Aloe Vera

This MedLibrary.org supplementary page on Aloe Vera is provided directly from the open source Wikipedia as a service to our readers. Please see the note below on authorship of this content, as well as the Wikipedia usage guidelines. To search for other content from our encyclopedia supplement, please use the form below:

Related Sponsors

BM Pharmacy Generic pharmaceuticals at unbeatable prices. Insomnia, men's health, hair health, pain control. bmpharmacy.com
Online Pharmacy Carisoprodol, tadalafil, sildenafil, vardenafil and more... xlpharmacy.com
MedBasket.com Discreet. Inexpensive. Fast shipping. Great selection. What more can we say? medbasket.com
Frugalmed 2000 reasons to shop with us first. frugalmed.com
Ads by Tiva

Aloe vera

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. vera
Binomial name
Aloe vera
(L.) Burm.f.

Aloe vera, also known as the Medicinal Aloe, is a species of Aloe, native to Africa.[1] The species is a leaf and stem succulent plant that has been used in herbal medicine since at least 0 AD and is mentioned in the Christian bible (John 19:39-40).[2] Extracts from A. vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing or soothing properties.[3][4][5] There is, however, little scientific evidence of the efficacy of A. vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes and what positive evidence is available is frequently contradicted by other studies.[6][7][8][9]

Contents

Description

An A. vera inflorescence
An A. vera inflorescence

A. vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (31-39 inches) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower leaf surfaces.[10] The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (34') tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm long.[10][11]

Taxonomy and etymology

Spotted forms of A. vera are sometimes known as A. vera var. chinensis
Spotted forms of A. vera are sometimes known as A. vera var. chinensis

The species has a number of synonyms including A. barbadensis Mill., Aloe elegans Tod, Aloe perfoliata L. var. vera and A. vulgaris Lam.[1] The species name vera means true or genuine.[12] Some literature identifies the white spotted form of A. vera as A. vera var. chinensis, [13][14], however, the species varies widely with regard to leaf spots.[15] The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera,[16] and was described again, twice, in 1768 by Nicolaas Laurens Burman and Philip Miller. Burman described the species as Aloe vera in Flora Indica on the 6th of April, 1768 while Miller described the species as Aloe barbadensis some ten days later in the Gardener's Dictionary.[17]

The species has a number of common names including Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe or Burn Aloe. [11][12][18][19]

Phylogenetics

Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest that A. vera is relatively closely related to Aloe perryi, a species that is endemic to Yemen.[20] Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA sequence comparison and ISSR profiling have also suggested that A. vera is closely related to Aloe forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana and Aloe striata.[21] With the exception of South African species, A. striata, these Aloe species are native to Socotra, Sudan and Yemen.[21]

Distribution

The natural range of A. vera is unclear though the species is found growing wild throughout North Africa in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, along with the Canary and Madeira Islands.[1] Northern Pakistan also exhibits native presence of the plant. The species is widely naturalised elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of Australia, Barbados, Belize, China, India, Nigeria, Paraguay, Portugal, Turkey and the USA.[22] It has been suggested that like many Aloes, the species is originally from Southern Africa and that populations that occur elsewhere are the result of human cultivation.[15] Furthermore, there are some suggestions that A. vera may be of hybrid origin.[23]

Cultivation

Aloe vera growing as an ornamental plant
Aloe vera growing as an ornamental plant

A. vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant in European gardens since at least the 15th century. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and due to its interesting flowers, form and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survives in areas of low natural rainfall making it ideal for rockeries and other low-water use gardens.[10] The species is hardy in zones 8-11, [11] although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow.

Pot culture

The species requires well-drained sandy potting soil and bright sunny conditions. The use of a good quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged 'cacti and succulent mixes' are recommended as they allow good drainage.[24] Terracotta pots are preferable as they are porous.[24] Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, A. vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.[11]

Cropping

Large scale agricultural production of A. vera is undertaken in Australia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya and South Africa to supply the cosmetics industry with A. vera gel.[25][26][27][28][29]

Mycorrhiza

Like other Aloe species, A. vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza with a range of fungi from the Glomeromycota.[30]

Anthropogenic uses

Moisturizer containing A. vera
Moisturizer containing A. vera

Scientific evidence for the the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness of Aloe vera is limited and when present is typically contradictory.[6][7] Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries regularly makes claims regarding the soothing, moisturising and healing properties of A. vera, especially via internet advertising.[3][4][5][8]

A. vera has been variously used for:

Medicine

Aloe vera has a long association with herbal medicine having been illustrated in the Juliana Anicia Codex produced in 512 AD.[31] Contrary to the widespread belief that A. vera is non-toxic, excess ingestion of A. vera has been associated with a range of symptoms and conditions including diarrhoea, hepatitis, kidney dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance and reduced CNS activity.[8][9][32] The species is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of China, Japan and India.[8]

Wound and burn healing

A. vera has been used to treat wounds.[9] Evidence on the effects of A. vera sap on wound healing, however, is limited and contradictory.[9] Some studies show A. vera promotes the rates of healing,[33][34] in contrast, other studies show that the healing time of wounds to which Aloe vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal.[35][36]

Diabetes

Oral intake of A. vera has been linked with improved blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.[37][38]

Hyperlipidaemia

soap containing Aloe vera
soap containing Aloe vera

Oral intake of A. vera has also been linked with lower blood lipids and may be useful in controlling hyperlipidaemia.[39]

Ulcerative colitis

Oral A. vera gel has been shown in a preliminary study to reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.[40]

Cancer

Compounds extracted from A. vera have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs.[41] In humans, injection of A. vera extracts to treat cancer has resulted in the deaths of several patients.[42]

Antimicrobial properties

A. vera extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause tinea,[43] however, evidence for control beneath human skin remains to be established. For bacteria, inner-leaf gel from A. vera was shown to inhibit growth of Streptococcus and Shigella species in vitro.[44] In contrast, A. vera extracts failed to show antibiotic properties against Xanthomonas species.[45]

Cosmetics

Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from A. vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, razors and shampoos,[31] though the effectiveness of A. vera in these products remains unknown.

Fuel

Aloe vera yoghurt
Aloe vera yoghurt

It has also been suggested that biofuels could be obtained from A. vera seeds. [46]

Foods

Aloe vera is used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt and beverages.[31][47][48]

Food preservation

A gel based on Aloe vera prolongs the viability of foodstuffs such as fresh fruit and legumes. It is thought the gel forms a protective layer against the oxygen and moisture, and additionally inhibts microbial growth via antagonistic (antibiotic and antifungal) compounds.[49]

Primary industry

A. vera gel is used to dilute semen for the artificial fertilisation of sheep.[50]

Biologically active compounds

A. vera leaves contain a range of biologically active compounds, the best studied are acemannan (acetylated mannans), polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones and anthraquinones and various lectins.[8][41][51]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Aloe vera, African flowering plants database". Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève. Retrieved on 2008-06-20.
  2. ^ "John 19:39 (New International Version)". biblegateway.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-24.
  3. ^ a b "Forever Living Website". Retrieved on 2008-06-23.
  4. ^ a b "Miracle of Aloe". Retrieved on 2008-06-23.
  5. ^ a b "Aloe Vera Australia". Retrieved on 2008-06-23.
  6. ^ a b Ernst E. (2000) Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 143:923–929
  7. ^ a b Marshall JM (2000) Aloe vera gel: what is the evidence? Pharm J 244:360–362.
  8. ^ a b c d e Boudreau MD and Beland FA (2006) An Evaluation of the Biological and Toxicological Properties of Aloe Barbadensis (Miller), Aloe Vera. Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part C 24:103–154.
  9. ^ a b c d Vogler BK, Ernst E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. Br J Gen Pract. 1999 Oct;49(447):823-8.
  10. ^ a b c Yates A. (2002) Yates Garden Guide. Harper Collins Australia
  11. ^ a b c d Random House Australia Botanica's Pocket Gardening Encyclopedia for Australian Gardeners Random House Publishers, Australia
  12. ^ a b Ombrello, T. "Aloe vera". Retrieved on 2008-06-21.
  13. ^ Wang H, Li F, Wang T, Li J, Li J, Yang X, Li J. (2004) Determination of aloin content in callus of Aloe vera var. chinensis. Zhong Yao Cai 27(9):627-628
  14. ^ Gao W, Xiao P. (1997) Peroxidase and soluble protein in the leaves of Aloe vera L. var. chinensis (Haw.)Berger. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 22(11):653-654.
  15. ^ a b Akinyele BO, Odiyi AC (2007) Comparative study of the vegetative morphology and the existing taxonomic status of Aloe vera L. Journal of Plant Sciences 2(5):558-563.
  16. ^ Linnaeus, C. (1753). Species plantarum, exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas. Vol. 2 pp. [i], 561-1200, [1-30, index], [i, err.]. Holmiae [Stockholm]: Impensis Laurentii Salvii.
  17. ^ Newton, L. E. (1979). In defense of the name Aloe vera. The Cactus and Succulent Journal of Great Britain 41: 29-30.
  18. ^ Liao Z, Chen M, Tan F, Sun1 X and Tang K (2004) Microprogagation of endangered Chinese aloe Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 76(1):83-86.
  19. ^ T. T. Jamir, H. K. Sharma and A. K. Dolui (1999) Folklore medicinal plants of Nagaland, India. Fitoterapia 70(1):395-401.
  20. ^ Darokar MP, Rai R, Gupta AK, Shasany AK, Rajkumar S, Sunderasan V and Khanuja SPS (2003). Molecular assessment of germplasm diversity in Aloe spp. using RAPD and AFLP analysis. J Med. Arom. Plant Sci.25(2): 354-361.
  21. ^ a b Treutlein, J., Smith, G. F. S., van Wyk, B. E. & Wink, W. (2003). Phylogenetic relationships in Asphodelaceae (Alooideae) inferred from chloroplast DNA sequences (rbcl, matK) and from genomic finger-printing (ISSR). Taxon 52:193.
  22. ^ "http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/aloe_vera/ Global Compendium of Weeds Aloe vera (Aloeaceae)]". Global Compendium of Weeds. Retrieved on 2008-06-20.
  23. ^ Jones WD, Sacamano C. (2000) Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World. California Bill's Automotive Publishers. USA.
  24. ^ a b Coleby-Williams, J. "Fact Sheet: Aloes". Gardening Australia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
  25. ^ "More Medicinal Plants Grow in Ciego de Ávila". invasor.cu. Retrieved on 2008-06-25.
  26. ^ "US Farms, Inc. Intends to Divest Its Produce Business to Focus on Higher Margin Aloe Vera Product and Nursery Sales". cnnmoney.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-25.
  27. ^ "Kenya: Imported Gel Hurts Aloe Vera Market". allafrica.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-25.
  28. ^ Vaibhav Varma. "India experiments with farming medicinal plants". channelnewsasia.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-25.
  29. ^ "Aloe vera producer signs $3m China deal". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
  30. ^ Gong M, Wang F, Chen Y. (2002) Study on application of arbuscular-mycorrhizas in growing seedings of Aloe vera. Zhong Yao Cai 25(1):1-3.
  31. ^ a b c Reynolds, T. (2004) Aloes: The Genus Aloe. CRC Press
  32. ^ Bottenberg et al. (2001) Oral Aloe Vera-Induced Hepatitis. Ann Pharmacother. 41:1740-1743
  33. ^ Heggers JP, Elzaim H, Garfield R. (1997) Effect of the combination of Aloe vera, Nitroglycerin and L-NAME on wound healing in the rat excisional model. J Alt Comp Med 1997; 3:149-153.
  34. ^ Davis RH, Leitner MG, Russo JM, Byrne ME. Wound healing. Oral and topical activity of Aloe vera. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1989; 79:559-562.
  35. ^ Schmidt JM, Greenspoon JS. Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay in wound healing. Obstet Gynecol. 1991 Jul;78(1):115-7.
  36. ^ Kaufman T, Kalderon N, Ullmann Y, Berger J. Aloe vera gel hindered wound healing of experimental second-degree burns: a quantitative controlled study. J Burn Care Rehabil 1988; 9:156-159.
  37. ^ Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Bunyapraphatsara N, Chokechaijaroenporn O. (1996) Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine 3: 241-243.
  38. ^ Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Chokechaijaroenporn O. (1996) Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Phytomedicine 3: 245-248.
  39. ^ Nassiff HA, Fajardo F, Velez F. (1993) Effecto del aloe sobre la hiperlipidemia en pacientes refractarios a la dieta. Rev Cuba Med Gen Integr 9:43-51
  40. ^ L. Langmead, R. M. Feakins, S. Goldthorpe, H. Holt, E. Tsironi, A. De Silva, D. P. Jewell, D. S. Rampton (2004) Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 19 (7) , 739–747 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01902.x
  41. ^ a b GK King, KM Yates, PG Greenlee, KR Pierce, CR Ford, BH McAnalley, and IR Tizard (1995) The effect of Acemannan Immunostimulant in combination with surgery and radiation therapy on spontaneous canine and feline fibrosarcomas. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 31 (5): 439-447.
  42. ^ Skinner WJ. Aloe vera injections result in medical license suspension. Natural Medicine Law 1997; 1:1.
  43. ^ Sumbul Shamim, S. Waseemuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Azhar (2004) Antifungal activity of Allium, Aloe, and Solanum species. Pharmaceutical Biology 42 (7) 491 - 498.
  44. ^ Valerie A. Ferro, Fiona Bradbury, Pamela Cameron, Eisin Shakir, Sabita R. Rahman, and William H. Stimson (2003) In Vitro Susceptibilities of Shigella flexneri and Streptococcus pyogenes to Inner Gel of Aloe barbadensis Miller Antimicrob Agents Chemother 47(3): 1137–1139. doi: 10.1128/AAC.47.3.1137-1139.2003.
  45. ^ S. Satish, K. A. Raveesha, G. R. Janardhana (1999) Antibacterial activity of plant extracts on phytopathogenic Xanthomonas campestris pathovars Letters in Applied Microbiology 28(2), 145–147 doi:10.1046/j.1365-2672.1999.00479.x
  46. ^ Shukla S.. "Aloe Vera has biodiesel potential, reveals MSU study". Retrieved on 2008-06-21.
  47. ^ Liza Armstrong. "Clean and green". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved on 2008-06-20.
  48. ^ "Yagua unveils cosmeceutical beverage". Decision News Media. Retrieved on 2008-06-20.
  49. ^ Serrano M, Valverde JM, Guillen F, Castillo S, Martinez-Romero D, Valero D. (2006). Use of Aloe vera gel coating preserves the functional properties of table grapes. J Agric Food Chem 54 (11): 3882-3886.
  50. ^ Rodriguez F, Baldassarre H, Simonetti J, Aste F, Ruttle JL. (1988) Cervical versus intrauterine insemination of ewes using fresh or frozen semen diluted with aloe vera gel. Theriogenology 30(5):843-54.
  51. ^ Eshun, K., He, Q (2004) Aloe Vera: A Valuable Ingredient for the Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries—A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 44(2): 91-96
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

External links

Wikipedia content modification information:

  • This page was last modified on 8 July 2008, at 13:33.

Wikipedia Authorship and Review

Wikipedia content provided here is not reviewed directly by MedLibrary.org. Wikipedia content is authored by an open community of volunteers and is not produced by or in any way affiliated with MedLibrary.org.

Wikipedia Usage Guidelines

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article on "Aloe Vera".

The URL for this specific entry is:

All Wikipedia text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details). Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.