|
Therapeutic
Uses of Aloe Vera
The
following was excerpted from an article entitled Aloe Vera
by Alexander G. Schauss, Director, Life Sciences Division,
American Institute for Biosocial Research, Tacoma, Washington.
Therapeutic uses of aloe vera have been reported
in the medical literature for over 50 years, although it has
been reported in the botanical and naturopathic literature
for many more years. Scientific studies exist that support
the antibacterial and antifungal effect of substances in aloe
vera. Studies and case reports provide support for the use
of aloe vera in the treatment of radiation ulcers and stasis
ulcers in humans, and burn and frostbite injuries in experimental
animals.
Modern
clinical medical use of aloe began in the 1930s with reports
of successful treatment of X-ray and radium burns. These case
studies were later confirmed in animal experiments and controlled
clinical trials with humans. In one such experiment, 10 rabbits
were subjected to 14,000 or 28,000 rep of beta radiation from
strontium-90. Two of four areas were treated with aloe vera
gel, the remaining two left untreated. Gross and microscopic
morphological changes in the skin resulting from the radiation
were compared in the treated and untreated areas. Consistently
the aloe treated areas were completely healed within two months,
whereas the untreated ulcerations remained four months later.
Dermatologists
have shown considerable interest in aloe vera due to its antimicrobial
and antibacterial properties. In in vitro studies, marked
zones of inhibition (bacteriostatic activity) were shown for
Staphylococcus aureus 209, E. coli, Streptococcus pyogenes,
Coryenbacterium xerose, Shigella paradysenteriae, Salmonella
typhosa, Salmonella schotimuelleri, and Salmonella paratyphi.
In a study by Rodriquez-Bigas et al (1988) wound bacterial
counts were quantitatively measured and found to be effectively
decreased equally by either 1% silver sulfadiazine (p=0.015)
or aloe vera extract (p=0.015) in an experimental study using
Hartley guinea pigs. The guinea pigs received full-thickness
burns covering 3% of their body surface. The average time
to complete healing in the control group was 50 days, while
the aloe vera-treated animals healed on an average of 30 days
(p.<0.02). Such data supports the belief that aloe gel dermal
extracts allow faster healing of burn wounds.
Aloe
vera has also been shown to be of benefit in numerous studies
in the treatment of burns, frostbite, and skin abrasion injury.
Aloe vera ointments have been carefully and systematically
tested for their efficacy on third-degree burns. The process
of gradual formation of the eschar has been followed in these
experiments, examining the gross and microscopic changes that
occur step by step. In one study, albino rabbits were given
identical burns and found to benefit from an aloe vera gel
called preparation S, which is a specially prepared bland
ointment base with 5% lanolin, found to be the most effective
in forming microscopic eschar.
From Desert Harvest: Most
of the scientific literature about aloe vera refers to its
topical use. Only limited clinical trials have been conducted
using whole-leaf aloe vera taken internally. Desert Harvest
has sponsored clinical trials (double-blind, placebo-controlled)
of its whole-leaf aloe vera capsules in interstitial cystitis
patients with incredible results. Research has been done with
aloe vera concentrates in people with AIDS, diabetes, cancer,
high cholesterol, and heart disease. If you would like
information regarding any of these studies, please call our
toll-free number (800-222-3901) to request copies.
Herbal books will list aloe vera as toxic in large doses,
but that is referred to the whole plant that contains the
aloin and aloe emodin. Desert Harvest removes those two chemicals
from all of its aloe vera products. The
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs has given such aloe
vera the lowest ranking possible for toxicity.
Desert Harvest does not make any health claims regarding any of its products. Even though we are committed to scientific research, we are not healthcare professionals. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any good health measures, it is important for an individual to be under the routine care of a physician and to follow the directions of qualified healthcare professionals. The suggestions, statements, and products on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
|
