As a medicinal plant, various species of aloe have been cultivated for thousands of years. Currently, these plants are popular in topical and ingested formulas designed to aid wound healing and have a soothing effect. Aloe has also been incorporated in cleansing and laxative formulas due to certain components that induce movement of the digestive tract.
Confusion Exists Regarding the Properties of Aloe
To avoid confusion when working with aloe, one should remember that parts of the plant exist in close proximity but, have completely different functions. Just superficial to the skin of an aloe plant is a bitter latex sap that is high in hydroxyanthraquinones. Under this latex layer, the body of the leaf has a semi-solid, clear gel consistency and is a potent source of mucopolysaccharides.
The Laxative Effects of Aloe Latex
Hydroxyanthraquinones have a powerful stimulating effect on the digestive tract. They induce peristaltic activity of the small and large intestines, increase mucous secretion, and decrease water absorption along the colon. This culminates in a laxative-effect where users experience frequent and sometimes unformed bowel movements. Examples of hydroxyanthraquinones found in aloe species include:
- aloin
- aloe-emodin
- barbalon
Accepted Dosage Recommendations for Aloe Latex
While the United States Food and Drug Administration recently banned aloe products as over the counter (OTC) laxatives, aloe products are still able to be incorporated and marketed as nutritional supplements. When incorporated in nutritional supplements, the total daily dosage of anthraquinones to achieve a laxative effect ranges between 10 and 30 mg. The amount of material for this differs with potency but, 40-170 mg of dried latex powder is usually sufficient. Dosages exceeding this are discouraged with increased possibility of adverse effects in the form of cramping and diarrhea. Duration of dosage should be limited to one week to discourage laxative dependance and a condition called melanosis coli .
Therapeutic Properties of Aloe Gel
Beneath the latex, the body of an aloe leaf is high in mucopolysaccharides purported to have soothing and healing properties. These components have been substantiated in the management of burns, inflammation, and are cardio-protective. They also have hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer activity while promoting the healing of skin and mucous membranes. Examples of these mucopolysaccharides include:
- acemannan
- aloesin
- cinnamoyl
Aloe mucopolysaccharides are now incorporated in a variety of commercial products ranging from tissues and soft drinks to skin creams. Aloe vera juice and gel with the latex principals removed is readily available at the local supermarket. In the recent past, aloe species gained a negative reputation due to their marketing by unscrupulous types as cures for cancer and HIV.
Resources:
He Q Eshun K and Eshun K, He Q, “Aloe vera: a valuable ingredient for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries--a review,” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 44, no. 2 (2004): 91–6.
J K Lee et al., “Acemannan purified from Aloe vera induces phenotypic and functional maturation of immature dendritic cells,” International Immunopharmacology 1, no. 7 (July 2001): 1275-1284.
T Reynolds and A C Dweck, “Aloe vera leaf gel: a review update,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 68, no. 1-3 (December 15, 1999): 3-37.
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