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Aloe Vera ( Aloe barbadanis Miller)

Plant parts used: Leaves.

Description : Well known hence not necessary.

Chemical Composition and Active Constituents:
The aloe plant is the source of two herbal preparations: aloe gel (AG) and
aloe latex.
AG refers to the clear gel or mucilaginous substance produced by
parenchymal cells located in the central region of the leaf. Diluted aloe gel
is commonly referred to as “aloe vera extract”. The gel is composed
mainly of water (99%) and mono- and polysaccharides (25% of the dry
weight of the gel). The most prominent monosaccharide in AG is mannose-
6-phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called gluco-
mannans (beta-(1,4) acetylated mannan). They are long-chain sugars
containing glucose and mannose. A prominent gluco-mannan named
acemannan has been isolated and is being marketed as Carrisyn. Recently
a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen, was isolated
from AG. In addition, a novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl
chromone, has been isolated from AG.

AG also contains lignan, salicylic acid, saponins, sterols, and triterpenoids. The fresh gel contains the proteolytic
enzyme carboxypeptidase (which breaks down bradykinin), glutathione peroxidase, as well as several isozymes of
superoxide dismutase. The gel also contains vitamins A, C, E, B12, thiamine, niacin and folic acid, as well as the
minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium, and iron.

Pericyclic tubular cells beneath the outer leaf epidermis produce a bitter yellow substance known as aloe latex,
commonly referred to as “aloe juice” or “aloe”. This substance is usually dried and used as a potent stimulant
laxative. Aloe latex contains a series of glycosides known as anthraquinones, the most prominent being aloin A and
B.

Medicinal Uses :
The use of Aloe Vera in skin rejuvenation treatments has been very well documented from ancient times to modern
research. You will find plenty of material on-line on this subject.

Digestion - At low doses, a tincture of bitter aloes can stimulate the appetite.
One of its most popular usages these days is in helping any type of digestive or bowel disorder. It helps in treating
of IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. It is also useful with other digestive problems, including peptic ulcers or any type of
stomach inflammation. People have described improved regularity, greater intestinal comfort and enhanced energy
levels.

Laxative - It has a gentle laxative effect on the bowels. At higher doses the anthraquinone compound in the bitter
aloes causes the colon to contract, generally producing a bowel movement after 8 to 12 hours. Bitter aloes, unlike
aloe vera juice, is a strong irritant laxative (even more concentrated than Senna) and you are advised to see a
practitioner rather than self- prescribe at high doses.

Immune system - contains many ingredients providing antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic elements.