Description
Aloe vera is a well-known cactus-like plant with tough, fleshy triangular or spear-like leaves in a rosette configuration. The leaf comprises three distinct layers: an outer layer of tough tissue; a corrugated lining just beneath the outer layer; and the major portion of the leaf, the inner layer consisting of a semisolid, gelatinous transparent gel.
The dried latex (sap) derived from the corrugated layer is the source of aloe vera’s laxative properties. The gel from the aloe vera plant is commonly used for both internal and external applications.
Health Benefits
Topical preparations of aloe vera gel are well-known for their healing effects, especially helping with:
- Sunburn
- Skin irritation resulting from any cause
- Minor skin damage without open wounds
Oral preparations of aloe vera gel may be helpful in promoting the healing of gastrointestinal damage, such as peptic ulcers. Other benefits include improving blood sugar control and immune health. Acemannan, a key polysaccharide component of aloe vera gel, has demonstrated significant immune-enhancing and antiviral activity in experimental studies.
Available Forms
- Aloe vera gel: Naturally occurring, undiluted tissue obtained from the leaves of aloe vera. The inner cells of the leaf produce a slightly viscous, clear gel or mucilage which is separated from the outer cells with care to avoid the laxative-containing latex. Aloe vera gel is 96% water with various polysaccharides (complex sugars), enzymes, minerals, and amino acids in solution. When frozen, it becomes a red, gelatinous substance.
- Aloe vera concentrate: Aloe vera gel from which the water has been removed.
- Aloe vera juice: An ingestible product containing a minimum of 50% aloe vera gel mixed with water.
- Acemannan: A water-soluble, long-chain polysaccharide component of aloe vera.
- Aloe vera latex: A strong laxative containing various anthraquinone compounds, usually designated as aloin.
- Aloe vera leaf powder: Dried aloe vera powder contains the entire leaf (dried gel and latex), including aloin.
Dosage
- Aloe vera gel: Typical dosage is one tablespoon twice daily.
- Aloe vera concentrate: Typical dosage is equivalent to 5 g of the gel 1–3 times daily.
- Aloe vera juice: As detailed information is currently lacking as to the optimal dose, it is recommended that no more than 1 quart be consumed in any one day.
- Acemannan: Typical dosage is 800–1600 mg per day.