Aloe vera is a leafy succulent plant of considerable medical importance. The exact native habitat of aloe vera is not known. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, South America and Caribbean. For centuries, aloe vera has been used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of human illnesses. Modern scientific research suggests that the high antioxidant compounds found in aloe vera may assist in the prevention of cancer. If you want to use aloe vera, be sure to consult with your doctor first.
Neoplasms
Aloe vera has anti-tumor properties. This appears to be due to the presence of mucopolysaccharides that inhibit the formation of carcinogen-induced neoplasms, according to an article published online in July 2007 by Chris Haydu and colleagues at Wilkes University. Other bioactive compounds from aloe vera, such as emodin and lectins, have been studied clinically for their potential chemo-preventive actions.
Immune System
Aloe vera's strengthening effect on the immune system may explain its benefit in helping to treat cancer. The body's immune system guards against many disease processes such as cancer. Aloe vera kills abnormal cells that bear the risk of becoming malignant by enhancing immune system function, according to the University of California-San Diego Moores Cancer Center.
Cervical Cancer
Aloe vera provides protection against cervical cancer. Hilary Koprowski, Ph.D., a professor of biology at Jefferson Medical College has shown that human papillomavirus can be killed or disrupted by disease-fighting proteins produced by aloe vera plant.
Radiation Therapy
Aloe vera may offer protection from radiation therapy -- the use of high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Post-radiation therapy side effects can be harsh and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study at the New York University Langone Medical Center, aloe vera, failed to improve adverse effects in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Cancer Treatment Support; April 2011
- Jefferson Medical College: Expertise and Research Interests; Hilary Koprowski; December 2, 2009
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center: Aloe Vera
- Wilkes University: Medical Attributes of Aloe vera - The Aloe Plant; Chris Haydu, et al.; July 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 5, 2008
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