Aloe Vera
The Antioxidant Properties of Aloe vera
Oxidative Stress
During normal metabolism the body creates highly reactive, toxic, byproducts often referred to oxidative molecules. In turn the body has developed natural defenses to protect against oxidative molecules or even take advantage of them. (1) However, during times of stress or illness the body can over produce oxidative molecules to a level that can overwhelm it’s natural defenses. This imbalance between production of oxidative molecules and the body’s natural defenses can lead to a disease causing process known as Oxidative Stress (2). Oxidative stress is often a silent disease that can go undetected until another disease sets in. Through scientific study oxidative stress is now recognized as a cause or contributing to the progression of a long list of diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, autoimmune diseases, liver diseases, and kidney diseases to name a few. Once a disease process starts, it often increases the level of production of oxidative molecules, which in turn perpetuates and escalates the cycle of oxidative stress and disease.
Because of an imbalance of electrons oxidative molecules are highly chemically reactive. The most well studied oxidative molecules are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS and RNS are known to play important roles in the initiation and progression of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To satisfy their electron imbalance oxidative molecules steal electrons from nearby biomolecules, which can often disable them. If left unchecked oxidative molecules can inflict sufficient damage to cause disease, mutation, or death. In addition to natural processes within the body there are also external factors that increase production of oxidative molecules including UV radiation, ionizing radiation, smoking, and air pollution to name a few. Oxidative stress caused by external factors can increase risk of the same wide range of diseases.
The body has developed multiple enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant mechanisms to neutralize oxidative molecules before they can do harm. Important antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase. Examples of important nonenzymatic antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E; glutathione; and carotenoids. When the number of oxidative molecules exceeds the body’s capacity to neutralize them, the body must rely on external sources of nonenzymatic antioxidant to neutralize and reduce the number of oxidative molecules.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has been recognized as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Initially Aloe vera was recognized for its wound healing abilities but over time Aloe vera was discovered to have a wide variety of medicinal properties. In the early 20th century, modern scientific studies were initiated to identify and verify the many medicinal activities of Aloe vera, identify the active ingredients responsible for these beneficial activities, and determine the mechanism of action of the active ingredients. As a result of this scientific endeavor, thousands of scientific papers have been published validating and extending many of these early observations. Because of this greater understanding of the basic science, Aloe vera is gaining wider acceptance in the medical community as a useful treatment of a variety of diseases.
Among its many beneficial medicinal activities, Aloe vera inner leaf gel (AVILG) has been shown to have potent antioxidant activities. Aloe vera exerts it antioxidant activity through two different and complementary mechanisms. Laboratory experiments have shown that AVIL preparations are able to directly inhibit the chemical reactions through which oxidative molecules cause damage. (3, 4) Animal experiments have shown that Aloe vera reduces markers of oxidative stress and returns the body to a more normal oxidative state. (5-9) Aloe vera enhances the body’s natural defenses against oxidative stress by increasing the amount and activity of the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes such as liver catalase, superoxide dismutase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. (7, 9, 10) Finally, Aloe vera in various formulations have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and markers of oxidative stress in human clinical experiments. (11, 12)
Vitamin C and vitamin E are important antioxidant agents. (13) As second, indirect, way that Aloe vera exerts antioxidative effects is by increasing the bioavailability of vitamins C and E. (14) This study showed that Aloe vera increase the bioavailability of vitamin C and E by increasing their concentrations in the blood and increasing the amount of time these important antioxidant molecules were available in the blood.
In summary, scientific studies have shown Aloe vera inner leaf gel to have important antioxidant activity through several direct and indirect mechanisms. Laboratory studies have shown that Aloe vera can directly inhibit toxic oxidative reactions. Animal and human studies have shown that Aloe vera can reduce markers of oxidative stress and increase the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. While more studies are required to confirm these observations, collectively these results strongly suggest that Aloe vera may be beneficial in the management of oxidative stress.
AceAloe+ is a new Aloe vera product that contains the highest and most consistent Acemannan content of any Aloe product on the market today. For the manufacture of AceAloe+, aloe plants are grown and harvested under organic conditions. The aloe leaves are processed using a proprietary method that preserves the integrity of the primary active ingredient. AceAloe+ is formulated with additional natural herbs that enhance and complement the natural activities of Aloe vera. AceAloe+ comes in capsule form with a recommended dose of 2 capsules a day.
More information can be found on the Aloe vera Science Blog
Please visit the AceAloe+ fan page on Facebook.
Literature Cited
1. Fang, F. (1997). Perspectives Series: Host/Pathogen Interactions. Mechanisms of Nitric Oxide-Related Antimicrobial Activity. Journal of Clinical Investigation 99:2818.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC508130/pdf/992818.pdf
2. Adly, A. (2010). Oxidative Stress and Disease: An Updated Reivew. Research Journal of Immunology 3:129-145.http://scialert.net/qredirect.php?doi=rji.2010.129.145&linkid=pdf
3. Wu, J.H., Xu, C., Shan, C.Y., and Tan, R.X. (2006). Antioxidant Properties and Pc12 Cell Protective Effects of Aps-1, a Polysaccharide from Aloe Vera Var. Chinensis. Life sciences 78:622-630
4. Hu, Q., Hu, Y., and Xu, J. (2005). Free Radical-Scavenging Activity of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) Extracts by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction. Food chemistry 91:85-90
5. Can, A., Akev, N., Ozsoy, N., Bolkent, S., Arda, B.P., Yanardag, R., and Okyar, A. (2004). Effect of Aloe Vera Leaf Gel and Pulp Extracts on the Liver in Type-Ii Diabetic Rat Models. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin 27:694-698.http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/27/5/694/_pdf
6. Lim, B.O., Seong, N.S., Choue, R.W., Kim, J.D., Lee, H.Y., Kim, S.Y., Yu, B.P., Jeon, T.I., and Park, D.K. (2003). Efficacy of Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation on Hepatic Cholesterol and Oxidative Status in Aged Rats. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology 49:292-296
7. Rajasekaran, S., Sivagnanam, K., and Subramanian, S. (2005). Antioxidant Effect of Aloe Vera Gel Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats. Pharmacol Rep 57:90-96.http://www.if-pan.krakow.pl/pjp/pdf/2005/1_90.pdf
8. Saada, H., Ussama, Z., and Mahdy, A. (2003). Effectiveness of Aloe Vera on the Antioxidant Status of Different Tissues in Irradiated Rats. Pharmazie 58:929-931
9. Singh, R., Dhanalakshmi, S., and Rao, A. (2000). Chemomodulatory Action of Aloe Vera on the Profiles of Enzymes Associated with Carcinogen Metabolism and Antioxidant Status Regulation in Mice. Phytomedicine 7:209-219
10. Anilakumar, K.R., Sudarshanakrishna, K.R., Chandramohan, G., Ilaiyaraja, N., Khanum, F., and Bawa, A.S. Effect of Aloe Vera Gel Extract on Antioxidant Enzymes and Azoxymethane-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats.
11. Boyd, S., Gary, K., Koepke, C., Mcanalley, S., Ford, C., Horn, E., and Mcanalley, B. (2003). An Open-Label Pilot Study of the Antioxidant Effect in Healthy People of Ambrotose Ao. GlycoScience & Nutrition 4:1-6.http://mannatechscience.org/files/file/Boyd-Open-Label Pilot Study of the Antioxidant.pdf
12. Bloomer, R.J., Canale, R.E., Blankenship, M.M., and Fisher-Wellman, K.H. (2010). Effect of Ambrotose Ao® on Resting and Exercise-Induced Antioxidant Capacity and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Adults. Nutrition Journal 9:1-17. http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/27/5/694/_pdf
13. Rock, C.L., Jacob, R.A., and Bowen, P.E. (1996). Update on the Biological Characteristics of the Antioxidant Micronutrients:: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and the Carotenoids. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 96:693-702
14. Vinson, J.A., Al Kharrat, H., and Andreoli, L. (2005). Effect of Aloe Vera Preparations on the Human Bioavailability of Vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine 12:760-765.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16323295
About the Author
Dr.Cowsert received his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Florida,
(Gainesville) and his PhD from Georgetown University Medical School (Washington, DC) where he focused on the molecular biology, immunobiology, and pathology of Human Papillomaviruses. He completed his postdoctoral studies at The National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD). Dr. Cowsert has over 20 years’ experience in the biotechnology industry where he has held positions of increasing responsibility from Senior Research scientist to executive C-level management positions. During his tenure in the biotechnology industry Dr. Cowsert lead multiple drug discovery teams and worked on multiple drug development teams with direct interactions with the FDA. Much of Dr. Cowsert’s scientific work has been supported by over $5M in highly competitive government grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Cowsert has written many peer reviewed scientific articles and book chapters and has been an Editor for a peer reviewed scientific journal for 10 years. He has been an invited speaker at over 25 international scientific meetings and is an inventor on 140 issued US Patents. Dr. Cowsert has been an expert guest on many health talk radio shows.
About Aloe Vera
|
|
Outdoor RX Stainless Steel Carabiner Travel Mug $11.95 This Carabiner Mug consists of stainless steel double wall insulation and comes with a 8 cm. carabiner handle. It’s great for clipping on backpacks! Carabiner’s come in a variety of colors and either 8 oz. or 15 oz stainless steel mug…. |
|
|
Wellness MGIII Whole House Residential Water Filter $5,950.00 The last water filtration and enhancement system you will ever buy! Ideal water filtration system for residential applications. |
|
|
Alo EXPOSED Aloe Vera, 12 – 16.9-Ounce Bottles $20.99 Our original Aloe drink is made with real aloe vera and honey that can provide the building blocks for a healthy lifestyle!… |
|
|
Aloe life Skin Gel – 8 oz – Liquid $11.00 The Skin Gel is made from fresh Certified Organic Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice. Thickened naturally with seaweed. The formula contains 1% skin nutrients of Vitamin E, A and C combined with herbal extracts of Azulene from Chamomile and Allantoin from Comfrey. The therapeutic value of Skin Gel is unmatched by any other topical Aloe Vera today. The golden yellow color shows the presence of the therapeu… |
|
|
alo AWAKEN Aloe Vera and Wheatgrass, 16.9-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12) $20.99 Our Aloe and Wheatgrass drink is an invigorating beverage that combines the energy of wheatgrass and the health benefits of aloe vera in one delectable drink!… |
|
|
Debut $15.99 Debut by Vera AloeThis product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. |
|
|
Aloe Vera Wellness Hits $27.49 … |
|
|
Debut $4.95 … |
|
|
SAM Medical Products Finger Splints (Orange, 5-Pack) $5.80 36″ SAM SPLINT FLAT FOLDIndispensable backcountry first aid gear. Just mold it to shape, wrap or strap it into place, and you’re done. Transparent to X-rays. Firm and extra-firm ends allow different levels of resistance to motion, according to needs. Allows exercise without splint removal. Washable, reusable, waterproof, lightweight and compact. Can be rolled or folded for easy storage. Not af… |
|
|
3M Petcare Spray-On Liquid Bandage (.61-Ounce) $7.74 Liquid Bandage for minor scrapes, cuts and abrasions provides a unique skin shield protectant that doesn’t sting when applied.Treat scrapes, abrasions and skin irritations quicklyWaterproof, breathable protection for paws and skinConvenient spray applies a unique skin shieldAlcohol-free – soothes and promotes healingDries in 30 seconds and lasts up to 24 hoursFor use on dogs and cats…. |
|
|
Perfect Figure Women’s Aloe Vera Body Shaper $41.99 This body shaper from Perfect Figure features adjustable, removable straps and defined the abdomen. This shaper also features capsules of aloe vera providing smoothness to your abdomen and waist. |
|
|
Vaseline Aloe Vera and Petroleum Jelly 0.7-oz Lip Therapy (Pack of 4) $16.49 With skin-smoothing petroleum jelly and aloe vera, this Vaseline Lip Therapy creates a smooth jelly that protects dry and chapped skin from the elements. This convenient pocket-size Vaseline melts into skin and leaves your lips moisturized. |
|
|
St. Ives 3-oz Aloe Vera Advanced Therapy Lotion (Pack of 4) $15.49 Get soothing relief with this advanced therapy lotion from St. Ives. This lotion features Aloe Vera and a formula that helps heal and protect extra dry skin leaving it soft, smooth and healthy. |
|
|
Lander 18-oz Advanced Soothing Aloe Vera Lotion (Pack of 6) $17.99 Lander advanced skin care lotion promotes skin recovery and moisture retentionThis lotion is made with aloe leaf, cucumber extract and sunflower and jojoba oilsMoisturizer is intended to generate new skin cells |
|
|
Perfect Figure Women’s Thong-style Aloe Vera Body Shaper $39.99 This body shaper from Perfect Figure features a lymphatic body with micro capsules of aloe vera that provides smoothness to your abdomen and waist. This shaper helps to define lower, medium and top abdominals. |
|
|
Gillette for Women 7-oz Satin Care Sensitive Skin With Aloe Vera $18.49 Brand: Gillete Name: Satin Care Sensitive Skin With Aloe Vera Size: 7 ounces |
|
|
Herbatint 4M Mahogany Chestnut Permanent Herbal 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 3) $43.99 Herbatint is a safe, gentle and effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. Rich in enzymes proteins, and vitamins, this fragrance-free hair-coloring gel creates a long-lasting color and 100-percent grey coverage. |
|
|
Herbatint 4M Mahogany Chestnut Permanent Herbal 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 6) $80.99 Herbatint is a safe, gentle and effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. Rich in enzymes proteins, and vitamins, this fragrance-free hair-coloring gel creates a long-lasting color and 100-percent grey coverage. |
|
|
Herbatint 7M Mahogany Blonde Permanent 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 6) $68.99 Herbatint is the finest, most natural permanent hair coloring gel, free of harsh chemicals and ammonia. Herbatint is safe, gentle and an effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. |
|
|
Herbatint Mahogany Blonde 7M Herbal 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 3) $35.99 Herbatint is a safe, gentle and effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. Rich in enzymes proteins, and vitamins, this fragrance-free hair-coloring gel gives you long-lasting color and 100-percent grey coverage. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 8-inch Twin-size Smooth Top Memory Foam Mattress $217.99 This 8-inch memory foam mattress is constructed of three layers with green tea, natural charcoal, silver science and aloe vera. This mattress includes a poly jacquard cover with handles. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 11-inch Twin-size Smooth Top Memory Foam Mattress $255.99 This Spinal Response mattress is constructed with aloe vera, green tea, charcoal, silver science and bio foam to give you the cleanest and healthiest night’s sleep you have ever had. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 8-inch King-size Smooth Top Memory Foam Mattress $365.99 This 8-inch memory foam mattress is constructed of three layers with green tea, natural charcoal, silver science and aloe vera. This mattress includes a poly jacquard cover with handles. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 8-inch Queen-size Smooth Top Memory Foam Mattress $354.99 This 8-inch memory foam mattress is constructed of three layers with green tea, natural charcoal, silver science and aloe vera. This mattress includes a poly jacquard cover with handles. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 8-inch Full-size Smooth Top Memory Foam Mattress $295.99 This 8-inch memory foam mattress is constructed of three layers with green tea, natural charcoal, silver science and aloe vera. This mattress includes a poly jacquard cover with handles. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 13-inch King-size Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress $591.99 This Spinal Response mattress is constructed with aloe vera, green tea, charcoal, silver science and bio foam to give you the cleanest and healthiest night’s sleep you have ever had. |
|
|
Herbatint 3N Dark Chestnut Permanent Herbal 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 3) $43.99 Herbatint is a safe, gentle and effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. Rich in enzymes proteins, and vitamins, this fragrance-free hair-coloring gel creates a long-lasting color and 100-percent grey coverage. |
|
|
Herbatint Chestnut 4N Permanent Herbal 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 6) $73.99 Herbatint is a safe, gentle and effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. Rich in enzymes proteins, and vitamins, this fragrance-free hair-coloring gel gives you long-lasting color and 100-percent grey coverage. |
|
|
Spinal Response Aloe 13-inch Queen-size Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress $492.99 This Spinal Response mattress is constructed with aloe vera, green tea, charcoal, silver science and bio foam to give you the cleanest and healthiest night’s sleep you have ever had. |
|
|
Triple-Pet Wound Cream $7.69 This all-natural pet skin cream uses organically bound zinc to kill germs and aloe vera to sooth the skin. This substance is non-greasy and contains L-lysine to help prevent viral infection. |
|
|
Herbatint Dark Golden Blonde 6D Permanent 4.56-oz Haircolor Gel (Pack of 6) $64.21 Herbatint is a safe, gentle and effective way to color your hair and cover grey in just one application. Rich in enzymes proteins, and vitamins, this fragrance-free hair-coloring gel gives you long-lasting color and 100-percent grey coverage. |
|
|
Karess Krafters Ginger Clove Natural Handmade Soap $8.99 Soothing aloe vera, moisturizing olive oil and conditioning Shea butter will give you a natural, healthy cleanse. This soap’s scent is an herbaceous overtone with fresh ginger infused with spicy notes of clove. |
|
|
Kenshar Fruit Vine Tropical Escape Body Moisturizing Cream $19.49 Tropical Escape Body Moisturizing Cream hydrates, moisturizes and softens skin. Made with mango butter, which provides good lubricity to skin, this moisturizing cream is great for anyone wanting soft skin. |
|
|
Serenity Euro-Memory 18-inch King-size Mattress Set $1399.99 Utilizing the newest technology in mattress support systems, this mattress features pocket-coil-over-pocket-coil design and Leggett and Platt’s Softech motion-activated support system. This mattress will instantly adjust to your sleep movements. |
|
|
Serenity Euro-Memory 18-inch California King-size Mattress Set $1356.99 Utilizing the newest technology in mattress support systems, this mattress features pocket-coil-over-pocket-coil design and the softech motion-activated support system. This mattress will adjust to the natural contour of your body. |
Tags: aloe, aloe vera, aloe vera juice, aloe vera juice benefits, aloe vera juice side effects, aloe vera plant care, cleanse, colon, detox,, vera