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Aloe
Aloe barbadensis, Aloe capensis
Aloe
Aloe barbadensis, Curaao aloe.
Aloe capensis, Cape aloe.
Curaao aloe consists of the dried latex of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis Miller [syn. A. vera (L.) N. L. Burm.] [Fam. Liliaceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.
Cape aloe consists of the dried latex of the leaves of several species of the genus Aloe, especially A. ferox Miller and its hybrids, as well as their preparations in effective dosage.
Aloe contains anthranoids, mainly of the aloe-emodin type. These drugs must conform to the currently valid pharmacopeia.
Pharmacological Properties, Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology
1,8-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives have a laxative effect. This effect is primarily caused by the influence on the motility of the colon, an inhibition of stationary and stimulation of propulsive contractions. This results in an accelerated intestinal passage and, because of the shortened contraction time, a reduction in liquid absorption. In addition, stimulation of the active chloride secretion increases the water and electrolyte content.
Systematic studies pertaining to the kinetics of aloe preparations are not available; however, it must be supposed that the aglycones contained in the drug are already absorbed in the upper small intestine. The -glycosides are prodrugs which are neither absorbed nor cleaved in the upper gastrointestinal tract. They are degraded in the colon by bacterial enzymes to aloe-emodin anthrones. Aloe-emodin anthrone is the laxative metabolite. In humans, rhein was demonstrated in the urine after consumption of 86 and 200 mg of aloe powder.
Active metabolites, such as rhein, infiltrate in small amounts into the milk ducts. A laxative effect on nursing infants has not been observed. The placental permeability for rhein is very small.
Drug preparations [i.e., herbal stimulant laxative drugs] have a higher general toxicity than the pure glycosides, presumably due to the content of aglycones. An aloe extract containing 23 percent aloin and less than 0.07 percent aloe-emodin, as well as aloin, produced no mutagenic effects in bacterial and mammalian test systems. For aloe-emodin, emodin and chrysophanol, partially positive results have been obtained. There are no available data regarding carcinogenicity.
Clinical Data
Uses
Contraindications
None (when used by a professional medical herbalist)
Side Effects
In single incidents, cramp-like discomforts of the gastrointestinal tract. These cases require a dosage reduction.
Long-term use/abuse: None. But stopping for a week every 2 months recommended.
Special Caution for Use
Stimulant laxatives must not be used over an extended period of time (1 – 2 weeks) without medical advice.
Use During Pregnancy
Because of insufficient toxicological investigation, this drug should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions with Other Drugs
None.
Dosage
Aloe powder, aqueous and aqueous-alcoholic extracts in powdered or liquid form, for oral use.
Unless otherwise prescribed:
• 20 – 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives/day, calculated as anhydrous aloin.
The individually correct dosage is the smallest dosage necessary to maintain a soft stool.
Note:The form of administration should be smaller than the normal daily dosage.
Overdosage
Electrolyte and fluid imbalance.
Special Warnings
Usage of a stimulating laxative for longer than the recommended short-term application can cause an increase in intestinal sluggishness.
The preparation should be used only if no effects can be obtained through change of diet or usage of bulk-forming products.
Effects on Operators of Vehicles and Machinery
None known.
Note: During the course of treatment, a harmless red color may occur in the urine.
Aloe vera (A. ferox) (Cape Aloe, Lu Hui) purgative, stomachic, refrigerant, anti-septic, emmenagogue. Uses: sedative to liver, delirium due to liver inflammation, intestinal parasites, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, fidgetiness, insomnia; bitter, cold; LIV ST LI; C/I pregnancy. Good for chronic constipation and safe for prolonged use – does not lose effect.
Aloe vera Gel
Aloe vera gel (Pure Aloe Gel) 1:1 used for burns, sunburn, wounds, insect bites, skin, eczema, scalp problems, psoriasis in scalp, wrinkles, skin irritations, minor cuts and scratches, an eyewash.
Prices of tinctures and cosmetics with Aloe
Herbactive Tonics with Cape Black Aloe
LiverDetox
MoveMore (Laxative)
WormLess