Research Findings Confirm
Ancient Wisdom On Aloe Vera.
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Introduction
Perhaps to many people, the word Aloe vera, has become
synonymous with the image of a plant gel that is used
as a base for a significant number of preparations
in the cosmetic industry. This short article explores
some less common and perhaps more relevant facets
of the medicinal properties of this beautiful and
hardy plant.
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The
Latin name of this miraculous plant is Aloe vera also called
as Aloe barbadensis. This amazing plant has been used by
the indigenous cultures of different civilizations for many
millennia. It's medicinal properties have been documented
in a diverse range of clinical conditions, some of which
are briefly outlined in this article.
Maintenance of Skin Elasticity
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Researchers have observed that when an extract of Aloe
vera gel is applied on the skin, it stimulates growth
of fibroblasts.
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Fibroblasts are key cells that help in the manufacture
of collagen, a protein that has been recognized to be
responsible for maintaining skin elasticity.
Improved Moisture Retention
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Ivan Danhof and other researchers proved that regular
application of Aloe vera gel helps the skin to absorb
moisture faster.
- The
moisture absorption rate of skin rate was increased by
three to four fold.
Anti-viral
action
In another study, it was observed that aloe vera has very
remarkable anti-viral properties. A key investigator in observing
it's antiviral action was Reg McDanial who isolated a compound
called acemannon from aloe extract.
The antiviral action of acemannon was found to extend even
to transformation of the protein envelope of the HIV virus
- thus preventing it from attaching to cells. However, these
results are preliminary and more clinical data on the subject
would help to confirm these preliminary observations.
Accelerated action on healing in digestive system
In another study carried out by Lee Cowden at Dallas, Texas,
it was seen that regular oral consumption of Aloe vera benefited
several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract like irritable
bowl syndrome, ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcer,
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, mouth lesions, sore
throat, and lupus.
Anti-Arthritic action
In another study carried out by R. H. Davis at the University
of Pennsylvania, it was observed that aloe vera can prevent
and arrest arthritis, inhibit pain, reduce inflammation and
restore bone growth.
Strong antioxidant
Lee et al at the Department of Food and Nutrition, Ho Seo
University, Korea have isolated a strong antioxidative compound
from a methanolic extract of Aloe barbadensis. The investigators
found that the antioxidative action of the compound isolated
from Aloe extract was of a comparable efficacy as that of
alpha-tocopherol.
Strong immunostimulant
Pugh and Ross at the Department of Pharmacognosy, National
Centre for Natural Products Research, University of Missisippi,
have characterized a new immunostimulatory polysaccharide
called Aloeride from commercial aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis).
The investigators observed that Aloeride induced the expression
of the mRNAs encoding IL-1beta and TNF-alpha to levels equal
to those observed in cells maximally activated by LPS. According
to the investigators, aloeride although just 0.015% of the
aloe juice dry weight has a remarkable action on activation
of macrophages and may be the single most important component
of aloe vera juice.
Conclusion
This article brings to light some relevant observations
about the remarkable medicinal properties of Aloe vera that
make it invaluable in your medicine cabinet and give you a
strong reason to grow this precious plant in your garden.
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