Aloes (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.) – Inner Leaf or Dried Leaf Juice
Overview
Aloes refers to the inner leaf or dried leaf juice derived from Aloe vera, a succulent plant known for its numerous therapeutic properties. This part of the plant is utilized for various health benefits, with both traditional and contemporary applications in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Activity
Medicinal Activities
Aloes demonstrates a wide spectrum of medicinal activities, which include:
• Antiallergic: May help alleviate allergic reactions.
• Anticancer: Investigated for potential anticancer properties.
• Bitter: Acts as a bitter tonic, stimulating digestion.
• Cell Proliferant: May promote cell growth.
• Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissues, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Emmenagogue: May stimulate menstrual flow.
• Gastrotonic: Enhances digestive function.
• Hypoglycemic: May help lower blood sugar levels.
• Laxative: Used for its laxative properties, particularly effective for constipation.
• Nephrotonic: Supports kidney function.
• Vermifuge: Effective against intestinal worms.
Aloes demonstrates a wide spectrum of medicinal activities, which include:
• Antiallergic: May help alleviate allergic reactions.
• Anticancer: Investigated for potential anticancer properties.
• Bitter: Acts as a bitter tonic, stimulating digestion.
• Cell Proliferant: May promote cell growth.
• Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissues, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Emmenagogue: May stimulate menstrual flow.
• Gastrotonic: Enhances digestive function.
• Hypoglycemic: May help lower blood sugar levels.
• Laxative: Used for its laxative properties, particularly effective for constipation.
• Nephrotonic: Supports kidney function.
• Vermifuge: Effective against intestinal worms.
Therapeutic Indication
The inner leaf or dried juice of Aloe vera is indicated for various health conditions, including:
• Digestive Disorders: Effective for conditions like constipation, colic, and gastrosis.
• Diabetes: May aid in managing blood sugar levels.
• Dermatological Issues: Useful for dermatosis, seborrhea, and infections.
• Cancer: Investigated for supportive treatment in different cancer types.
• Menstrual Issues: Can assist in amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
• Other Conditions: Applicable for atherosclerosis, hyperglycemia, tuberculosis, and ulcers.
• Digestive Disorders: Effective for conditions like constipation, colic, and gastrosis.
• Diabetes: May aid in managing blood sugar levels.
• Dermatological Issues: Useful for dermatosis, seborrhea, and infections.
• Cancer: Investigated for supportive treatment in different cancer types.
• Menstrual Issues: Can assist in amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
• Other Conditions: Applicable for atherosclerosis, hyperglycemia, tuberculosis, and ulcers.
Prepration & Usage
For effective use, the following dosages are generally recommended:
• Dried Juice: 50–300 mg at bedtime, or 50–200 mg per day.
• Capsules: 1 (250 mg) capsule at bedtime.
• Juice: 1 teaspoon after meals.
• Laxative Use: 0.04–0.11 g of dried juice for adults and children over 10 years old.
• Dried Juice: 50–300 mg at bedtime, or 50–200 mg per day.
• Capsules: 1 (250 mg) capsule at bedtime.
• Juice: 1 teaspoon after meals.
• Laxative Use: 0.04–0.11 g of dried juice for adults and children over 10 years old.
Safety & Considerations
Aloes has several contraindications and potential side effects that should be considered:
• Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with conditions such as intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and during menstruation.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Its use is discouraged due to potential abortifacient effects and the possibility of anthraquinones being secreted in breast milk.
• Adverse Effects: May cause gastrointestinal irritations, including diarrhea and intestinal cramps. Long-term use is generally not advised, and caution is recommended for allergic reactions.
• Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with conditions such as intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and during menstruation.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Its use is discouraged due to potential abortifacient effects and the possibility of anthraquinones being secreted in breast milk.
• Adverse Effects: May cause gastrointestinal irritations, including diarrhea and intestinal cramps. Long-term use is generally not advised, and caution is recommended for allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Research has shown that Aloes may enhance phagocytosis in conditions like bronchial asthma, possibly through its effects on endogenous cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin synthesis. Clinical evidence suggests it can be beneficial in wound healing and for specific gastrointestinal issues.
In summary, while Aloes possesses a variety of therapeutic properties and indications, it is crucial to use it judiciously and consult healthcare professionals when considering its use, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or during pregnancy.
In summary, while Aloes possesses a variety of therapeutic properties and indications, it is crucial to use it judiciously and consult healthcare professionals when considering its use, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or during pregnancy.