Health and Wellness

By Robert H. Davis, Ph.D.

The Model For Aloe Vera

The modern symphony orchestra combines instruments from strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion to form an ensemble capable of beautiful musical expressions. Each of these musical arrangements uniquely blends the sound of various instruments into one given tone. As an orchestra tunes up, each instrument creates its own distinctive musical notes. Out of this chaos comes the miracle of Mozart and the wonder of Beethoven.

One key element of the orchestra is the conductor. An outstanding conductor develops an orchestra by a combining many aspects of musical training. His role is to understand the potential contribution of each instrument and provide the leadership needed to create a synergy of sounds. Although his position is important, the talented orchestra players are the essential elements that must work together to produce the magic of a musical symphony.

How Aloe Vera Mimics The Orchestra

“The Conductor-Orchestra concept” was developed to better define the relationships that exist among over 200 biologically active compounds within Aloe Vera (Figure 1). One of these molecules, a polysaccharide, acts as the conductor that leads a symphony composed of these 200+ biologically active compounds. The polysaccharide molecule consists of mannose molecules joined by beta I-4 linkages to form a chain. As the conductor, the polysaccharide modulates the biological activity between surrounding orchestra molecules to work synergistically. This conductor-orchestra relationship creates an infinite array of biological activities. The protein at one end of the polysaccharide helps direct the mannose phosphate at the other end into the insulin-like growth factor receptor. As part of the fibroblast, it produces collagen and proteoglycans to improve wound healing. The Aloe Vera molecule can also stimulate macrophages to produce a variety of important biologically active substances. And it can recognize the receptors on other cell surfaces as well as recognize the individual players within the orchestra. In addition, the biological compounds indirectly help the conductor produce the biological response occurring at the cell receptor. Altogether, the Aloe Vera molecule leads an orchestra of compounds working to produce a symphony of therapeutic effects. To suggest that the conductor - the polysaccharide - works alone in this complex array of activity is presumptive. Although there’s knowledge to gain from the isolation of biological compounds and activities, it seems unwise to search for a “magic bullet.”

What Is The Role Of Water In The Aloe Vera Relationship

The important question remains unanswered - How does the polysaccharide (the conductor) communicate and relate to the 200 biologically active compounds in the orchestra? Aloe is 99.5% water and 0.5% solids. The water is removed by tyophilization but must be added again to recover the biological activities of Aloe Vera. Water, although a rather commonplace compound, is necessary for the activity of life. Water is not just a solvent for organic molecules such as polysaccharides, but it plays a major role in the relationship between the polysaccharide and the 200 active compounds in Aloe. The interaction between the conductor and the orchestra arises from water’s polarity. The water molecules in Aloe Vera have large oxygen atoms that draw electrons from two hydrogen atoms, giving water a positive and negative charge at either end of the molecule. This polarity enables water to dissolve active agents and to mold complex molecules. The orchestra molecules as well as the conductor polysaccharide possess both polar and non-polar parts. The polar parts react well with water whereas the non-polar or hydrophobic parts avoid water. The polarity of water molecules aligns their negative ends with the positive ends of other molecules. A chain of these polarized water molecules act to connect the conductor polysaccharide with the orchestra molecules in Aloe Vera. This allows the conductor to communicate with the 200 orchestra compounds such as amino acids, vitamins and sterols. Information is given to the conductor in a similar way to influence the polysaccharides control over the orchestra.

Standardization: The Aloe Vera Unit

The conductor-orchestra theory has been adopted by key Aloe Vera suppliers and new manufacturing standards are being developed around this theory. A standardized “unit” of Aloe Vera should be established by the industry that samples a predetermined amount of product for testing. This Aloe unit can then be tested and deliver a measurable biological-chemical response. Other approaches to determine the activity of Aloe Vera, such as selectively testing only one, single component of this complex molecule, is unwarranted and unscientific based on our current knowledge. Clearly, a “magic bullet” approach is not valid. Science has proven that Aloe Vera, in its natural composition, keeps the body in a healthy physiological state. This does not mean that the study and fractionation of Aloe Vera is unimportant. Individual active components such as the polysaccharide may prove very exciting for specific applications. However, the study of Aloe Vera and its complete compliment of components is necessary to fully understand the potential of Aloe Vera.

The Yin Yang Theory & Aloe

The Yin Yang theory is used in eastern culture to indicate the active and passive principles that bring balance to the universe. These two forces interact to bring all things into existence. In a similar manner, Aloe Vera moderates the balance of its own biological systems. Aloe Vera has an inhibitory system that blocks pain and inflammation as well as a stimulatory system that improves growth and wound healing. Also, independent laboratory testing of Aloe Vera fractions has shown their activity to include modulation of antibodies and cellular immunity. One example of the normalizing influence of Aloe Vera is its inhibition of the auto-immune condition demonstrated in adjuvant arthritis. Overall, the beneficial effects of Aloe Vera often result because two components act in such a way (Yin Yang) to normalize the balance of activity.

A Receptor For Aloe Vera

It has been well established that the Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF-II) and mannose-6-phosphate (M-6-P) bind to the same receptor on the fibroblast (Figure 2). These two ligands bind at separate binding sites within the IGF-II/M-6-P receptor. However, the exact effect of these ligands binding to their individual binding sites is still unclear. One possible theory is that the binding of either ligand is capable of activating fibroblast proliferation. This would indicate that free M-6-P is a growth substance capable of yielding the same response as IGF-II. In Aloe, M-6-P is located at the end of the polysaccharide chain that fits into the receptor. This may be important in understanding how Aloe heals wounds and inhibits inflammation. It has been demonstrated that M-6-P improves wound healing in a straight line, dose-response fashion when compared with controls. For example, Glucose-6-phosphate, when used as a control, does not activate the receptor in the fibroblast. The binding site for this glucose is at the other end of the polysaccharide chain of Aloe and is probably a weak to moderate covalent bond. Lack of response by this control indicates that M-6-P is specific to the receptor. This may be important in understanding how Aloe heals wounds and inhibits inflammation. The receptor dynamics are part of the overall Aloe Vera conductor-orchestra theory. One exciting characteristic of this theory is that the conductor-orchestra unit has little or no toxicity at very high gm/kg doses. Most of us working with Aloe Vera have recorded no toxicity. In fact, we feel that Aloe Vera can modulate, reduce and may even eliminate toxicity of other biological agents.

Mechanism Of Action Of Aloe Vera: Wound Healing

The concept that the Aloe Vera molecule synergizes with plant growth factors to repair and produce growth, broadly portrays the activity of Aloe Vera (Figure 3). Three characteristics of growth factor activity in Aloe are:

1. Inhibition of pain & inflammation
2. Stimulation of fibroblasts to functionally produce collagen & proteoglycans
3. Increased wound tensile strength

The mechanism of Aloe’s inhibition of pain and inflammation will be detailed in the next section, first we must understand how Aloe Vera enhances wound healing.

During the healing process, Aloe Vera’s stimulation of the fibroblast produces and adds new collagen to tissue. However, we should note that macrophages can also secrete substances that can similarly stimulate fibroblasts. Whether the effect is direct (from Aloe) or indirect (from microphages), new collagen forms between the margins of wounds when Aloe is present. These collagen bonds are responsible for increased tensile strength. Therefore, if the tensile strength increases, it is assumed the collagen productions is increased by Aloe. This is a different approach than the Danhof response of Aloe based on the uptake of tritiated thymidine, which only represents an increase in fibroblasts number. Whereas, we are demonstrating a functional increase in collagen and proteoglycans through wound tensile-strength.

When skin is injured, fibroblasts migrate into the wound area to proliferate and produce collagen as well as proteoglycans. Proteoglycans form the ground substance in which collagen fibers embed. This represents a remodeling of connective tissue. Cells in the wound area communicate with each other by growth factors. Growth factors in Aloe are attracted to the wound area and bind to the fibroblast IGF receptor to produce collagen and proteoglycans which increase the tensile strength (Figure 4).

Connective tissue is mainly composed of collagen, which makes up one third of our body protein. Also, connective tissue contains large complex chains of modified sugars that form the framework for collagen. These modified sugars hold water and give connective tissue flexibility and resistance. In wound healing, collagen and proteoglycans repair and remodel this connective tissue. To produce collagen for repair, glucose from the diet is stimulated by Aloe Vera and forms glucosamine within the fibroblast. Then, in the presence of zinc and vitamin C, glucosamine forms procollagen. In addition, procollagen can be formed directly from external amino acids. Next, Aloe pushes the fibroblast to convert the secreted procollagen to collagen. The glucosamine and procollagen form the “core protein” as a frame for connective tissue. Also, they form hyaluronic acid as a frame for “link” proteins are essential components for connective tissue. In addition, this connective tissue can double and triple if the necessary sugars and amino acids are stimulated by Aloe Vera in the fibroblast.

This activity demonstrates how wound healing is enhanced when connective tissue, subjected to mechanical forces and damages, repair themselves by the Aloe-fibroblast stimulating influence to make collagen and proteoglycans. Aloe Vera acts as a mechanism to promote the active biological agents that heal damaged tissue.

Aloe Vera & Inflammation

Inflammation is the response of living tissue to a damaging stimulus. It is a defence mechanism against a traumatic insult. On a molecular basis, the inflammatory process involves complex regulators, potentiators and mediators. A uniform response occurs regardless of the nature of the irritant event, though the inflammatory process may act as a double edge sword by also creating a threat to an organism. Inflammation maybe acute or chronic. The acute inflammation response to a tissue insult involves the release of vasoactive substances. This increases the permeability of capillaries so that fluid goes into interstitial tissue and produces edema. Then, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN’s) move out of the capillaries and are attracted to the injury site by a mediator called leukotrienes. The PMN’s increase their metabolism and oxygen consumption as they phagocytize the trauma debris. However, the products resulting from this increased metabolism contain oxygen radicals that attack the membrane lipids and produce further inflammation. If the irritant remains under the skin, chronic inflammatory response occurs. Connective tissue forms around the irritant and, over a long period of time, attempts to push the trauma outside the body. Lysozymes, products of these inflammatory cells, function in a manner to modulate neutrophil (PMN) activity.

Topical steroids are usually applied to block acute and chronic inflammation but their properties also retard wound healing. They decrease edema by reducing capillary permeability, vasodilation and stabilizing lysosomal membranes. Steroids can actually increase the spread of infection by inhibiting connective tissue formation.

Aloe Vera is also used to inhibit acute inflammation. But, unlike steroids, it stimulates fibroblast growth to improve wound healing and block the spread of infection. This is the miracle of Aloe.

Studies have shown that since only about 1% of steroids can penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin, 99% is unavailable and wasted. Our data has shown that Aloe Vera can act as a vehicle for steroids - to improve absorption and act as an efficient carrier. This is a significant economic consideration for Aloe Vera.

The complexity of Aloe Vera’s components makes the study of its anti-inflammatory activity a difficult task. Aloe Vera does not have a single mechanism of action. Aloe Vera contains amino acids such as phenylalanine and tryptophane that have anti-inflammatory activity. The salicyclic acid in Aloe prevents the biosynthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. This explains, in part, how Aloe reduces vasodilation and decreases the vascular effects of histamine, serotonin and other mediators of inflammation. Since prostaglandins play an integral role in regulating both inflammation and immune reactions, Aloe Vera can affect both of these systems by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. The analgesic effect of Aloe Vera is synergistic with aspirin. Since Aloe Vera has both stimulatory and inhibitory components. Aloe can modulate both immune and inflammatory reactions. It can act as a stimulator of wound healing and antibody production. Aloe can block prostaglandin and modulate the production of lymphocytes and macrophage derived mediators (lymphokinins) including interleukins and interferons.

Besides Aloe’s effects on inflammatory and immune reactions, it also acts as a scavenger of free oxygen radicals produced by PMN’s. The vitamin C in Aloe that inhibits inflammation picks up oxygen radicals to block the inflammatory process. Vitamin E, a known antioxidant, is also a component of Aloe Vera. These biological effects of the orchestra work in collaboration with the conductor (polysaccharide) to produce these valuable therapeutic effects.

Compounds that are poorly absorbed through the stratum corneum of the skin need a vehicle to aid them in penetration. Glucocorticoids and vitamin C are not absorbed well and, as a result, most of the material is wasted when applied topically. A vehicle must be found that solubilizes steroids and Vitamin C while at the same time hydrates the stratum corneum. As previously mentioned, Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory, wound healing and analgesic properties make Aloe a “biological vehicle” that helps to nullify the detrimental activity of glucocorticoids but at the same time aids the penetration. Similarly, vitamin C is not readily absorbed by the tissue. However, vitamin C has been shown to help in the synthesis of collagen, since it may counterbalance the collagen breakdown to reduce the development of auto antibodies. In certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the levels of vitamin C are low. Our data, thus far, suggests that Aloe Vera aids in the absorption of vitamin C and adds to its biological activity. Although all the factors that control the absorption of vitamin C are not know, previous studies show esterifying ascorbic acid increases the availability to tissues so that the therapeutic dose can be reduced. In a similar manner, Aloe Vera’s activity as a biological vehicle to increase the absorption of vitamin C may be just as possible.

Aloe Vera can solubilize water soluble compounds as well as lipid soluble substances. Also, it can hydrate the stratum corneum cell membranes to aid a range of materials in penetrating the skin. The biological activity of Aloe can add and even synergize with many agents in producing therapeutic effects so that we call Aloe Vera a “biological vehicle.”

Summary

Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides that act as a conductor to direct biological activities among an orchestra of various molecules. Many agents within Aloe have been isolated, identified and demonstrated to synergize with one another over a large biological spectrum. A standard preparation of Aloe Vera with a well-defined unit for each biological activity is necessary for future research. The conductor-orchestra theory opposes the idea that suggests that one molecule in Aloe (a polysaccharide) is responsible for the beneficial effects and that the standardization should be based on that polysaccharide. A greater understanding between the conductor and orchestra is needed to better define how Aloe Vera synergizes its many activities. This understanding will change many pharmacologic concepts in the future. The conductor-orchestra concept will be practiced as the central format by which the Aloe industry will operate.

by Karen Masterson Koch, C.N.

Aloe vera is nothing new. You may have discovered it back in the sixties or seventies, when it began to gain household recognition in the U.S. as a salve for burns. But it’s been around much longer than that. Egyptian Queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti both gave tribute to aloe vera as one of their most important beauty secrets. Alexander the Great carried the aloe vera plant into battle to treat wounded soldiers. In fact, this high-sulfur member of the garlic family dates back 6,000 years, and has been in use for all that time.

When you peruse the literature, it’s easy to see why Aloe Vera has earned a reputation as a medicine plant. A dermabrasion study done ten years ago showed that facial wounds healed seventy-two hours faster when aloe vera was added to the polyethylene oxide gel wound dressing (Journal of Dermatological Surgery and Oncology, 1990, vol. 16). More recently, vascular surgeon Dr. Tyler, M.D. of Louisiana recorded the near-miraculous second chance that aloe vera afforded a diabetic in danger of losing her arm (Bossier Medical Center, 1997). Aloe Vera also is great for avoiding scarring after reconstruction and facial surgery. In fact, studies have confirmed that aloe vera serves each of the following functions:

speeds healing, tensile strength and repair of damaged skin
holds moisture and adds flexibility to retard aging
with its antibacterial properties fights infections including fungus and staph
tightens and balances skin through astringent pH properties
moisturizes by carrying added emollients into the skin up to seven layers
with natural anti-inflammatory agents reduces pain
minimizes scarring and may reverse scars less than five years old

How does Aloe Vera heal the skin?

Aloe vera is 99 percent water, and yet, it contains a storehouse of nutrients — more than 200 active elements that support health. In its most direct effects, aloe vera increases fibroblast production in skin tissue. The fibroblasts stimulate new collagen, thus accelerating wound healing. Collagen can be likened to cement that glues all of the body cells together like a large cellular puzzle.

Aloe Vera at Home

A recent clinical study has confirmed aloe’s effectiveness as a home remedy for skin care. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of psoriasis patients showed that topically applied aloe cream treated psoriasis with no bad side effects. In this study, aloe cured twenty-five of thirty subjects compared to the placebo cure rate of two out of thirty (Tropical Medicine and International Health, 1996, vol.1). A peer-reviewed eighteen-month study conducted on 250 wounds, including many diabetic lesions, revealed 100 percent resolution of every wound, stages I-IV, with application of a quality aloe vera skin gel (C. Levescy, LVN, 1997).

Drink your (Aloe) Juice

Yes, you can drink Aloe! In fact, researchers recommend it. Aloe vera, along with protein; calcium; magnesium; zinc; vitamins A, C, and E; vitamin B-complex; and essential fatty acids, is a valuable component of a diet that’s healthful for skin.

Healthy skin also depends on good digestion. A healthy digestive tract and liver are needed to properly convert vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins into absorbable nutrients essential for healthy skin. Researchers have found that eating on the run and having reduced digestive juices in the body can create an internal environment in which as little as 10 percent of nutrients eaten may actually be absorbed into the blood stream. Aloe vera juice is an herbal bitter. This means that when no sulfites or water are added the juice contains a pH range of 4.7-5.2 and aids digestion. The best time to drink the juice is before meals.

Bottled Aloe juices and skin gels that are golden in color have more medicinal value than products that look like water. People in ancient cultures commonly cut a leaf from the outer plant close to the base. If the plant received adequate sun and water, and was grown in rich soil, then a sufficient amount of yellow sap from the plant would seep out of the cut leaf. After allowing the sap to drain into a cup of water, they would drink it. Eating the plant’s inner mucilage also was common.

How Does It Work?

Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the effects of aloe vera. The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of aloe vera. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe’s ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62) In one study, oral use of aloe for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study. Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in aloe vera.

In 1997, University of San Antonio researcher Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., conducted a study to observe any negative effects of drinking aloe daily. Rather than exhibiting negative effects, however, test animals receiving daily aloe showed a remarkable reduction in leukemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dr. Herlihy concluded, "We found no indication of harm done to the rats even at high levels." In fact, the aloe-drinking animals actually lived 25 percent longer than those in the control group (IASC Conference, Texas, 1997).

No Magic Bullet

There is no single ingredient that makes aloe vera potent and healthful. Researcher Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. Much as a symphony creates a fuller, richer sound than any single instrument, the ingredients in aloe are more effective together than any single element taken by itself.

On the down side, that means that aloe vera’s effects cannot be synthesized easily in a laboratory. On the upside, it makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances. And because the various elements that make aloe effective are nutrients rather than drugs, aloe juice can complement medical treatments. In fact some cancer patients state that aloe vera seems to reduce nausea, increase energy, and may help to minimize low blood counts caused by chemotherapy or radiation.

Take it! It’s a gift...

Aloe Vera can help adults, children, and even pets receive more value from daily foods and supplements, and it can heal wounded skin, as well. It’s valuable enough for everyone to keep on hand. To gain the most therapeutic support it’s wise to use a quality aloe vera product. Look for products that use the entire plant or whole leaf concentration; they contain up to five times more active elements than inner gel products. If possible look for products that state "no sulfites or water added." The strongest, purest product will allow you to use less and have more success in experiencing firsthand the magic of the ancient medicine plant.

Karen Masterson Koch, C.N., is a clinical nutritionist who has studied aloe vera for over eight years. She is the author of a book entitled Gift of Nature: Whole Leaf Aloe Vera.
Traditional Uses for Aloe Vera (Note: Consult a physician when medical attention is required.):

Burns, insect bites, infection, abrasions, rashes, acne, skin cancer, chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, scars, skin ulcers, stretch marks, varicose veins, sore feet, sore muscles, frostbite, scalp rejuvenation, hair rejuvenation, gum disease, herpes, shingles, poison ivy, poison oak, diaper rash, haemorrhoids, sunburn, brown skin spots, after shave, aged skin, weathered skin, vaginal dryness, athletic injury, general body pain.

by Jeri L. Heyman, Ph.D.

I am a developmental psychologist who has focused on psychological and emotional development for most of my life and career. By becoming aware of the latest research on aloe vera, I have become inspired to examine healthy physical development more closely in addition to the biochemical contribution to overall optimal health and balance. I found the aloe vera plant to be the most fascinating and miraculous plant on the planet. I have spent the last five years investigating aloe vera, and it keeps getting more interesting all the time. As you begin to look at the information on aloe, you may find conflicting information. Please be aware that there is still a great deal of misinformation and misunderstandings about aloe vera and aloe vera products. It is very hard to believe that all the scientific research on the properties of fresh aloe vera could possibly be real - but they are.

The research raised many questions for me. How could something be so profoundly and fundamentally effective for so many areas of health and have only good side effects? Why (if this research is real and aloe has been around for so long) haven't we heard more about experiences of these miraculous effects? What I found is that the research on fresh aloe vera is real and the research on the constituents in fresh aloe is real. However, most of the aloe vera products available in the marketplace are not demonstrating the promises documented by the research, even though they have some benefits. Thus, aloe vera's true potential has remained a secret.

by Dr. Caroline Shreeve

Aloe vera is a plant of many surprises. It looks like a cactus, grows in dry surroundings, but belongs to the lily family. It stays moist and cool where other plants wilt, shutting down its pores to prevent water loss. When cut or damaged, its healing powers come to light, forming a protective covering, to ensure that the plant continues to thrive. It grows naturally in Africa, America, Europe and Asia where there are over 200 varieties of the plant, but it is the Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) variety which has the best medicinal properties.

Aloe vera – history and legend

Most importantly, Aloe vera has a long history as a safe, effective medicine and skin care aid. For over 6,000 years, people have benefited from the remarkable relief that the plant can bring to a wide range of ailments. The ancient Egyptians used Aloe to heal battle wounds and cure infections. Writings of the early Greeks show how they valued it for relieving blisters, burns and leg ulcers as well as bowel and stomach disorders.

Legend has it that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the Isle of Socroto, to secure enough Aloe vera to heal his soldiers’ wounds. Cleopatra relied on it for her unlined, youthful complexion, whilst the Chinese hailed Aloe as an elixir of youth. Aloe is also listed in St. John’s gospel as an anointing ingredient for the body of Christ.

Aloe vera rediscovered
 
Doctors rediscovered Aloe vera in the 1930s, when it was found to heal radiation burns due to X-rays, where other methods had met with little success. It did the same for atomic fallout victims a decade later, following the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings.

The plant’s clear, glassy leaf sap is used today to relieve ailments from insect bites, stings and sunburn to peptic ulcers, diarrhoea and stiff, painful joints.
 
Aloe vera’s healing actions   

Traditional remedies are often founded on firm scientific fact. Studies have confirmed Aloe vera as a rich source of healing ingredients which work synergistically, enhancing one another’s effects. These ingredients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes and amino acids.
Aloe vera extract acts in three main ways:

as an anti-inflammatory agent
a wound healer
an antioxidant

one or all of which may contribute to relieving a particular ailment.

Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is our body’s natural way of responding to infection, toxins or injury. It is characterised by redness, swelling and heat caused by an increase of blood to the damaged area. Sometimes, however, inflammation can backfire or get out of hand. Arthritis is a debilitating and painful condition which can be caused by antibodies produced against the body’s own tissues, resulting in sore, inflamed joints and loss of movement.

Steroids (e.g. hydrocortisone) suppress inflammation but can cause weight gain, brittle bones and thin, weak skin. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. aspirin and ibuprofen) ease swollen joints and improve mobility but may trigger stomach upsets or peptic ulcers.
Plant steroids in Aloe vera can relieve inflammation, help to regenerate new cells and disperse damaged tissue with no side-effects.

Besides arthritis and rheumatism, these natural plant steroids also work well for sunburn, insect bites and stings, rashes, mouth ulcers, inflamed stomach and bowel disorders.
Three other common conditions which benefit from Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory action are heartburn, peptic ulcers and piles. Heartburn happens when the foodpipe or gullet gets inflamed by stomach acid. Peptic ulcers erode the lining of the stomach or small bowel (duodenum), causing inflammation and pain. Piles, which are inflamed varicose veins at the exit of the bowel or anus, can also smart, sting and bleed.

Aloe vera as a wound healer

Soapy substances in Aloe vera gel (saponins) cleanse wounds of dirt and debris, treat oil-clogged pores and help kill any microbes present. The woody, pulpy microfibres in Aloe vera’s sap (lignins) soften hard skin and gently penetrate the tissues. Other active ingredients and oxygen can then reach down into the depths of the wound.

The anthraquinones in Aloe vera loosen debris, pus and dead cells, bring blood to the area and flush out matter from wounds and ulcers. They also kill bacteria, some viruses and fungi. A biological growth stimulator present in Aloe vera helps to regenerate new tissue, guard against sepsis and promote the healing in cuts and wounds.

Studies have shown that the growth stimulator attaches itself to tissue cells called fibroblasts. These produce long thin strings of collagen and elastin, adding strength and bringing the edges of the wound together.

Typical ailments to benefit from these actions include mouth and peptic ulcers, and the large ulcer craters often found on the legs of elderly people with diabetes or poor circulation. The antiseptic actions of saponins and anthraquinones also help peptic ulcers (now known to be partly due to bacteria); and acne in which infection with skin bacteria plays an important part.

One of Aloe vera’s most popular uses is in the treatment of minor burns which benefit from new skin regeneration without unsightly scarring. Eczema and psoriasis also benefit from the ability of lignins to penetrate the toughened skin surface.

Aloe vera as an antioxidant

Antioxidants are essential for a healthy metabolism and to protect against free radicals. These form when a molecule loses an electron as a result of the normal metabolism which occurs as food and oxygen are turned into energy. Large numbers of these highly-charged molecular fragments can weaken the immune system which fights infection and resists degenerative changes.

Triggers include growing older, viral infections, high intakes of animal fat and or alcohol, stress, smoking, pollution and other toxins. Effects include ageing, wrinkled skin and an increased risk of arthritis, cancer and infections.

Aloe vera contains naturally occurring antioxidants in the form of vitamins B complex, C and E, plus beta-carotene which is converted by the body into vitamin A. Dietary nutrients in Aloe vera also include potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium and sodium and all are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Aloe vera – the choice

The extract from the leaves of the Aloe vera plant can be found in many health and beauty products. Aloe vera juice can be produced from either liquid or powdered Aloe, but it is only recommended and advisable to buy juice made from the liquid extract. Also ensure the Aloe content is a minimum of 95% by volume. This is not to be confused with the purity of Aloe vera which is often shown as 100%. A flavoured juice is considered by many to be more palatable but natural juices are more suitable for those with fruit allergies or who suffer from candida. A regular small dose is recommended and the effectiveness can vary, some experiencing benefits immediately, whereas others can take several weeks.

Aloe vera gel is primarily used externally for skin conditions such as acne, sunburn, psoriasis, cuts, bruises and stings. The pure gel is clear, non-sticky, odourless, easily absorbed and can be used as often as required.

Medical Advice

Consult your doctor for disorders that do not improve or which you suspect might be serious. Irritable bowel syndrome (with wind, pain and constipation or diarrhoea), peptic ulcers, diverticulitis (a type of large bowel inflammation) for instance, need to be diagnosed and require conventional treatment. Aloe vera, which is safe and without side effects, can work well with other medicines, bringing additional relief and hastening healing.

Summary of main uses

Aloe vera juice for internal use

Irritable bowel syndrome
Arthritis, diverticulitis and Lupus Erythematosis (LE)
Heartburn – peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia
Mild cases or oral thrush – candida (use natural unflavoured product)
ME (post-viral syndrome)
Sore throat
Mouth ulcers

Aloe vera gel for external use

Burns, scalds, sunburn
Insect bites, plant and insect stings
Ulcers of the lower leg (or other skin area)
Scratches, scrapes and minor abrasions
Skin care (softening and moisturising agent in many cosmetic products)
Itchy rashes, including eczema and psoriasis
Acne

Dr Caroline Shreeve MB BS (Lond.) - A Brief Biography

Dr Caroline Shreeve is a qualified doctor working in hospital medicine.

Since qualifying in the seventies, she has pursued several successful parallel careers in general medicine, psychology, complementary therapies and health journalism and is specially interested in herbal treatments, nutrition and dietary supplements.

Dr Shreeve has written regularly for the women’s press, national and regional newspapers, medical journals and trade magazines, appeared on Pebble Mill, the Gloria Hunniford Show, TV-AM and most UK regional radio stations. Her twelve books include titles on depression, the premenstrual syndrome, the menopause, and the ‘Alternative Dictionary of Symptoms and Cures’, which was a runner-up for the 1987 Booker Health prize.

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