Research by Topic
MUST READ ARTICLE: International Aloe Science Council. (2013, August 25). IASC debunks CSPI aloe warning.
Abstract: The International Aloe Science Council (IASC) responded to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recent news release telling consumers to avoid taking aloe vera orally, with what IASC executive director, Devon Powell, called "some simple facts." Recently published studies on consumer products showed no carcinogenic effects. Purified (decolorized) aloe vera: no known carcinogenic concerns according to internationally recognized cancer organization. The vast majority of aloe vera products for oral consumption are decolorized or purified. The NTP test article is chemically distinct from what is found in consumer products for oral consumption.
GREAT REVIEW ARTICLE: Reynolds, T., and Dweck, A. C. (1999). Aloe vera leaf gel: A review update. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 68, 3-37.
Abstract: Research since the 1986 review has largely upheld the therapeutic claims made in the earlier papers and indeed extended them into other areas. Treatment of inflammation is still the key effect for most types of healing but it is now realized that this is a complex process and that many of its constituent processes may be addressed in different ways by different gel components. A common theme running though much recent research is the immunomodulatory properties of the gel polysaccharides, especially the acetylated mannans from Aloe vera, which are now a proprietary substance covered by many patents. There have also been, however, persistent reports of active glycoprotein fractions from both Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens. Reports also describe antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibiotic activities, so we may expect to see a widening use of aloe gel. Several reputable suppliers produce a stabilized aloe gel for use as itself or in formulations and there may be moves towards isolating and eventually providing verified active ingredients in dosable quantities.
Basic Science (See also Glyconutrients, Anthraquinones, and Chemical Constituents and Nutrients)
Burns (See also Dermatologic Uses, Radiation, and Wound Healing)
Chemical Constituents and Nutrients
Dermatologic Uses (See also Burns, Radiation, and Wound Healing)
Glyconutrients and Polysaccharides
Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome / Chronic Pelvic Pain (See also Urological Uses)
Manufacture and Quality Control
Radiation (See also Burns, Dermatologic Uses, and Wound Healing)
Skin (See Dermatologic Uses, Burns, Radiation, and Wound Healing)
Tumors (See Cancer)
Urinary Tract Infection (See also Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome / Chronic Pelvic Pain)
Urological Uses (See also Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome / Chronic Pelvic Pain / Urinary Tract Infection)
