Synonyms: - A. barbadensis Mill., A. perfoliata var. vera L., A. vulgaris Lam. The gel is used folklorically, and the dried inner leaf juice pharmaceutically as a laxative. There is much confusion resulting from different interpretations by botanists, chemists, collectors, herbalists, pharmaceuticists, physicians, and taxonomists. I dont know the herbalist or taxonomist who can identify aloe to species by its latex or leaves alone. Here, I have tried to sort out what I think was intended by the authors, mostly also compilers like myself, interpreting the studies of others. Potters New Cyclopedia tried to straighten things out by calling the gel aloe vera and the purgative powder aloes. Fleming (1998) aggregates it all inextricably, dried and fresh leaf juice, whole leaves, and the gel (PHR, PH2). Its even botched in the Bible, according to Biblical scholars. Aloe in the Old Testament is said to be Aquilaria, while that of the New Testament is said to be our Aloe vera.
Dosages (Aloe): - 50 - 200 mg powder (APA); 50 - 300 mg powder in a single dose at bedtime (AHP); 1 tbsp gel 3 ×/day (APA); 25 mg in 701 mg soybean oil, 1 - 2 softgels 3 ×/day; apply topically; or 1 tbsp juice after meals (SF). Aloe gel, Barbados aloe, and Aloe powder contain, respectively 4.87, 4.65, and 4.21% aloin, and 2.2, 2.1, and 2.03% aloe emodin.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Aloe): - Gel Class 1 Internally; Gel Class 2d Externally (AHP); Powder Class 2b, 2c, 2d. Anthraquinones may be purgative and GI tract irritant (CAN). Commission E reports contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives (AEH). Because of its laxative and reputed abortifacient actions, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. However, they suggest that topical, but not oral, application may be okay in pregnancy and lactation (CAN). The latex can be a drastic laxative. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children (LRNP). Do not use internally in pregnancy (WAM). Do not use with undiagnosed abdominal pain (WAM). Do not use internally for more than 10 days (WAM). Epidemiological studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have three times higher rate of colon carcinoma (AEH:115). May cause allergic dermatosis. Taken in excess may result in ulcers or irritated bowels (TMA, 1996). Hypoglycemic. Naturopaths Yarnell and Meserole (1996) state that people allergic to aloe may develop a severe rash following its application. Alcoholic extract at 100 mg/kg for 3 months toxic in mice (AAB).
Clinical (Aloe): - Anondialysable fraction (with mixed polysaccharides) enhances phagocytosisin adult bronchial asthma (perhaps due to endogenous cyclooxygenase synthesizing prostaglandins especially PGE-2, with some TXB-2, PGD-2, PGF-2, and 6 keto-PGF-1b). ZPGE2 has been associated with the beneficial effect on asthma. Gel reported effective in mouth ulcers. Gel preparations reported effective against peptic ulcers (unless stress-induced), radiation burns, and skin ulcers, ineffective against stress-induced gastric and peptic ulcers. Healing wounds (10 mg/kg scu rat; 100 mg/kg scu mouse).
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