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Aloe
Vera Plant -
History
-
Ingredients -
Manufacturing -
Properties - Quality -
Clinical Abstracts -
Why FLP Aloe?
Aloe Vera History
Most botanists agree, and historical evidence suggests, that the Aloe Vera plant
originated in the warm, dry climates of Africa. However, because the plant is
readily adaptable, and because man has been so eager to carry it with him from
place to place, it now can be found in many warm lands. In the United States, it
is grown commercially in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, in California and
Florida, and in specially-designed greenhouses in Oklahoma.
Although Aloe Vera is a tropical plant, the root can survive freezing air
temperatures, so long as the ground is not frozen and the root destroyed. (When
this took place in the Rio Grande Valley in the winter of 1983-84, ninety-six
percent of the local crop was lost.) The plant need not be destroyed for damage
to occur. The leaves may be damaged and vital nutrients may be lost at air
temperatures of forty degrees Fahrenheit. Such damage may be severe at
thirty-five degrees. Conversely, the plant can grow at temperatures as great as
104 F. It will survive temperatures higher still, and can withstand even severe
drought. Nonetheless, it will thrive in humid jungles, so long as the root
itself does not stand in water and drown.
At
present, Aloe Vera has little official standing in the medical community. In
spite of the lack of official promotion, it is among the most widely used
substances in the U.S. for the treatment of burns and bruises. Additionally, it
is used in a plethora of cosmetics, and consumed as a healthful drink. While it
has not yet won the full endorsement of the medical community, serious
examination continues. This study is far more serious, with many greater
implications than most people realize. In a later chapter, we will explore some
of the serious medical research performed with Aloe Vera this century. For the
moment, it may be taken as an indication of the serious nature of such a study
that the FDA has approved development aimed at the eventual use of Aloe Vera in
the treatment of cancer and AIDS! More and more, attention is turning to Aloe's
unexamined possibilities as a powerful healing agent.
As
we noted in the introduction--everything old is new again. The virtues of the
plant have been recorded by many great civilizations, from those of Persia and
Egypt in the Middle East, to those of Greece and Italy in Europe, to those of
India and the African continent. The plant is widely known in Asia and the
Pacific, and is found in the folklore of the Japanese, the Philippines and the
Hawaiians. The Spanish used Aloe, and carried it with them to their new world
colonies in South America and the Caribbean. Not that this considerable pedigree
should call forth images of primitive peoples and their witch doctors. Among the
plant's earliest champions were some of the great figures in the history of
medicine and medical thought. One of its earliest proponents was the Greek
physician Dioscorides. In each age, on each continent, in each culture, Aloe
Vera has drawn the attention of the most sophisticated of minds.
It
took early man thousands of years to develop what we know today as the modern
understanding of plants, of what can and cannot be consumed, of what will heal
and what will harm. It is important to remember that this is the common history
of all our knowledge of the world. Most of our marketed medicines are
distillations, combinations, reproductions or variations of substances found in
nature. Some of these substances were recommended by our forefathers long before
their value was demonstrated and understood by scientific method. We should
dismiss none of our common heritage of knowledge without real thought and
serious investigation. Any serious scientist would acknowledge that the
exploration of our world is far from complete.
One of the earliest books on the subject of natural medicine (the only kind
known at the time) was the Rig Vede, compiled in India sometime between B.C.E.
4500 and B.C.E. 1600. While it lists hundreds of plants deemed useful in
medicine and is the logical starting point for any discussion of alternative
medicine, it does not specifically mention Aloe vera. Many believe that a
Sumerian clay tablet, found in the city of Nippur, written around B.C.E. 2200,
was the first document to include Aloe Vera among plants of great healing power.
The first detailed discussion of Aloe's medicinal value is probably that which
is found in the Papyrus ebers, an Egyptian document written around B.C.E. 1550.
This document gives twelve formulas for mixing Aloe with other agents to treat
both internal and external human disorders. The first milestone in Western man's
detailed understanding of medicinal plants is the work of Hippocrates (460B.C.-
375B.C.), the father of modern medicine (doctors today still take the
Hippocratic Oath). His Material Medica makes no direct mention of Aloe, but
during that same period, the plant, according to Copra's Indigenous Drugs of
India, had come into widespread use. Interestingly, Copra writes, "The use of
Aloes, the common musabbar, for external application to inflamed painful parts
of the body and for causing purgation [internal cleansing] are too well known in
India to need any special mention."
In
Greek pharmacology, the plant was first mentioned by Celsius (B.C. 25-50 A.D.),
but his comments were limited to its power as a purgative. The first Western
benchmark in man's understanding of Aloe is the Greek herbal of Dioscorides (41
A.D.-68 A.D.). This master of Roman pharmacology developed his knowledge and
skill as he travelled with that great empire's armies. Dioscorides gave the first
detailed description of the plant we call Aloe Vera, and attributed to its
juices "the power of binding, of inducing sleep." He noted as well that it
"loosens the belly, cleansing the stomach." He further added that this "bitter"
Aloe (the sap) was a treatment for boils; that it eased haemorrhoids; that it
aided in healing bruises; that it was good for the tonsils, the gums, and all
general mouth irritations; and that it worked as a medicine for the eyes.
Dioscorides further observed that the whole leaf, when pulverized, could stop
the bleeding of many wounds.
ALOE FACTS AND
FICTION
Chronology of References - Ancient To Present Day
Spencer, the English poet wrote:
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof
against all argument and cannot help but keep man in everlasting ignorance,
which is condemnation without investigation."
This is the principle which has been applied to Aloe Vera by modern medicine, in
the so called "civilised world" and actually is still applied by the big
majority of modern Medicine
representatives
in Luxemburg !
(AMMM refers to "Aloe Myth-Magic Medicine" Universal Graphics, 1989 - PG
means page)
2200 B.C. AMMM p 10
Sumerian clay tablets found in the city of Nippur. Whole leaf Aloe used as a
laxative agent no other uses are mentioned.
1550 B.C. AMMM p 10
Egyptian "Papyrus Ebers". Whole leaf ground up and mixed with other medical
agents - product boiled. 12 formulas used for healing both internally and
externally.
400 B.C. AMMM p 10 & 158-161
Aloe plant and processed product exported to Asia. Whole leaf or sap boiled
down for domestic use and exported. Traded extensively by Arabs throughout
western Asia. Plant grown and used in India (a practice which continues today)
as a healing agent both internally and externally. List of uses to extensive,
to include here. (Note: See Aloe Vera A-Z)
50
B.C. AMMM p 10
Celsius, Greek physician. Aloe introduced into western medicine. Sap used as a
laxative no other usage mentioned.
41-68 A.D. AMMM PG 10-11
"Greek Herbal" of Dioscorides. First detailed description of the plant we call
Aloe vera. Notes that the sap, not the gel is the healing agent. States that
the sap is collected and boiled down into a thick black mass for storage and
transportation. Notes that the more bitter the Aloe the more effective it is
as a healing agent. Induces sleep, cleanses the stomach, treatment for boils,
ulcerated genitals, heals foreskin, good for dry itchy skin irritation,
haemorrhoids, bruises, stops hair loss, mouth pain, and stops bleeding of
wounds, heals tonsillitis and diseases of the mouth and eyes.
23-79 A.D. AMMM p 11-12 & 38-39
Pliny the Elder, a Roman physician, generally repeats the findings of
Dioscorides. Adds that the juice checks perspiration and the boiled root heals
leprous sores. States that fake Aloe was being made and sold near Jerusalem,
he calls it the "bastard kind".
200 A.D. AMMM p 12
Aloe had become an important part of Roman medicine. Used by physicians such
as Galen, Antyllus, Aretaces, and many other southern European physicians.
Used as described by Dioscorides and Pliny, with some additions.
700-800 A.D. AMMM p 12
Chinese "Materia Medicas", first use of Aloe in China. Chinese referred to
plant as Lu-hui, meaning "black deposit," or "Hsiang-tqan" referring to the
bitter taste of Aloe. Notes Aloe's value as a sinus treatment and treatment of
fever and convulsions in children. Also re-confirmed use as a treatment for
skin diseases. Whole leaf ground and boiled down.
900 A.D. AMMM p 12-13
AL-Kindi, Arab philosopher, engineer, and physician. States that Aloe is an
effective treatment for inflammatory pain, eye ulcers, melancholy, and other
medical problems. He adds that Aloe is used in Iran as a purgative, and in
Egypt as a detersive to clean the digestive system and detoxify the entire
body. Method of processing not mentioned.
1000-1300 A.D. AMMM p 12
Dried sap and plant becomes a widely accepted healing agent throughout Europe.
1300-1500 A.D. AMMM p 12
Processed Aloe (dried sap) introduced to English medicine. Used throughout
British Isles as a purgative and as a treatment for external wounds and
diseases. Dried sap imported from Africa mainly from the islands of Socotra.
1500-1600 A.D. AMMM p 26-27
Plant brought to new world by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. Planted
around Catholic missions and used extensively by missionaries and native
population as a universal healing agent throughout Caribbean Islands, Central
and South America.
1600-1700 A.D. AMMM p 26-28
Plant developed as a commercial crop throughout Caribbean by Spanish,
particularly the island of Barbados, and the Dutch planters, mainly on the
island of Curacao. Sap extracted from plant and boiled down into a black mass
for export, mainly to Europe.
1700-1900 A.D. AMMM p 62-63
Name Aloe Vera first used to describe plant by Carl Von Linne in 1720.
Scientific name given, Aloe Vera Linne, also referred to today as, Aloe
Barbadensis Miller. Hundreds of papers and references published by physicians
and laymen world-wide describing Aloe's many uses as a healing agent. Aloe
officially listed as a purgative and a skin protectant by the United States
pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) 1820.
1900 A.D. AMMM p 28-36
Plant grown in warm regions world wide for its healing benefits, and as a
commercial source of sap or purified Aloin. Fresh or dehydrated whole leaf
sold as a treatment for radiation injuries; including ulcers, burns,
dermatitis, and other skin injuries and diseases. Colonel H. W. Johnston,
first commercial U.S. Aloe Vera farm, established in Florida 1912.
1934 A.D. AMMM p 85-87
First modern medical paper published in the United States, C.E. Collins. Paper
describes use of whole Aloe leaf to heal radiation dermatitis on the forehead
of a 31 year old female. Aloe healed dermatitis in approximately 3 months,
skin returned to normal with little or no scarring and normal skin colour.
Collins and son report on the use of Aloe on fifty patients with radiation
injuries, burns, ulcers, and dermatitis, paper states all fifty patients
successfully healed. Used Aloe Vera leaf split in half or ointment made from
combination of sap and gel. Ointment was described as having a yellow colour
and an offensive
smell.
1936-1939 A.D. AMMM p 32 & 87-90
Dr. Carroll S. Wright, M.D., Philadelphia, Adolph B. Loveman, M.D.,
Louisville, KY, Archie Fine, M.D., Cincinnati, OH, Samuel Brown, M.D.,
Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Frederick B. Mandeville, M.D., Richmond VA. All above used
Aloe Vera leaf as described by Dr. Collins, with a few additional
applications, all reports that Aloe heals radiation burns, ulcers, and
dermatitis.
1940-1941 A.D. AMMM p 32-33 & 91
T. Rowe, B.K. Lovell, and Lloyd M. Parks, note that Aloe heals burns much
faster than any other treatment available. Leaf does not need to be fresh to
be effective. Healing agent is found in the sap and skin - not in the gel.
Rowe states that product was heated to a high temperature (boiled) with no
loss of healing effects. Researchers report that they found free Aloe mannose
in test samples. (Note: First researchers to report finding Aloe mannose)
1945 A.D. AMMM p 91
V. P. Filatov Russia, reported that boiled Aloe juice was a very effective
treatment of a skin disease caused by parasites. Adds that drinking Aloe juice
is an effective treatment for many types of lung disorders.
1947 A.D. AMMM p 91-92
T.C. Barnes, Hahneunan Medical College and Hospital of Philadelphia, PA. Aloe
Vera heals skin injuries at least one-third faster than any other treatment.
1950 A.D. AMMM p 33 & 36 & 107
R.Y. Gottschall, stated that the sap from the Aloe Vera leaf is the healing
agent. Experiment
proved that boiled sap kills Tubercle Bacilli (Tuberculosis).
1953 A.D. AMMM p 33-34 & 92
C.C. Lushbaugh, M.D., and D.B. Hale, B.S., performed studies for U.S. atomic
commission. Aloe Vera heals radiation dermatitis and ulcers in test animals at
least fifty percent faster than other treatments.
1956-1957 A.D. AMMM p 92-93
N. Nordvinov and B. Rostotsky, Russia, stated Aloe prevents radiation burns.
Reduces time for healing from 30-45 days to 15-16 days in 2nd and 3rd degree
radiation and fire burns, frostbite, cuts, blisters, etc. Greatly improves
skin texture, eliminates dryness, itching, eczema, psoriasis, neurodermititis,
and other skin diseases including cancer.
1956-1957 A.D. AMMM p 93-94
S. Levenson and K. Somova, Russia, used Aloe extract (sap) for the treatment
of periodontal disease. 150 patients were treated by injecting extract at the
site of each affected tooth. Treatment completely eliminated periodontal
disease in most if not all patients. Research concluded that Aloe is a
biogenic stimulator.
1959 A.D. AMMM p 77-83
Gunnar Gjerstad and T.D. Riner, reviewed data submitted by E.P. Pendergrass.
They stated that FDA admitted Aloe ointment regenerated skin cells, it
eliminated scarring and promotes regeneration of natural skin color, and does
so without toxicity. According to this paper, Pendergrass gave credit to
traumatic acid for the ability to regenerate skin cells. Merks index lists
traumatic acid as a wound healing hormone.
1963 A.D. AMMM p 95
Julian J. Blitz, D.O., James W. Smith, D.O., and Jack R. Gerard, D.O. Aloe
vera emulsion (sap and gel mixed with mineral oil) was used to treat 18
patients with peptic ulcers. All patients had been treated with long term
conventional therapy with little or no benefit. Each patient was given a daily
dose of Aloe Vera emulsion orally. Researchers reported that 17 of the 18
patients completely recovered from all symptoms of peptic ulcers. Patient 18
left study after 1 dose, no follow up.
1969 A.D. AMMM p 78 & 100-103
Dr. Eugene Zimmerman, and the Baylor College of Dentistry. Performed an
extensive study on the use of Aloe Vera as a treatment for dental-related
disorders and its ability to kill or control various organisms including:
Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Viridaus, Candida Albicans,
Corynebacterium Xerosis, and the five strains of Streptococcus Mutant.
Researchers conclude that Aloe is a very powerful anti-inflammatory and it
kills a broad spectrum of micro-organisms.
1973 A.D. AMMM p 35 & 95-96
M. El Zawahry, M.D, M. Rashad Hegazy, M.D, M. Helal, B.Ph., Ph.Ch., Cairo,
Egypt. Researchers used Aloe Vera (combination of sap and gel) to treat,
seborrhoea, acne, alopecia, chronic leg ulcers, vulgaris, and hair loss. They
said that Aloe was highly effective against all the above skin problems.
1975 A.D. AMMM p 99-100
Robert B. Northway, D.V.M, reported that the plant was effective on ringworm,
skin allergies, abscess, hot spots, fungal infections, dermatitis,
lacerations, and inflamed cyst, in animals.
1978 A.D. AMMM p 70
Dr. G.R. Waller, Oklahoma State University, reported that Aloe contains a
broad spectrum of free amino acids, free monosaccharides, and total
saccharides released upon hydrolysis, sterols (mainly B-sitosterol) plus
lupeol. Note: B-sitosterol is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterolmatic.
Lupeol is a powerful pain killer and anti-microbial. The report adds that
these active ingredients were found in the oil of the plant (skin or sap
portion of the leaf).
1980 A.D. AMMM p 78 (see pictures and text pg 145) PG 100-103
Dr. Bill Wolfe D.D.S., P.A., Albuquerque, NM. Repeated work done in 1969 and
once again showed Aloe highly effective against Staphylococcus Aureus,
Streptococcus Viridaus, Candida Albicans, Corynebacterium Xerosis, and the
five strains of Streptococcus Mutant, and that it is non-toxic. Quickly
relieves pain, eliminates soreness, irritation, swelling, and is a very
effective treatment for herpes.
1980 A.D. AMMM p 104-106
John Heggars, M.D., Chicago Burn Center. Demonstrated the ability of the Aloe
Vera to heal third degree burns and frost bite up to six times faster than
accepted modern medical treatment. Dr. Heggars concluded that healing effects
were due to steroidal like compounds, (acts like cortisone), and salicylic
acid. He further stated that Aloe treatment eliminated scarring; normal skin
color returned and unbelievably the Aloe completely regenerated the hair
follicles, and allowed for regrowth of hair in burned area. Said Aloe was more
effective in preventing and controlling infections than Silver Sulfadiazine.
1982 A.D. AMMM p 70 , 104-105
John Heggers, University of Chicago Burn Center, reconfirmed the presence of
salicylic acid in Aloe. This is an aspirin-like compound, which explains why
Aloe helps control pain. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and
anti-microbial agent.
1983 A.D. AMMM p 51-58, 72-75
The National Aloe Science Council (NASC), reported to the FDA that it had
developed a standard chemical fingerprint for Aloe Vera. Provided fingerprint
and petitioned FDA to set U.S. standards for Aloe juice drink, Aloe Gel, and
other topical products which claim to contain Aloe juice or Gel. NASC standard
rejected by FDA.
1985 A.D. AMMM p 78-79
Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., Linus Pauling Institute. Drinking Aloe vera juice
improves protein digestion, helps normalize bowel habit, control yeast
infections, promotes proper balance of digestive bacteria, relieves
indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, acid stomach, and concluded
that Aloe juice has no toxic effects.
1987 A.D. AMMM p 106-107
Dr. Rosalie Burns, M.D. Describes the disease commonly known as shingles
(Herpes Zoster). She points out that shingles is caused by the same virus that
also causes chicken pox and common herpes. Stated that sap from the leaves of
the Aloe Vera plant is remedy for pain and speeds healing when spread over the
blisters.
1987 A.D. AMMM p 108-111
Dr. H. Reg McDaniel Dallas, TX. Stated "Aloe extract may mimic AZT without
toxicity." Research shows Aloe Vera stopped progress of AIDS. Reports
corresponding drop in antibodies to HIV and the number of free virus in blood
samples. McDaniel further concluded that the Aloe would control or kill many
other retro viruses, including the viruses that cause the common cold,
measles, mumps, chicken pox, flu, and other viral diseases.
1988 A.D. AMMM p 109-111
Dr. Terry Pulse Dallas, TX., stated that 20oz of whole leaf Aloe vera juice
was orally administered to 69 AIDS patients daily. Symptoms disappear almost
completely in 81 per cent of the patients. Patients with the AIDS virus who
showed no symptoms of the disease remain free of symptoms.
ALOE VERA
update
Information
not included in
"ALOE MYTH-MAGIC MEDICINE" - 2ND
EDITION
1967
Dr. A Farkas and Robert A. Mayer M.D,. filed for and received U.S. patent on
Aloe Polyuronide. Their patent application proposed that this was the active
healing agent in various species of the Aloe plant, including Aloe barbadensis
Miller. (Note: This substance is a complex compound which contains four
separate mannose compounds, similar to those described by Carrington
Laboratories)
1984
Dr. O.P. Agarwal, M.D., F.I.C.A, Uttar Pradesh, India. Recorded that Aloe had
virtually eliminated heart disease, stress related disorders, and diabetes in
over 4700 of the 5000 patients, which were followed for five years. All
patients were instructed to take approximately 4oz. of fresh Aloe vera plant
and 3/4oz of the husk of isabgol and mix it with wheat flour to make a loaf of
bread. Treatment consisted of eating one loaf of Aloe bread per day.
1986
Doctors of Department of Medicine, King Saud University, audi Arabia, stated
that the dried sap of the Aloe plant is used in the Arabian peninsula for its
ability to lower the blood glucose in diabetic patients. Paper concludes that
Aloes contain a hypoglycemic agent which lowers the blood glucose.
1989
Researchers from Okinawa, Japan reported in the Japanese Journal of Cancer
Research, that Aloe contained at least three anti-tumor agents, emodin,
mannose, and lectin. The researchers concluded that Aloe controls pulmonary
carcinogenesis and is effective in the treatment of leukemia and sarcoma and
that it would prevent the development of tumors.
1989
According to the Cosmetic, Fragrance, and Toiletry Association (CTFA), Aloe is
by far the most popular cosmetic and toiletry ingredient in the United States.
Named as number one by over thirty three percent of a cross section of
consumers.
1990
The following DVM and PhD's presented a paper in Brussels Belgium, in April
1990, Jasbir B. Kohlon, Maurice C. Kemp, Ni Yawei, Robert H. Carpenter,
William M. Shannon, and Bill H. McAnalley. Research concluded that Aloe, or a
substance extracted from it, is a very effective treatment against HIV-1 and
other strains of the virus which causes AIDS. Research confirms that daily
ingestion (20 oz. or more) can act as a immunization against the HIV
infection. In HIV positive or AIDS patients, Aloe: (1.) keeps infected T-4
cells from reproducing the virus, (2.) either kills free virus in the blood or
it stimulates the individual's immune system to kill the virus or both, (3.)
it stops the disease AIDS from developing in HIV positive patients and can
completely reverse the disease in those with AIDS, and (4.) some patients
become Syro-negative. (The virus or antibody to the virus can no longer be
found in the blood.)
1991
Ian R. Tizard, PhD, of Texas A&M, reported in the Journal of Molecular
Biotherapy, that Aloe mannose was highly effective against feline leukaemia and
soft tissue cancer in cats and dogs.
1992
Dr. James Duke, United States Department of Agriculture, approved the use of
Aloe mannose as a treatment of soft tissue cancer in animals and feline
leukaemia.
1994
United States Food and Drug Administration approves Aloe for human testing
against the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV), the virus which causes AIDS.
M.D. Anderson, Cancer Center, study suggests that Aloe can stop immune system
damage caused by sunburn. According to the International Aloe Science Council
(IASC), most major bands of cosmetic and toiletries contain less than two
percent Aloe. Most experts agree that a concentration of 25 to 40% is
necessary for a cosmetic product to have any benefits. Dr. Wendell Winters,
University of Texas Health Science Center, at San Antonio, reported Aloe
contains at least 140 substances. Substances which control cell growth and
division, reduce inflammation, stimulates the growth of white cells and other
immune-function cells, wound healer and infection fighter. Winters calls Aloe
"a pharmacy in a plant."
Current
There are no test procedures which can be used to absolutely identify the
presence of Aloe in a health drink or in a cosmetic product, much less its
concentration. Latest of these tests, including those developed by International
Aloe Science Council, can be easily manipulated to produce false test results.
Aloe industry is virtually unregulated and no government agency has taken any
action to eliminate bad Aloe products from the market. Chemical testing of the
plant has repeatedly shown that the plants healing agents are produced in the
green skin and yellow sap, not in the gel (colourless and tasteless jelly like
center portion of the leaf). Most experts agree that no single agent is
responsible for the plants ability to heal, and therefore the most effective
products are made from the whole leaf.
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