AlOE VERA GEL

Reviewed by Aloe Vera-USA, March 1999.

Subsequent to the publication of this article, Dr Atherton reported that the patient with SLE experienced complete healing of the ulcer and the patient who had the very severe ulcer for 15 years was healed to the point where a skin graft was possible. Such results are highly significant bearing in mind that all previous treatments had failed over many years.

The results indicated that subsequent swabs destroyed the wound's infecting bacteria, predominantly pseudomonas. Three of the five venous leg ulcer wounds healed completely, one partially and one evidenced no improvement. No attempt was made to distinguish the internal effects of the aloe drinking gel from the effects of the topical aloe gel preparation. A pleasant side effect of the treatment was a clear change in the quality of the patients' hair, nails and skin. Although no definitive conclusions can be drawn from such a small pilot study, the results are promising and indicate the need for a larger trial. Ethical permission has been granted to carry out a randomised control trial involving 30 patients, which will compare the topical aloe gel effects with standard gel dressing.

Aloe vera appears to speed up the healing of damaged epithelial tissue in burns and leg ulcers by providing essential micronutrients, an anti-inflammatory effect, an antimicrobial effect and through the stimulation of skin fibroblasts. In the case of the pilot study carried out on chronic venous leg ulcers, seven patients were selected by nursing staff as being suitable for study. These patients had leg ulcers, which had failed to heal using conventional methods including skin grafting. Each patient was first patch-tested to exclude allergy to the vehicle and preservatives in the topical aloe product. The ulcer was then traced, photographed and swabbed, and blood taken for routine testing. Each patient was given 60 ml (4 fl oz) each day of aloe vera gel drink consisting of 98% stabilised aloe vera gel. The ulcer crater was irrigated with tap water to remove debris. The crater was then filled with topical aloe jelly preparation containing 86 % stabilised gel. Using an appropriate waterproof dressing (such as Combiderm), the wound area was covered and followed by a short stretch pressure bandaging. This process was implemented daily if possible either in the department or by trained nursing help in the community.

The research was undertaken in three parts: A literature review of the composition and actions of aloe vera; Laboratory work with cell cultures; A pilot study using aloe vera for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers.

There is a wide range of research from all over the world based upon different species of Aloe. As far as is possible the table below describes the constituents found in Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera) with their properties and their inferred activities. The aloe constituents are derived from the aloe leaf, which consists of three primary sections: the rind (photosynthesis) with sap contained in the pericyclic transport tubules (xylem and phloem), the mucilage (container) layer and the parenchyma or gel fillet (storage) layer. The relative quantities of the aloe constituents may be quite small (the total solid fraction varies from 0.5 to 1.5%), but most researchers claim that the effects that are observed may be due to the synergistic actions of the 75 known ingredients. The table below lists the constituents in alphabetical order. The aloe constituent list represents a consensus view of published work and may not be complete. The properties and the associated activities reported in the table have been constructed using the references cited above.

B's & Choline involved in amino acid metabolism, B12 required for production of red blood cells, Folic Acid in the development of blood cells.

Antioxidant(A,C,E): neutralises free radicals

A, C, E, B, Choline, B12, Folic Acid

Vitamins

The long chain gluco-mannons are absorbed intact by the pinocytotic process of certain cells lining the digestive tract.

Anti-viral, immune modulating activity of Acemannan

Anti-inflammatory action

Polysaccharides: gluco-mannans / polymannose

Monosaccharides: glucose & fructose

Sugars

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Anti-inflammatory agents. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties

Provides 4 main plant sterols: Cholesterol, Campesterol, Lupeol, ? Sitosterol

Sterols

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Soapy substance both cleansing and antiseptic

Glycosides

Saponins

Blank

Analgesic

Aspirin like compound

Salicylic Acid

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Essential for good health and is known to work in certain combination with each other, vitamins and other trace elements

Provides 9 minerals: Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc

Minerals

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Thought to provide penetrating power in Aloe vera skin preparations and may act as a carrier for other components

Cellulose based substance

Lignin

Blank

Wound Healing & Anti-inflammatory

Auxins & Gibberellins

Hormones

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Helps breakdown of food sugars and fats aiding digestion & enhancing nutrient absorption

Provides 8 enzymes: Aliiase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Amylase, Carboxypeptidase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Peroxidase

Enzymes

Traditionally known as laxatives. The anthraquinones are found in the sap. The anthraquinone derivatives (anthrones & chromones) comprise the phenolic fraction of the sap. The primary sap component is Aloin/Barbaloin anthrone derivative.

In relatively small concentrations together with the Gel fraction they provide Analgesic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral activity. In high concentration on their own they can be toxic.

Provides 12 anthraquinones: Aloe Emodin, Aloetic Acid, Aloin, Anthracene, Anthranol, Barbaloin, Chrysophanic Acid, Emodin, Ethereal Oil, Ester of Cinnamonic Acid, Isobarbaloin, Resistannol.

Anthraquinones

The 8 essential amino acids are those the human body cannot manufacture

Provides the basic building blocks of proteins in the production of muscle tissue etc

Provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids & 7 of the 8 essential ones

Amino Acids

Comment

Properties & Activity

Number & Identification

Aloe Vera juice is natural healer-from the inside out

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