About Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has been revered for thousands of years for its therapeutic properties and has long been used as both a topical and oral herbal remedy. Aloe vera juice, which is also called aloe resin or aloe latex, is the most common form in which this herb is prescribed for internal use.

Identification

Aloe vera juice is a bitter, yellow liquid that is extracted from the aloe plant, aloe barbadensis, a succulent herb that is native to Africa. It is derived from the middle, latex layer of the aloe leaf. In her book "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," Jacqueline L. Longe notes that aloe vera juice that is formulated for supplemental use is composed of at least 50 percent aloe gel.

History

According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, the use of aloe vera can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who left drawings of the herb on cave walls. Later, Greek scholars such as Pliny the Elder documented the healing properties of aloe vera. In Asia, it is an age-old remedy in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. In more recent times, it was included in the United States Pharmacopoeia in 1820. Today, alternative health practitioners continue to prescribe it as a natural remedy.

Biological Components

Aloe vera juice is rich in three main groups of biologically active compounds. The first of these is a group of compounds called anthraquinones, which includes aloin, barbaloin and aloectic acid. Saccharides, the second group of compounds, include cellulose, galactose, xylose and acemannan. The third group is comprised of hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. American Chronicle also notes that aloe vera juice contains 12 different vitamins, 19 amino acids and 20 minerals.

Benefits

The medicinal properties of aloe vera are attributed to these three groups of bioactive compounds. Anthraquinones have powerful laxative properties that are beneficial for alleviating constipation. Acemannan, a type of saccharide compound, has been identified as a particularly effective immune stimulant with potent anti-viral properties. Prostaglandins, the third group of compounds, are believed to play an essential role in aloe vera's unique capacity to promote the healing of burns, wounds and other dermatological conditions.

Dosage

The National Institutes of Health recommends taking between 0.04 to 0.17 grams of dried aloe vera juice for constipation, which is the minimum amount needed to maintain a soft stool. Alternatively, take daily doses of 150 milligrams of dried juice in combination with 50 milligrams of psyllium or 300 milligrams of celandine.

Side Effects

Taken in large doses, the laxative properties of this juice may have a purgative effect, and may also cause cramping or diarrhea, notes the National Institutes of Health. According to Drug Digest, aloe vera juice irritates the inner of the large intestine, causing spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking it with other laxative herbs or medications may result in excessive loss of potassium. The latex content in aloe vera juice may also cause your urine to turn red.