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Aloe Vera - a versatile healer
The virtues of Aloe vera have been recorded for thousands of years by many ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Persia, Greece, India and Africa. It is also known as 'lily of the desert', the 'plant of immortality', and the 'medicine plant'. The leaves, the fresh leaf gel and latex are all used for medicinal purposes. Aloe latex is the sticky residue left over after the liquid from cut Aloe leaves has evaporated. Aloe vera extract is made by pulverizing the whole leaves of the plant. Aloe juice and gel is made from the inner leaf (most commonly used for minor cuts and burns). The bitter yellow juice found between the gel and the outer skin of the leaf is dried and used as a laxative. Aloe vera leaf contains more than 200 different constituents. Some constituents are: Acemannan and other polysaccharides boost T-lymphocyte cells which help promote skin healing and neutralize many of the enzymes responsible for damaging the mucosal wall. Aloe-emodin, Aloins, Barbaloin, Galactomannans (long chain sugars derived from plants), Glycoproteins (protein-carbohydrate compounds that speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation), vitamin C, vitamin E , Zinc and mucopolysaccharides* [MPS] (long-chain sugars). Mucopolysaccharides [MPS] are found in every single cell in the body. The human body stops manufacturing mucopolysaccharides around puberty and from then on must rely on outside sources. Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosides (these molecules are split by the normal bacteria in the large intestines to form other molecules called aglycones), the main one being aloin Proven benefits of Aloe vera Antioxidant Action Aloe vera is a good anti oxidant like most other natural plant extracts. The anti oxidant action of Aloe vera is more powerful than Vitamin E. A recently published study shows that oral consumption of Aloe vera juice helps the body to retain dietary Vitamin E and C for significantly longer periods. The authors say that Aloe vera juice is the only known substance to help retain Vitamin E and C for longer periods in the body. [1] Aloe vera juice extracted from 3 year old plants has the highest anti oxidant action. [2] Skin Moisturizer and Healing Action "Freeze-dried Aloe vera extract is a natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration, possibly through a humectant mechanism. Consequently, it may be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and also as a complement in the treatment of dry skin." [3] Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Some components of Aloe vera extracts are able to permeate the skin and also help the permeation of other topical medications. [4] Laxative Effect Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative. There is strong scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthroquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). Anti diabetic effect Five phytosterols in Aloe vera were shown to have significant anti diabetic effect in mice. Both blood glucose levels and HbA1c levels were significantly lowered. The authors conclude "Aloe vera gel and phytosterols derived from Aloe vera gel have a long-term blood glucose level control effect and would be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus." [5] In another study in rats, Aloe vera protected against diabetes induced liver damage, similar to Glibenclamide (an anti diabetic drug). [6] Hepatic cholesterol lowering effect A study in Korea reports "Our results show that a life-long intake of aloe had superior anti-oxidative action against lipid peroxidation in vivo, as indicated by reduced levels of hepatic phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide. Additional anti-oxidative action was evidenced by enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in groups B and C. Furthermore, our study revealed that hepatic cholesterol significantly increased in the control group during aging in contrast to the aloe-supplemented groups, which showed approximately 30% lower cholesterol levels, thereby an effective hypocholesteremic efficacy. In this report, we suggest that life-long dietary aloe supplementation suppresses free radical-induced oxidative damage and age-related increases in hepatic cholesterol." [7] Prevention of Kidney Stones Aloe vera gel administration changes the chemical composition of urine in both adults and children favorably and has the potential to prevent kidney stones. [8&9] Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine for many other purposes including ulcerative colitis for which there is some evidence. The results in irritable bowel syndrome are not conclusive. It has anti bacterial and anti viral actions also, but the clinical applications are few (like genital herpes). Once the benefits of Aloe vera are proven in clinical trials, various new indications may emerge. It has no side effects when used topically. Aloe vera appears to be an important agent with wide ranging benefits in the fight against aging. References:
Fight Aging Site team has taken maximum care to ensure that the information is authentic. The information has been extracted from published medical trials and text books. The information is not meant to substitute a Physicians advice, nor is it meant to treat any disease. Members are advised to consult a Physician, Dietician, Physiotherapist or Trainer before taking medication or starting an exercise program. Source: FightAgingSite.com |
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