Aloe vera juice, also referred to as aloe latex, is a bitter yellow fluid that is derived from the succulent leaves of the Aloe barbadensis herb, a medicinal plant that has been part of the material medica of several cultures around the world.
Promote Gastro-intestinal Function
In a research paper published in Prevention Magazine, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D. reports that the results of his clinical studies on the effect of drinking aloe vera juice confirmed that it helps to improve gastro-intestinal function. This herbal juice also promotes colonic bacterial function, which in turn reduces flatulence as well as bloating after meals.
Stool Softener
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that aloe vera juice is a potent laxative that has traditionally been used to alleviate constipation. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine attributes this benefit to powerful laxative compounds in this juice, namely aloin, barbaloin and aloe-emodin.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
Aloe vera juice can be taken by diabetics to control their blood sugar levels, which tend to be abnormally high. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, preliminary studies show that this herbal juice may help to lower blood sugar levels.
Detoxification
The American Chronicle lists detoxification as one of the benefits of drinking aloe vera juice. In an online monograph on aloe vera, it notes that this juice contains amino acids, serine threonine, molybdenum and methionine, which work together to detoxify the body of heavy metals. They also promote the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Immune System Stimulant
Jacqueline L. Longe, in her book "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," notes that aloe vera juice contains a bioactive chemical compound called acetylated mannose that studies have shown to be an effective immune system stimulant.
Treat and Prevent Viral Infections
According to Jacqueline L. Longe, the acetylated mannose compound has also been shown to have anti-viral properties that are beneficial in fighting the viruses that cause measles, the flu and the earliest stages of AIDS.
Cancer Management
The International Journal of Toxicology reports that aloe-emodin, a chemical component in aloe vera juice, has anticarcinogenic properties that inhibit the growth of tumors.
Treat Ulcerative Colitis
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that there is promising albeit limited research that indicates that ingesting aloe vera may be an effective treatment for ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum.
Soothe Peptic Ulcers
Author Jacqueline L. Longe reports that drinking aloe vera juice may have a soothing effect on peptic ulcers, and notes that there is evidence that it may be beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcers.
Other Uses
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that today, aloe vera juice is taken orally to treat asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.
References
- Preventive Medicine: Effect of Orally Consumed Aloe Vera Juice
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Aloe Vera
- The American Chronicle: Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
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