Why Aloe Vera?

Below we present a few scientific articles that discuss some of the benefits of Aloe Vera and derivative products. Note, these articles can be found on the following website. www.iasc.org

Research Reveals Aloe's Effect On Inflammation

By Dr. Ian Tizard Texas A&M University

Consultant for Carrington Laboratories

It has been recognized for many years that some aloe-derived products have significant anti-inflammatory activity. Published evidence has shown that this is mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of prostanoid production in damaged tissue. Studies conducted at Texas A&M University and Texas Children's Hospital by Drs. Bob Bowden and Wayne Smith have now demonstrated that aloe extracts mediate a second anti-inflammatory mechanism by blocking certain integrins. Integrins are proteins that mediate cell adherence.

Thus in inflamed tissues, defensive cells such as blood neutrophils must first bind to endothelial cells on blood vessel walls before entering the tissues. This binding is integrin-mediated. Neutrophils, although critical for host defense, are unfortuntately able to cause significant tissue damage as a result of the release of potent enzymes and oxygen metabolites. Thus compounds that block neutrophil emigration will prevent tissue damage and so reduce inflammation.

Evidence has been presented to show that certain aloe-derived carbohydrates bind specifically to carbohydrate-binding sites on two ß2-integrins called LFA-01 and Mac-1. In doing this, they significantly reduce neutrophil emigration in some models of experimental inflammation. This abstract is from Dr. TizardÕs presentation "Aloe-derived carbohydrates reduce inflammation by blocking neutrophil emigration mediated by certain beta2 integrins".

If you would like more information on this topic, please contact the IASC. http://www.iasc.org/tizard.html

Univera Research Focuses On Chromones

By Dr. Qi Jia Univera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In recent years, Aloe vera and related products have drawn a great attention from cosmetic, nutroceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Aloe vera gel, which is generated in the mucilaginous cells of the inter central zone of the leaf, has been very well documented for its wound-healing1, anti-inflammatory2,3 and immune-stimulatory4 activities.

However, the small organic compounds, which predominantly exist in the pericyclic cells underneath the leaf skin, have been ignored as impurities due to their color and gastrointestinal irritation.

Because of low gel production or lack of understanding of chemistry and pharmacology, only a handful of aloe species out of more than 300 total breeds are commercially utilized. Decades of scientific studies on Aloe chromones reveal hundreds of structures with anti-inflammation5, anti-ulcer6, tyrosinase inhibition7, skin protection8, laxative effect9 and other biological activities.

Analyses of aloe chromones in different aloe species also have been reported10,11. The scientific investigation conducted in UPI is to discover new chemicals with anti-inflammation and other therapeutical potentials, to fully utilize natural aloe materials, and to explore new usage for diversified Aloe species.

Five representative compounds were isolated as QC and biolocial study standards from three different species of Aloe by using preparative HPLC, CCC and other routine chromatography methods: Aloesin (I), Aloeresin A (II), and Barbaloin (IV) from dried latex of the leaves of A. ferox, Aloenin (III) from dried whole leaves of A. arborescens and Aloeresin E (V) from the dry rind of A. The purity and chemical structures of the chromones were confirmed by HPLC and spectroscopic methods. Thirty five Aloe plants were harvested from Koniff Nursery.

Fresh collected aloe leaves were chopped to small pieces and freeze-dried. The dry leaves were ground and extracted by following the standard extraction protocol. The chromone contents in the methanol extracts were analyzed with HPLC. In-vitro anti-inflammatory assays are conducted on the alcohol and aqueous extracts. The bioasssay results and phytochemical studies of representative aloe species will be discussed in detail.

The manufacturing process of bioactive chromones from different aloe species has been developed efficiently and economically in UPI. Large-scale isolation of anti-inflammatory minor component - Aloeresin E is one of the examples12. The pilot scale process started with extraction of 22.4 kg of Aloe vera dry rind. The exclusive technology in UPI allowed 20-fold enrichment of Aloeresin E from crude extract. A simple filtration followed by solvent partition further removed 75% of remaining impurities. After column chromatography, the compound reached supreme purity. In conclusion, Aloe chromones are important bioactive components in natural sources.

A comprehensive study could introduce new raw materials for manufacturing of bioactive chromones, could reveal a unique chemical content for further investigation, and could lead the discovery of new therapeutic agents with bioassay directed isolation. Consequently, it would convey more understanding and appreciation of the natural wonder-Aloe. For more information on this topic or to receive an audio cassette of Dr. Jia's entrire presentation. please contact the IASC office.

References 1. D. Grindlay and T. Reynolds, J. Ethnopharmacology, 16, 117 (1986). 2. R. H. Davis, M.G. Leitner, J.M. Russo, and M.E. Byrne, J. Amer. Podiatric Med. Assoc. 79, 263 (1989). 3. S.L. Udupa, A.L. Udapa, and D.R. Kulkarni, Fitoerapia. LXV, 141 (1994). 4. D. Womble and J.H. Helderman, Int. J. Immunopharmac., 10, 967 (1988). 5. J.A. Hutter, M. Salman, W.B. Stavinoha, N. Satangi, R.F. Williams, R.T. Streeper, and S.T. Weintraub, J. Nat. Prod., 59, 541 (1996). 6. T. Hirata and T. Suga, Bull. Chem. Soc. Jap., 51, 842, (1978). 7. N. Okamura, N. Hine, S. Harada, T. Fujioka, K. Mihashi, and A. Yagi, Phytochem. 43, 495 (1996). 8. J.F. Grollier, G. Lang, S. Gratien, S. Forestier, G. Rosenbaum, US 4,656,029, (1987). 9. M. Hottori, T. Akao, K. Kobashi, T. Namba, Pharmacology, 47, S125, (1993). 10. N. Okamura, M. Asai, N. Hine, and A. Yagi, J. Chromatography, 746, 225 (1996). 11. T. Reynolds, Botanical J. Linnean Soc. 90, 179, (1985). 12. T. Waller, Q. Jia, A. Padmapriya,

The Effects of Lifelong Aloe Ingestion on Aging and Pathology

By Byung Pal Yu, Jeremiah Herlihy and Yuji Ikeno Department of Physiology University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio

The use of Aloe vera has crossed the barriers of time and culture in its promise to alleviate a broad range of illnesses. The basis of its reputation resides mainly with the steadfast beliefs in claims of its curative properties, but without hard scientific evidence.

The objective of our study was to initiate a systematic and scientific investigation of the effects of long-term aloe ingestion on laboratory rats. Utilizing well-characterized, inbred male F344 rats, housed under specific pathogen-free barrier conditions, we determined longevity, age-related pathology, and selected physiological and metabolic parameters. A total of 360 rats were divided into four groups:

Group 1 (control) was fed a semi-synthetic diet without aloe;

Group 2 was fed a diet containing a 1% freeze-dried aloe filet;

Group 3 was fed a diet containing a 1% charcoal-processed, freeze-dried aloe filet; and

Group 4 was given whole leaf aloe (0.02%) in drinking water. For the longevity and pathological studies, 60 rats from each group were used.

For the physiological and metabolic studies, 30 rats were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 16 months of age. A summary of results are as follows: Aloe ingestion, both crude and processed, was shown to extend (¬10%) average life span and slow the mortality rate doubling time. Also, several beneficial effects from aloe ingestion on age-related disease were found: Group 2 and 3 showed a lower incidence of atrial thrombosis than Group 1. Furthermore, Group 2 showed a significantly lower incidence of fatal chronic nephropathy and occurrence of multiple causes of death compared to the control group.

All groups ingesting aloe showed a slightly lower incidence of fatal leukemia. Moreover, no adverse, toxic effects were found with the ingestion of aloe vera. This article was reprinted courtesy of Aloecorp.

Hydrogel Dressings Offer Advancements In Wound Healing

By Sheri H. Smith, RN, PhD. CETN Carrington Laboratories, Inc.

Hydrogel dressings were among the first "advanced" wound care dressings developed for use. Based on ancient methodology and utilizing the theory of applying an appropriate level of moisture to the wound surface, hydrogel dressings vary in both form and water content.

Gel dressings may be used to support autolytic debridement and maintain a moist wound healing environment while providing a number of requirements for the ideal wound dressing. Dr. Smith reviewed types, forms, and properties of hydrogel dressings, and illustrated examples of clinical applications where hydrogel dressings are appropriate.

She has over 17 years of experience as a wound, ostomy, and continence care nurse. Dr. Smith is the Director of Educational Resources and Assistant Clinical Director for Carrington Laboratories, Inc.

Aloe Vera: Its Potential Use in Wound Healing and Disease Control in Oral Conditions

By Dr. Timothy E. Moore, D.D.S/M.S.,P.C.

Aloe Vera has been shown to enhance defense mechanisms, and it has a variety of components to help combat periodontal disease and other oral conditions. As a periodontist utilizing aloe vera in various consistencies for the last 14 years with over 6,000 documented patients who have been treated with applications, I've observed remarkable healing, reduced edema, and pain control.

There are eight main uses of aloe vera in dental practice:

1. Applications directly to the the sites of periodontal surgery.

2. Applications to the gum tissues when they have been traumatized or scratched by toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion, sharp foods, dental floss, and toothpick injuries.

3. Chemical burns are relieved quickly from accidents with aspirin.

4. Extraction sites respond more comfortably and dry sockets do not develop when aloe vera is applied.

5. Acute mouth lesions are improved by direct application on herpetic viral lesions, aphthous ulcers, canker sores, and cracks occuring at the corners of our lips. Gum abscesses are soothed by the applications as well.

6. Other oral diseases chronic in nature respond with Lichen Planus and Benign Pemphigus. Even gum problems associated with AIDS and Leukemia patients receive relief. Migratory glossititis, geographic tongue and Burning Mouth Syndrome are improved.

7. Denture patients with sore ridges and ill-fitting dentures and partials can benefit as fungises and bacterial contamination reduce the inflammatory irritations.

8. Aloe vera can also be used around dental implants to control inflammation from bacteria contamination. Other oral disorders such as Candidiasis, Desquamative Gingivitis, Vesiculobullous diseases, acute monocytic leukemia, hematological disorders and nutritional problems all respond to aloe vera use.

Even diabetes mellitus, Sjorgen's Syndrome, menopausal patients and medications which can cause Xerostomia or dry mouth. Interest is gathering momentum across our country as researchers are becoming interested in alternative therapy utilizing natural products versus synthetic agents.

Aloe vera research is currently being undertaken at Oklahoma University, Baylor University, and Loma Linda. Lastly, it was a privilege to use aloe vera on the bombing victims in the April 1995 disaster in Oklahoma City. The attendants, doctors and especially the injured learned that the healing capabilities of aloe vera far exceeded their expectations in pain control and healing time reduction. Aloe vera has an unlimited future in new applications, and I sense in dentistry we are just on the cutting edge of promising utilization for anti-inflammatory procedure, antiviral, and immunological benefits for our patients.