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| Aloe vera is a plant well-known for centuries to have healing properties. Aloe contains the major carbohydrate fraction, acemannan, which also has antiviral properties. Source It is used fresh, added to lotions, dried, and as extracts (even to 200:1). Function; Reasons For Use Aloe vera is best known for the mucilaginous gel in the outer portions of the leaf tissues. This clear, jelly-like substance is used primarily as a topical agent for burns and wound-healing. The gel is also concentrated for its composition of glucomannans, galactans, and arabinans. Some of these components have been implicated with the ability to stimulate the immune system generally and against tumor cells specifically. Long-chain sugars, or mucopolysaccharides (especially acemannan), have been of particular interest for their remarkable properties. Aloe vera is commonly considered a general tonic for increasing well-being and longevity. The bitter yellow juice (different from the gel) of the leaves can also be used to make aloes, used as a laxative. More often, the related species Aloe ferox (The Cape Aloe) is used for this purpose. |
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