Since 6000 years, aloe is used in both herbal
medicine in dermatology and cosmetology. Clinical studies have
demonstrated the effectiveness of its therapeutic properties in the treatment
of some dermal diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and is an excellent
antioxidant to fight against cellular aging.
Scientific name: Aloe
vera , Aloe barbadensis
Common names: aloe,
lilies of the desert
English name: Aloe
vera
Botanical Classification: lily family ( Liliaceae )
Forms and preparations: gel, milk, juice, capsules, lotions, creams, drinks
medicinal properties of Aloe vera
INTERNAL USE
Hypoglycemic effects (low blood sugar levels in the
blood) and cholesterol (lipid lowering): management of diabetes 2 and
hypocholesterolemia. Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation punctual,
flatulence.
Antioxidant effect: acts against cellular
aging. Other: effective against chronic fatigue, candida and periodontitis . Its
gel minimizes the risk of infection and has superior nutritional properties.
EXTERNAL USE
Relieves skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis,
burns, boils, itchiness.Analgesic effect light: joint pain , muscle
and sensitivity.
USUAL THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS
To relieve gastrointestinal problems, soften
dehydrated skin, irritated or dry.
demonstrated therapeutic indications
In the case of diabetes, for its hypoglycemic
effect. To treat irritable bowel syndrome and chronic
constipation.
History of the use of Aloe vera herbal medicine
The Aloe vera find
its origins in Africa and some islands in the Indian Ocean. The gel of
this plant was already used to treat skin problems and constipation in ancient
Greece and ancient Egypt. For some historians, the Spaniards have imported
raw aloe plants in America, around the sixteenth century. In 1820, there
is mention of Aloe vera in the official
Pharmacopoeia of the United States and in 1935 a group of American doctors are
used in the treatment of burns consecutive to exposure to X-rays
since interest in this plant the hundred virtues has been increasing worldwide.
Botanical description of Aloe vera
Plant of the lily family, such as asparagus , tulip,
lily, onion, garlic and chives, theAloe vera is
one of monocots. The plant is about 70 cm high, its roots are shallow, and
it consists of a variable number of fleshy leaves, triangular, pointed at the
ends. Small pale yellow spines are often present on the periphery of its
leaves. Flowering, yellow light, appears on stems in the shape of trumpets
and its fruit is capsular. Its gel, pale green slime, is taken from the
center of the leaves, while the latex is extracted from the small channels
present in its stem.This plant grows on limestone and sandy soil, in a warm
atmosphere and rather dry. It is grown commercially in the United States,
the Caribbean, the Philippines and Mexico.
Composition of Aloe vera
PARTS USED
Its gel and latex are used in herbal medicine and
naturopathy; dermatology and cosmetology, only the gel is operated.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
anthracene derivatives sap aloin, aloe emodin,
aloïnosides and hydroxy-aloins.
Mono and polysaccharides: cellulose, mannose,
glucose, aldopentose and L-rhamnose.
amino acids: aspartic acid, isoleucine,
hydroxiproline, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, théonine, valine, leucine
(essential amino acids) and proline, serine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, alanine,
arginine, cystine, glycine, histidine (secondary amino acids). Vitamins A,
B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12 and PP.
minerals: calcium, copper, chromium, chlorine,
lithium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and
zinc. Enzymes catalase, amylase, lipase, cellulase, oxidase and
phosphatases.
Other items: aloenin aloesin, cinnamic acid,
résistanol, lignin chrysophanic acid, saponins, volatile oils and choline.
Use and dosage of Aloe vera
DOSAGE
- In the gel, the Aloe vera should
be applied in thin layers directly on the skin.
- In juice consumption 50 ml per day is the maximum
dose.
- In the form of capsules, the recommended dosage
is 200 to 300 mg per day.
Precautions Aloe vera
It is best to focus on brands that do not contain
aloin. It should avoid sun exposure after gel application of aloe vera on the skin, due to the risk of
photosensitivity.
CONS-INDICATIONS
The consumption of its latex is not suitable for
pregnant women, young children and people suffering from the syndrome irritable
bowel , ulcers, heart or kidney problems. It is ineffective pursuant
to infected lesions.
SIDE EFFECTS
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea can occur when the
latex of Aloe vera is used in high doses or for a long
time.
INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICINAL HERBS OR SUPPLEMENTS
The gel and latex should not be taken
simultaneously with plants laxative effect, hypoglycemic and
hypercholesterolemic.
INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS
Avoid taking latex or drink gel along with drugs to
laxative effect or which lower the blood sugar and cholesterol .
Doctor's opinion
THE KNOWN BENEFITS
The Aloe vera is a
true ally, every day, nutritionally. Eighty members of the 200 that
constitute it, are proving to be important nutrients for better health (amino
acids, vitamins, minerals, mono and polysaccharides, enzymes). The
presence of choline helps to control cholesterol, provides good functioning of
the liver and is involved in memory processes. The Aloe vera is particularly useful to prevent or
fight against constipation.
Aloe gel improves the condition of mature skin because it has biogenic stimulating
properties. It multiplies by 7 or 8, the production of
fibroblasts, which create human collagen. Moisturizing and emollient
softens irritated skin, burned surface or very dry.
AWARNING
For ingestion of the gel of Aloe vera oral or its latex, liquid or capsules,
follow the dosage indicated on the containers. If in doubt, it is best to
seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist.
Research on Aloe vera
The latest scientific research has focused on gels
and creams made with aloe vera and
were conducted in dermatology. Another research on the action of Aloe vera
gel on gingivitis failed to confirm its effectiveness. Furthermore, other
clinical trials were conducted in the field of diabetes treatment, the genital
herpes and chronic constipation. Some results have indicated that a
topical product containing 0.5% extract of Aloe vera was
more effective than placebo to help treat lesions caused by herpes genital.
General
Science Magazine and Doctissimo