Aloe vera is relatively unique in composition as compared to most other species of botanicals. In most cases when a botanical is identified as having properties associated with healing or cosmetic applications, it is typically a single ingredient or constituent which is isolated from the parent that is responsible for the observed benefits. Working with a single isolate makes it easier to develop the scientific research to prove or disprove the perceived benefit(s). This is not the case with Aloe vera.
Aloe vera is known to contain well over 100 separate ingredients or constituents between those found in the leaf and those found in the mucilaginous gel inside the leaf. It is also known that some of the ingredients found in the leaf such as Aloin, or the Emodins are recognized as having laxative and anti-microbial properties respectively, which are not present to any significant degree in the gel itself.
Aloin, for example, is the only constituent unique to Aloe vera which is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia as a drug and is approved for use as a laxative. Aloin, however, is known to be destructive to human skin in regards to the development of keratinocytes and is carefully removed from the gel of Aloe during its commercial processing.
It is the gel of Aloe vera, found inside the leaf, that is known for its humectant and healing qualities; it is this fact that has made it so difficult to pinpoint the specific constituents responsible for Aloe’s beneficial effects. Listed among those constituents would be polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and many others.
Serious research did not begin on Aloe vera until the 1970’s. In the late 1970’s and through the 1980’s research efforts picked up speed and became much more widespread. Today, research of a truly scientific nature is being conducted on Aloe through private companies, universities, the International Aloe Science Council (IASC), private physicians and many other entities. Specific areas currently under investigation would include the following:
Developing a valid identification method for Aloe vera gel is extremely difficult due to the complexity of the gel. Current studies would include the attempt to validate a HPLC method which is sponsored by the IASC, and a physiologic method based on cell regeneration and Aloe concentration using the Living Skin Equivalent Systemâ„¢ (LSES) being conducted by Organogenesis and the Illinois Institute & Research Institute (IITRI) and sponsored by Terry Laboratories Inc.
A long chain polysaccharide has been isolated from the gel of Aloe by Carrington Laboratories Inc. which has been named Acemannan (Carrisyn™)1. It is currently undergoing clinical trials for its ability to increase the body’s immune response and its potential to reduce tumour size. Additional clinical trials have indicated it has potential in treating diseases of the GI tract such as Crohn’s Disease and Peptic Ulcers.
A recent study conducted by the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands isolated two separate polysaccharides in the gel of Aloe which showed distinct immunomodulatory capabilities in vitro2.
In both instances the research indicates that long chain sugars found in Aloe vera gel have the capability of increasing the number and activity of circulating lymphocytes which are the body’s first line of defense against penetrating pathogens or other antigens.
Considerable work has been done by Dr John Heggars et al on thermal and frostbite injury and the effects of salicylates and magnesium found in Aloe vera gel on analgesia and anti-prostanoid/anti-thromboxane activities3. Aloe vera gel has been shown to reduce pain and cause a reduction in the formation of prostiglandins and thromboxanes by interfering with the Arachadonic Cascade in much the same manner as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds4.
New and promising research is currently being conducted on Aloe’s healing capabilities and anti-microbial potential in the oral cavity. This work is exemplified by Dr Mark Mangelson of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and in a study which will be presented in August by Dr. Timothy Moore at a national dental conference in Orlando, Florida6.
Many significant studies have been conducted over the years by Dr. Robert Davis of the Pennsylvania college of Podiatric Medicine involving Aloe vera gel and wound healing7. Dr. Davis has also done work on Aloe’s ability to act as a transport mechanism for active ingredients (such as Hydrocortisone) across the epidermal barrier8. Dr. Davis’ ongoing research continues to contribute to the understanding of the secrets of Aloe’s healing capability.
What I have discussed in the preceding paragraphs is a small portion of the current and ongoing research being conducted on Aloe vera. There are many other areas of research involving Aloe that are being conducted around the world. There is a tendency in today’s pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets to move away from synthetic ingredients and return to natural botanicals whenever possible. Aloe vera is certainly one of the more complex and widely recognized natural botanicals yet discovered. Much more controlled, scientific research must be conducted by respected research entities on Aloe before the many secrets associated with its benefits are unlocked. It is gratifying to see that this unique botanical is finally getting the scientific attention it deserves.