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Aloe Vera
DESCRIPTION
The aloe vera plant grows naturally throughout the world in
most tropical and subtropical areas and is also cultivated
in parts of the Mediterranean and Asia. Its use in Wound healing
dates back to the time of Alexander the Great.
The part of aloe that is most used is the gel inside its cactus-like
leaves. The Skin of the leaves can be condensed to form a
sticky substance called "drug aloe", which is a
powerful but unpleasant laxative. The information provided
here will focus on uses of the aloe gel.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
When used topically, aloe
vera can be applied liberally. When taken orally, the recommended
dosage is an amount that would provide 800 to 1600 mg per
day of acemannan, a substance found in aloe vera.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Burns and cuts:
Aloe topical gel is useful for Burns and cuts. While there
is little scientific documentation, abundant anecdotal evidence
credits aloe gel for reducing healing time for a burn. Studies
on the effect of aloe on wound healing have been contradictory
(1).
Digestive Health:
The juice can be used as a digestive aid.
AIDS:
Some of its extracts have been found to enhance the Immune
System and so it is also used as a treatment for AIDS.
However, it is not yet a proven treatment.
Skin Conditions:
Recent research suggests it may contain antibacterial and
antifungal substances and is considered useful in skin conditions,
including Psoriasis (2-7). In one study, improvement was seen
in patients with psoriasis even a year after treatment was
stopped (8).
Oral aloe vera has also
been recommended as treatment for diabetes, Asthma, stomach
Ulcers, and general immune weakness. However, further research
is necessary to determine its effectiveness.
SAFETY
Aside from occasional allergic
reactions, aloe vera is generally recognised as safe by the
FDA. However, it has a purgative ability that warrants caution
when it is used internally. Comprehensive safety studies are
not yet available.
Pregnant women should take
extra caution when using aloe vera internally.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Aloe may enhance the effects
of hydrocortisone cream (9).
REFERENCES
1.Schmidt JM, et al.
Aloe vera dermal Wound gel is associated with a delay in Wound
healing. Obstet Gynecol 78: 115-117, 1991.
2. Brown, J. B. Use of aloe vera on radiation Burns. Cancer
J Clin., 1963. 14; 14-15.
3. Crewe, J. E. Aloes in the treatment of Burns and scalds.
Minnesota Med., 1939; 538-539.
4. Bruce, W. G. Investigations of antibacterial activity in
the aloe. S Afr Med J., 1967 41; 984.
5. Rovatti, R. & F. J. Brennan. Aloe vera ointment tested
on third degree Burns. Indust Med Surgery, 1959: 364-368.
6. Zawahry, M. E., M. R. Heazy & M. Helal. Use of aloe
in treating leg Ulcers and dermatoses. Int J Dermatol., 1973.
12(1); 70-72.
7. Barnes, T. C. The healing action of extracts of aloe vera
leaf on abrasions on human Skin. Am J Bot., 1947 34; 597.
8. Syed TA, Ahmad A, Holt AH, et al. Management of Psoriasis
with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled,
double-blind study. Trop Med Internat Health 1: 505-509, 1996.
9. Davis RH, et al. Aloe vera as a biologically active vehicle
for hydrocortisone acetate. J Am Pod Med Assoc 81(1): 1-9,
1991.
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