Aloe ferox is a plant related to aloe vera whose leaves contain a gel sold as a herbal medicine. Aloe gel is claimed to have many medical benefits that have not yet been proved by scientific research, but preliminary evidence does exist that suggests aloe can protect the liver from damage and may prevent liver cancer in humans.
Aloe Ferox
Aloe ferox is a plant native to southern Africa which has large, fleshy leaves. These may weigh up to 2 lbs. each and are arranged in a circle around a central red flower spike. Aloe leaves are first harvested when the plant is 4 or 5 years old. After harvesting, the leaves are arranged so that the bitter sap can run out before processing to obtain the aloe gel inside. Both the sap and gel are used for medicinal purposes, though only the aloe gel is used in cases of liver damage.
Liver Damage
The liver is the largest of your internal organs and may become damaged due to viruses; bacteria; parasites; or toxins such as alcohol, poisonous plants and environmental chemicals. Your liver will also be damaged if you suffer from liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, lipidosis or tumors. Your liver has the ability to regenerate and restore its normal function; you may be able to speed this repair process by taking aloe ferox juice.
Aloe gel
Aloe gel is extracted from the leaves of both aloe vera and aloe ferox. Scientific research has been mainly carried out using aloe vera, but the compounds tested are also found in aloe ferox. Aloe gel is processed to create aloe juice which you can drink more readily.
Aloe gel and juice are claimed to be antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral; to detoxify the body; to benefit the stomach and intestines; and to help ulcers heal. However, none of these possible benefits has been proved by research in humans. Some herbal practitioners believe that aloe juice can improve circulation by dilating the capillaries and promoting cell growth. If this effect does exist, it would be of the greatest benefit to you if you are suffering from liver damage.
Scientific Evidence
Most of the preliminary research into aloe juice and liver damage has been carried out in non-human species using substances found in both aloe vera and aloe ferox. However in 2002, a study in Taiwan, reported in Life Science Magazine, showed that an ingredient of aloe vera can protect against and reduce the effects of cancer on the human liver. In 2005, a second study was carried out in Taiwan and reported in Melanoma Research Magazine. This study showed that aloe vera slowed the rate at which liver tumor cells grew, leading the researchers to conclude that aloe might be useful in the prevention of liver cancer. More research is needed to be certain that aloe ferox is of benefit in cases of human liver damage.
Warnings
If you are suffering from any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before starting a course of aloe ferox. Aloe gel is safe for everyone, but bitter aloe sap can cause uterine contractions so should not be taken if you are pregnant.
If you are taking other medication, please be careful. As you respond to treatment with aloe ferox, your medication may become too strong or even unnecessary. This is particularly important if you are diabetic or suffer from high blood pressure.
References
- Aloe Ferox: The Aloe Ferox Plant
- Merck Manuals: Liver
- "Life Science Magazine"; The antiproliferative activity of aloe-emodin is through p53-dependent and p21-dependent apoptotic pathway in human hepatoma cell lines; PL Kuo, et al.; 2002
- "Melanoma Research"; Effect of inhibition of aloe-emodin on N-acetyltransferase activity and gene expression in human malignant melanoma cells (A375.S2); SY Lin, et al.; 2005
