Aloe vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis. Miller) is a semi-tropical plant with a history of usage by humans dating back to biblical times. The earliest records on usage of Aloe Vera by mankind date back to more than 2000 years. Alexander the Great used them to treat his wounded soldiers. The secret behind the beauty of Cleopatra is believed to be the application of Aloe. The Bible also has mentioned the use of Aloe. Aloe Vera has found place in Ayurvedic Science since time immemorial. Ever since, Aloe was a first aid plant in many houses in the world. In due course,
Aloe has become very popular as an ingredient in pharma / cosmetic formulations, more so in USA, Europe and the Far East.

This Miracle Plant contains many ingredients including amino acids, minerals,vitamins and enzymes which makes it useful in a wide range of applications in Cosmetics (Skin creams, Shampoos, Soaps, Hair oil - anti balding / premature graying, After - Shave Gel, Moisturizers), Medicine (Anti inflammatory ointment, Digestion aid, Anti ulcer) and Food supplements (Health Drink , Nutri Spread) to name a few. Aloe Vera finds wider application today in the global market, owing to its unique combination of Phyto Chemicals in Baby Care , Anti - Cancer, Anti -AIDS, Anti - Diabetic Treatments, Cardio - Vascular Care, Dentistry, Gastro -Intestinal Care, Arthritis, Veterinary Care.

Aloe Vera works in synergy with other medications, increasing their efficacy,without conflict in desired results. Aloe Vera by itself may not be a cure for all ailments, but it strengthens the organs of the body to fight off disease causing microbes. The greatest advantage of ALOE VERA is that it has no known adverse side effects

KEY INGREDIENTS OF ALOE VERA
Vitamins A (as b-carotene), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E, Folic acid, Choline
Minerals Calcium. Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium chloride, Sulphur, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc

Amino acid (20) used by the body to make proteins including all essential amino Acids which the body cannot produce itself Uronic acids which strip toxic materials from cells to aid detoxification Fatty acids are natural plant steroids which are anti-inflammatory, anti-septic
and helps cells function better

Sugars Mucinous polysaccharides (including acetylated mannan or acemannan) which are used by the immune system, detoxify the body, line the gut, aid absorption from the digestive system, lubricates joints, protects cells and aid gaseous exchange in the lungs

Enzymes are used by the body as a catalyst for Saponins form foam in water solution, have natural cleansing and anti-septic qualities Lignin is a wood-like pulp which has the ability to penetrate the skin Anthraquinones (14) are natural pain killers and anti-microbial agents
Salicylic acid is an aspirin-like compound that is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial

PROPERTIES OF ALOE VERA
It is natural cleanser It moisturizes skin because of its water retention property, giving a cooling effect It anaesthetizes tissue and reduces bleeding It is bactericidal, viruscidal and fungicidal It is anti-pyretic (reduces heat), anti-inflammatory and anti pruretic (stops
itching/ burning) It stimulates healthy cell division and detoxifies the body aloevera [2]

Aloe is a genus of plants belonging to family Asphodelaceae, with about 400 species distributed throughout Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar. Aloe vera,meaning true aloe, was originally spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Aloe vera is a perennial plant with yellow flowers. The plant can grow up to 4 feet in height and its tough, fleshy, spearlike leaves can grow up to 20 inches long. Aloe vera is a stemless plant with rosettes of very thick fleshy leaves.

The aloe vera flowers are yellow or red clusters which are formed on long stems.
The leaves are thick and fleshy and measure about 15 to 20 inches in length. The leaf margins contain a row of pale teeth that are about one tenth of an inch long. Aloe vera comes in powder, liquid and chunk form. It can be used to develop soothing dairy-based beverages or can be used like a fruit prep in yogurt and other cultured products. Only the leaves are used for medicine, but different parts of the leaves can be used for different purposes. The clear, thick gel found in the inner part of the leaf is 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 commonly used for laxative purposes.

Active constituents of aloe vera
Aloe vera is a source of energy containing over 200 nutrients, including 18 amino acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Aloe vera gel consists primarily of water and polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses, glucomannan, acemannan, and mannose derivatives). Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that stimulates skin growth and repair. It also contains amino acids, lipids,sterols (lupeol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol), tannins, enzymes. Mannose 6-phosphate is a major sugar component. Aloe latex contains compounds known as anthraquinones that stimulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

The anthraquinones include the hydroxyanthracene derivatives, aloins A and B,barbaloin, isobarbaloin, aloectic acid, and emodin. Aloe vera also contains fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other substances. Aloe juice (also known as aloe latex or aloe sap) is a yellow, bitter liquid derived from the outer layer of the aloe leaf. It contains substances that, when taken by mouth,have very strong laxative effects.

Medicinal uses and health benefits
Aloe vera is a plant that has wonderful healing and softening properties.
Historically aloe vera is known to soften and soothe and skin. Aloe has been long been used for its medicinal and skin care benefits. The aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of
years to heal a variety of conditions ranging from skin lesions to constipation.

The gel from the inner leaf is applied externally to soothe skin, help heal burns and promote cell repair. Aloe vera is one of the most widely recognized skin care ingredients. It helps the skin replenish lost moisture and when applied to skin injuries, minor wounds, burns, rashes, or lesions, it works immediately and effectively to heal and soothe. It promotes the healing of burns and superficial wounds, but should not be used on deep or surgical wounds of punctures.

Aloe vera is one of the most widely used substances in the world for the treatment of bruises and burns. Aloe gel speeds the healing of burns (from fire,sun or radiation) and insect bites, and relieves itching and dandruff. Aloe vera heals third degree burns up to six times faster than traditional medical treatments. Aloe contains active compounds that stop pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair.

Aloe vera is able to promote the formation of collagen when applied to skin wounds (collagen is a vital substance in skin that provides strength and structure). Healing is promoted by the anti-inflammatory components, including several glycoproteins and salicylates, and substances that stimulate growth of skin and connective tissue. Aloe helps promote healthy digestive surfaces throughout the esophagus and stomach. A. vera helps encourage normal muscle and joint functions.

Aloe vera has been widely marketed as having a number of benefits when taken internally. For example, Aloe has been marketed as a remedy for coughs, wounds,ulcers, gastritis, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies, and many other conditions. However, these uses are unproven. The only substantiated internal use is as a laxative. Preliminary studies suggest that aloe juice may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes.

Aloe vera gel products may also be used internally. Aloe vera juice can be used as a natural remedy in the treatment of stomach ulcer and mouth ulcers because of its anti-inflammatory effect. It appears to have a soothing effect on the ulcer, and interferes with the release of hydrochloric acid by the stomach. Oral aloe gel supplements may lower blood glucose levels in people who suffer diabetes. The anti-inflammatory effects of aloe gel may be of benefit in
arthritis for the control of joint inflammation. The stimulating effects of Aloe on the uterus may also help to induce suppressed menstruation.

Side effects, precautions, interactions of aloe vera
Internal use of aloe vera latex may turn the urine red, and may also cause abdominal pain or cramps when products containing anthraquinones are consumed. Occasionally, some people develop a mild allergic reaction marked by itching or a rash, when used as topical treatment. Due to improper processing, aloe vera juice sometimes contains small quantities of the laxative compound in aloe latex. Because of the laxative effects of latex, overuse may cause electrolyte imbalances. Aloe latex may cause severe intestinal cramps or diarrhea.

Pregnant women should not take aloe latex because it may cause uterine contractions and
trigger miscarriage. Aloe latex is not recommended for people with gastrointestinal illness, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, or stomach pain. It may worsen ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Children and the elderly should not consume an aloe vera latex laxative internally. Chronic internal use of products containing aloe vera latex
may increase the likelihood of potassium loss when used concomitantly with diuretics or corticosteroids. Internal use of aloe vera is not recommended for people taking digoxin, diuretics, topical or oral steroids, medication for arrhythmia (irregular heart beats) and drugs which cause potassium to be lost from the body.

Posted by Raja Gopal