General
Description
Aloe is a perennial plant native to Africa and naturalized in
many arid regions of North and South America and Asia. The plant
has fleshy, tapered leaves, which can reach up to 20 inches in
length and usually grow in a rosette pattern. A flower stem, which
may be up to three feet high, grows from the center of the plant,
bearing long yellow flowers. The leaves have saw-like teeth along
their edges and are filled with a clear gel. The gel and a yellow
resin (or latex) from the leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
Health Applications
History and Traditional Use
Aloe has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes for over
4,000 years. Evidence of the herb's use appears in Mesopotamian
tablets from 2100 BC. Over the centuries, aloe was adopted as
a medicinal herb by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Indians,
and Chinese. It was used widely by prominent ancient physicians
such as Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, and Galen. Aloe remains
a popular herb worldwide, used internally as a laxative and topically
for sunburn, minor burns and abrasions, and as an ingredient in
lotions and cosmetics.
Chemical Composition
Two portions of the aloe leaf are used, each with distinctly different
chemical composition. The bitter yellow liquid, or latex, contains
compounds known as anthraquinones, which incude aloe-emodin, barboloin,
aloin, and others. The inner gel contains plant sterols, saponins,
salicylic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Internal Applications
The dried latex of the aloe leaf is approved by Germany's Commission
E for use as a laxative.1 Research suggests that aloe
latex may also have a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic patients.2
Aloe vera gel is commonly taken as a gastrointestinal tonic, often
in a diluted form known as aloe vera juice.
Topical Applications
For centuries, aloe gel has been used to soothe minor burns and
skin abrasions, and modern research appears to support this traditional
use. Studies indicate that topical application of aloe gel can
speed healing of frostbite, burns, and abrasions.3-5
Aloe does not appear to be helpful for serious wounds; studies
suggest that aloe may actually delay healing in deep cuts.6
Preliminary research indicates that topical aloe preparations
may improve symptoms in people with psoriasis.7
Dosage/Toxicity
For use as a laxative, experts recommend aloe latex powders or
liquid preparations providing the equivalent of 20 to 30 mg aloin
per day.1 Reported side effects include gastrointestinal
discomfort and cramps. Aloe latex should not be used by people
with intestinal obstruction or inflamed intestinal diseases such
as appendicitis or Crohn's disease. Long term use/abuse can cause
potassium deficiency, which may lead to cardiovascular disorders.
Aloe gel can be used liberally for topical applications. |
