 |
|
Photo copyright Steven Foster |
Also indexed as:
Aloe barbadensis
Botanical names: Aloe vera,
Aloe barbadensis
Part used and where grown: The aloe plant
originally came from Africa. The leaves, which are long, green, fleshy,
and have spikes along the edges, are used medicinally. The fresh leaf
gel and latex are used for many purposes. Aloe latex is the sticky
residue left over after the liquid from cut aloe leaves has evaporated.
Historical or traditional use
(may or may not be supported by scientific
studies): Aloe has been historically
used for many of the same conditions for which it is used
today—particularly constipation and minor cuts and burns. In India, it
has been used by herbalists to treat intestinal infections, suppressed
menses, and colic.
Active constituents: The constituents of
aloe latex responsible for its laxative effects are known as
anthraquinone glycosides. These molecules are split by the normal
bacteria in the large intestines to form other molecules (aglycones),
which exert the laxative action. Since aloe is such a powerful laxative,
other plant laxatives such as senna or
are often recommended
first.
Topically, it is not yet clear which constituents are responsible for
the wound healing properties of aloe.1 Test tube studies
suggest polysaccharides, such as acemannon, help promote skin healing by
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating actions. Aloe’s
effects on the skin may also be enhanced by its high concentration of
amino acids, as well as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and essential fatty
acids.
Aloe has been used to treat minor
.2 Stabilized
aloe gel is applied to the affected area of skin three to five times per
day. Older case studies reported that aloe gel applied topically could
help heal radiation burns,3 and a small clinical trial found
it more effective than a topical petroleum jelly in treating burns.4
However, a large, modern, placebo-controlled trial did not find aloe
effective for treating minor burns.5
Two small controlled human trials have found that aloe, either alone
or in combination with the oral hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide,
effectively lowers blood sugar in people with type 2
(non-insulin-dependent)
.6 7
An aloe extract in a cream has been shown effective in a
double-blind, controlled trial in people with
.8
How much is usually taken? For
constipation, a single 50–200 mg capsule of aloe latex can be taken each
day for a maximum of ten days.
For minor
, the stabilized aloe gel
is applied topically to the affected area of skin three to five times
per day. Treatment of more serious burns should only be done under the
supervision of a healthcare professional. For internal use of aloe gel,
two tablespoons (30 ml) three times per day is used by some people for
conditions,
such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (see precautions below).
For type 2 diabetes, clinical trials have used one tablespoon (15 ml) of
aloe juice, twice daily. Treatment of diabetes with aloe should only be
done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Except in the rare person who is allergic to aloe, topical application
of the gel is generally safe. For any
that blisters
significantly or is otherwise severe, medical attention is absolutely
essential. In some severe burns and
, aloe gel may actually
impede healing.9
The latex form of aloe should not be used by anyone with inflammatory
intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or
appendicitis. It should also not be used by children, or by women during
pregnancy or breast-feeding.10
In people with constipation, aloe latex should not be used for more
than ten consecutive days as it may lead to dependency and fluid loss.
Extensive fluid loss may lead to depletion of important electrolytes in
the body such as potassium.11
Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medications may interact with aloe. Refer to the drug
interactions safety check for a list of those medications.
References:
1. Penneys
NS. Inhibition of arachidonic acid oxidation in vitro by vehicle
components. Acta Derm Venerol Stockh 1981;62:59–61.
2.
Visuthikosol V, Chowchuen B, Sukwanarat Y, et al. Effect of Aloe vera to
healing of burn wound: A clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc
Thai 1995;78:403–9.
3. Loveman
AB. Leaf of Aloe vera in treatment of Roentgen ray ulcers. Arch Derm
Syph 1937;36:838–43.
4.
Visuthikosol V, Chowchuen B, Sukwanarat Y, et al. Effect of aloe vera
gel in the healing of burn wound: a clinical and histologic study. J
Med Assoc Thai 1995;78:403–9.
5. Williams
MS, Burk M, Loprinzi CL, et al. Phase III double-blind evaluation of an
Aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin
toxicity. Int J Rad Oncol Biol Phys 1996;36:345–9.
6.
Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangs V, Bunyapraphatsara N,
Chokechaijaroenporn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L.
juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus.
Phytomedicine 1996;3:241–3.
7.
Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V,
Chokechaijaroenporn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L
juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination
with glibenclamide. Phytomedicine 1996;3:245–8.
8. Syed TA,
Ahmad SA, Holt AH, et al. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera
extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study.
Trop Med Int Health 1996;1:505–9.
9. Schmidt
JM, Greenspoon JS. Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay
in wound healing. Obstet Gynecol 1991;78:115–7.
10.
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.
Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 80–1.
11.
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.
Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 80–1.
|
