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Good on the inside and the out: the many benefits of aloe vera supplements

Long a favourite ingredient of skincare and cosmetic products, aloe vera isn’t just good for your skin and keeping you looking young… you may not know it, but due to its plethora of beneficial components, it can help maintain your health on the inside too. Doubtful? Well, if so; you need to read on, truly. Because, as a natural ingredient, it’s been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for everything from constipation to infections and colic to worm infestation – as well as skin diseases. Nowadays, of course, thanks to its widespread use as an ingredient in cosmetics and food products, its production is one of the biggest botanical industries in the world. But should it be recognised for being more than it is by many? Frankly, the facts speak for themselves…

 

Aloe vera – the lowdown

Believed by experts to be the most biologically active of all the species of the aloe plant, aloe vera actually comprises more than 75 potentially active components; these constituent parts include amino acids (20 of them out the total 22 required by the human body), as well as anthaquinones, enzymes, lignin, minerals, saccharides, salicylic acids, saponins and, of course, vitamins. Here’s a breakdown of what aloe vera contains – its many active components 1:

  • Vitamin A (an antioxidant that helps to combat free radicals), Vitamin C (protects the body from cardiovascular disease, eye disease and prenatal health problems) and Vitamin E (another powerful antioxidant), as well as Vitamin B12, choline and folic acid

 

  • The health-aiding enzymes aliiase, alkaline amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, peroxidease and phosphatase

 

  • human-body-enhancing minerals including calcium, chromium, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc

 

  • as many as 12 anthraquinones (laxatives), including aloin and emodin that can operate as analgesics and are capable of anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity too

 

  • the fatty acids beta-sisosterol, campesterol, cholesterol and lupeol, lending aloe vera anti-inflammatory properties

 

  • the hormones that are auxins and gibberellins are also anti-inflammatory and can aid with wound-healing.

 

Aloe vera health benefits

So, thanks to all these components; aloe vera is, on the inside of the body, capable of providing significant help with the following issues, conditions and functions:

 

Constipation

A number of studies have looked into the use of aloe latex from aloe vera as a laxative; as established, its anthraquinones provide it with a potent laxative effective, thus increasing water content in the intestines, leading to stimulation of mucus secretion and bringing about intestinal peristalsis (the contractions that ensure food’s broken down and blended with the intestine’s gastric juices and acidic fluid). Taking one study as an example (among 28 healthy adults), aloe latex achieved a successful laxative effect versus a placebo, ensuring it can be claimed not just to be a natural remedy for constipation but more effective than over-the-counter synthetic medicine specifically manufactured for that purpose2.

 

Digestion

Also because of its laxative benefits (in combination with its anti-inflammatory properties), aloe vera can aid another digestive area; this one being a function rather than an issue, though – general digestion. This is because it helps in the normalisation of acid-alkaline (pH) balance, reduces the formation of harmful yeast while encouraging ‘good’ digestive bacteria and contributing to the regularisation of bowel processing.

Indeed, for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), research has proved that oral consumption of aloe vera twice a day can reduce the level of discomfort (and flatulence)3, while another study on rat subjects with gastrointestinal issues has found that their gastric acid levels considerably decreased thanks to aloe vera4. It should be noted too that extracts of the plant can be deployed to soothe and heal stomach ulcers thanks to anti-bacterial, healing benefits that contribute to the restoration of the stomach lining.

 

Immunity

Among the aforementioned enzymes aloe vera contains, one in particular is of great benefit to the immune system. Bradykinase does a great job in stimulating the immune system and even going so far as to kill infections. Meanwhile, zinc – again, as mentioned, one of aloe vera’s constituent mineral – is essential for effective immune function (it’s crucial for hormone receptors and proteins in the body, which play a key role in healthy immune function); all of this then means the plant is a fine source for combating zinc deficiency.

Additionally, a recent medical report points out that aloe vera is now under consideration for use in dentistry, owing to its efficacy as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent, in addition to its value in boosting the immune system without leading to allergic reactions or side effects5.

 

Diabetes

Finally, one of the major problems that those who suffer from diabetes encounter is the risk of cardiovascular complications. However, there is some evidence gleaned from human and animal subjects that points to aloe vera being effective at diminishing the chronic hyperglycaemia and perturbed lipid profile in diabetes sufferers that can lead to such cardiovascular issues 6.

 

Aloe vera natural supplements

Now, you might very well be aware of how and where to get hold of aloe vera-featuring skincare and cosmetic products, but where should you turn to for extracts of the plant that are suitable for consumption to benefit your body’s insides? Well, one way, of course – and one that’s probably not immediately obvious – is to go direct to the source itself; that is, to grow your own aloe as a potted plant at home. Yes, really. It’s not actually as expensive as it sounds. That said, if purchasing aloe vera seeds and tending to your very own plant seems a little extreme (if then you’d rather buy extracts than seeds to grow them from), then there is another option – natural supplementation. Indeed, among the different, excellent aloe vera supplements you’ll find we sell at The Finchley Clinic are these three following examples:



Aloe Fuzion – the highest quality, most bioavailable and most immunomodulatory version of aloe vera available.



Aloe Gold Natural – made from fresh, whole aloe leaves, this product uses gentle technology that extracts up to 20 times more vital nutrients than most other aloe juice and gels.


Aloe Gold Cherry/ Raspberry – a version of Aloe Gold blended with 7% unsprayed cranberry and cherry juices for a fantastic flavour.

 

References:

  1. Surjushe A., Vasani R. and Saple D. G. ‘Aloe vera: a short review’. Indian J Dermatol. 2008; 53 (4): 163–166. doi:  10.4103/0019-5154.44785.
  2. Foster M., Hunter D. and Samman S. ‘Chapter 3: Evaluation of the Nutritional and Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera’ in ‘Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects: 2nd edition’. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.
  3. Khedmat H., Karbasi A., Amini M., Aghaei A. and Taheri S. ‘Aloe vera in treatment of refractory irritable bowel syndrome: Trial on Iranian patients’. J Res Med Sci. 2013 Aug; 18 (8): 732.
  4. Keshavarzi Z. et al. ‘The effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid- induced gastric ulcer in male rats’. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014 Mar-Apr; 4 (2): 137–143.
  5. Sujatha G., Kumar G. S., Muruganandan J. and Prasad T. S. ‘Aloe vera in dentistry’. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Oct; 8 (10): ZI01-2. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/8382.4983. Epub 2014 Oct 20.
  6. Syed T. A., Ahmad S. A., Holt A. H., Ahmad S. A., Ahmad S. H. and Afzal M. ‘Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study’. Trop Med Int Health. 1996; 1: 505–09.
Aloe Gold Cherry/ Cranberry, Aloe Gold Natural, Aloe vera products, Heart health, Herbal Aloe Vera Ear Drops, Immune health, Vitamins & Minerals

Aloe vera: the plant extract packed with 200-plus nutrients

Aloe vera? Many of us have heard of it, haven’t we? Familiar thanks to its mention as an ingredient in skin creams and cosmetic products in so many TV ads, aloe vera (also called aloe barbadensis) is in fact a succulent plant species originating from various tropical parts of the world that’s been a health staple for millennia in many different cultures. As such, it’s been used to soothe burns, moisturise skin and heal small wounds for hundreds of years.

Today, though, it’s sometimes referred to as a ‘superfood’. Now, you may feel this sounds like a bit of advertising bunkum, but it surely can lay claim to such a lofty title thanks to the 200-plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it contains. Yes, really; it does contain that many.

To begin with, it’s packed full of Vitamin A (great for healthy teeth, bones, skin and eyes), Vitamin C (for skin health, energy creation and immunity), Vitamin E (for skin protection from UV damage), Vitamin B12 (for nerve and brain cell health), folic acid (for brain and liver health and energy creation) and choline (for memory, focus and maintaining a positive outlook).

Moreover, aloe vera contains calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc; all of which play a critical role in hormone balance, cellular reproduction and strong immunity. And it also features a long list of enzymes (which together aid digestion, toxin removal and energy creation), including alliinase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.

Indeed, it’s aloe vera’s varied nutritional benefits (thanks to all these ingredients and away from merely combating wrinkles and healthy skin) that the public tends to be less aware of and what we’re interested in here. So let’s take a closer look at a few of them…

Immunity

To combat infection effectively, our immune systems require oxygen-rich blood and, by supporting nutrient absorption, aloe vera plays a key role in ensuring they get it1.One way in which it does this is the detoxifying role it plays in ensuring bowel regularity to aid normal digestive tract function2. Aloe vera also works to keep cells in balance and functioning well (not least when the body experiences stress), which aids the immune system’s efficacy3, as does the fact it’s jam-packed with sugar-rich carbohydrates called polysaccharides4 and antioxidants that combat free radicals5.

Digestion

Among all its terrifically health-giving ingredients, aloe vera also contains the digestion-supporting enzymes amylase (which aids in the break-down of carbohydrates, sugars and starches) and lipase (which contributes to digesting fat); both aid a normal environment in the gut through helping to maintain balanced levels of stomach acid5, 6.

Meanwhile, studies suggest it also helps with ulcerative colitis (UC), the painful condition that sees ulcers take root in the intestines. The results of a clinical trial reveal that nearly half (46%) of a group of UC sufferers enjoyed an improvement in their symptoms after taking aloe vera7. And don’t overlook the contribution it can make to addressing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – symptoms of which include abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea – for reports suggest people have gained relief from IBS symptoms following consumption of aloe vera8, 9.

Cardiovascular

Keeping down the levels of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your body’s important for the health of your heart and blood vessels and compounds known as phytosterols, which aloe vera’s also rich in, can contribute greatly here10. Indeed, a five-year long study has found that patients suffering from heart disease who consumed aloe vera enjoyed better cholesterol and blood sugar numbers than those who received none over that period of time11, 12.

Teeth and mouth

And, finally, recent research suggests you could use aloe vera in fluid form to keep your teeth and gums healthy13, while aloe vera in gel form’s useful in fighting candida albicans, a fungus that can commonly afflict the mouth14.

Supplements

So, hopefully convinced as you are now of its vast array of health benefits; how can you best get your hands on aloe vera? Well, a great way to consume this ‘superfood’ is through aloe vera supplements. The following are all examples available through The Finchley Clinic that we highly recommend:

Aloe Gold Natural (485ml and 1,000ml) – made from whole-leaf aloe vera and contains more than 20 times more important nutrients than most other aloe juices and gels.

Aloe-Gold-Cherry-Cranberry

Aloe Gold Cherry/ Cranberry (485ml) – blends Aloe Gold juice (93%) with unsprayed cherry or cranberry juice (7%) to provide a delicious flavour; cranberry is renowned for supporting the urinary tract.

Herbal Aloe Vera Ear Drops (30ml) – great for soothingly cleansing the ear canal and suitable for young and old, among them frequent swimmers, hearing aid wearers and allergy sufferers.

References:

1 Benzie, I. F. F. and Wachtel-Galor S. ‘Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects’. Boca Raton: CRC, 2011.
2 Barcroft A. and Myskja A. ‘Aloe Vera: Nature’s Silent Healer’. London: BAAM, 2003. Print.
3 Rahmani A. H, Aldebasi Y. H., Srikar S., Khan A. A. and Aly S. M. ‘Aloe vera: Potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities’. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2015; 9 (18): 120-126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847. 162118.
4 Tong H., Tian D., Li T., Wang B., Jiang G. and Sun X.. ‘Inhibition of inflammatory injure by polysaccharides from Bupleurum chinense through antagonizing P-selectin’. Carbohydr Polym. 2014 May 25;105:20-5. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.01.039. Epub 2014 Jan 21.
5 Surjushe A., Vasani R. and Saple D. G. ‘Aloe Vera: A Short Review’. Indian Journal of Dermatology. Medknow Publications, n.d. Web. 12 Feb 2016.
6 Keshavarzi Z., Rezapour T. M., Vatanchian M. et al. ‘The effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid- induced gastric ulcer in male rats’. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 2014; 4 (2): 137-143.
7 Langmead L., Feakins R. M., Goldthorpe S., Holt H., Tsironi E., De Silva A., Jewell D. P. and Rampton D. S. ‘Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis’. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Apr 1; 19 (7): 739-47.
8 Khedmat H., Karbasi A., Amini M., Aghaei A. and Taheri S. ‘Aloe vera in treatment of refractory irritable bowel syndrome: Trial on Iranian patients.’ Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 2013; 18 (8): 732.
9 Størsrud S., Pontén I. and Simrén M. ‘A Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study’. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2015 Sep; 24 (3): 275-80. doi: 10.15403/ jgld.2014.1121.243.sst.
10 Ostlund R. E. Jr. ‘Phytosterols and cholesterol metabolism’. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2004 Feb; 15 (1): 37-41.
11 Agarwal O. P. ‘Prevention of atheromatous heart disease’. Angiology. 1985 Aug; 36 (8): 485-92.
12 Tanaka M., Misawa E., Ito Y., Habara N., Nomaguchi K., Yamada M., Toida T., Hayasawa H., Takase M., Inagaki M. and Higuchi R. ‘Identification of five phytosterols from Aloe vera gel as anti-diabetic compounds’. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Jul; 29 (7): 1418-22.
13 Karim B., Bhaskar D. J., Agali C., Gupta D., Gupta R. K., Jain A. and Kanwar A. ‘Effect of Aloe vera mouthwash on periodontal health: triple blind randomized control trial’. Oral Health Dent Manag. 2014 Mar; 13 (1): 14-9.
14 Sujatha G., Kumar G. S., Muruganandan J. and Prasad T. S. ‘Aloe Vera in Dentistry’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR. 2014; 8 (10): ZI01-ZI02. doi:10.7860/ JCDR/ 2014/ 8382.4983.