan between 19% to 32% when it was administered in dosages between 10 to 100 mg/kg/day respectively (Jeong et al., 1994). The lectin-like substances in Aloe vera promoted the attachment of normal human cells instead of tumor cells (Winters et al., 1981).

Another healing property of A. vera is its use in the treatment of burns. Heggars (1980) noted that A. vera healed third degree burns up to six times faster than traditional medical treatments and that these effects were due to steroidal like compounds and salicylic acid. Another study comparing the healing effects of Aloe vera gel to commercial products found that in all trials the aloe gel was more effective in the treatment of burns as noticed by the better histological appearance and reduced bacterial contamination (Sumano-Lopez et al., 1989). In another study, burns covering the body surface in canines were examined. It was found that when an Aloe vera cream was used, it not only reversed the damage caused by the burns due to prostaglandins, but also wiped out a bacterial infection in animals with over a 35% burn (Cera et al., 1980). Various data from this study affirm the bactericidal and antiprostaglandin effect of Aloe vera cream in the canine species (Cera et al., 1980).

The reputation of Aloe vera as a healer for various ailments is well known. Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen have all detailed the successful uses of aloe. As the centuries passed, A. vera has been used as a therapy for many more ailments. Even though few negative side effects regarding the use of A. vera were reported in the literature, caution and discretion should be employed before venturing into the local nutrition store and attempting to heal oneself. Companies continue to promote falsehoods about A. vera and the consumers must take appropriate measures to ensure that they do not succumb to the advertising scams. First, A. vera has not been proven to cure anything (Anon., 1997b). Therefore, if the product promises a cure, more than likely it's a scam. Also, just as many people are allergic to various foods, it is possible that one could be allergic to A. vera (Anon, 1997b). Development of hypersensitivity to aloe has been documented, as for example, after four years of using oral and topical aloe, a 47 year old man acquired hives and papular dermatitis (Morrow et al., 1980). It would be wise to consult your physician before beginning an aloe regimen, and even a possible skin patch test before drinking the extract. Since the aloe industry is virtually unregulated, the consumer must be alert of the benefits and possible side effects when using aloe.

LITERATURE CITED

Anon. 1997a. About Aloe vera.(obtained from defunct webpage)

Anon. 1997b. Aloe vera-What to Believe. (obtained from defunct webpage)

Anon. 1997c. Why Aloe Works. (obtained from defunct webpage)

Cera, L.M., J.P. Heggars, M.C. Robson and W.J. Hagstrom. 1980. The therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera cream in thermal injuries: 2 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 16: 768-772.

Clumeck, R.M., T. Pulse, and T. Watson. 1997. Aloe vera and AIDS research. http://www.santrel.com/clinicalabstract/immuno4.html

http://wilkes1.wilkes.edu/~kklemow/Aloe.html

http://www.flp-aloevera.co.uk/Aloe%20_Vera%20_Study%20_1.html