Aloe vera, a perennial, succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves, has been used for its medicinal value for thousands of years. Used externally, aloe soothes sunburns and other skin irritations. Whole leaf aloe vera extract contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that provide a variety of health benefits, including some related to joint pain.
Anti-inflammatory
Aloe vera is a traditional remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, in part due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, say researchers at the Laboratory of Physiology & Signaling, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. A study conducted at the university found that alcohol extracts of aloe reduced inflammation by inhibiting nitric oxide and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, also known as COX-2. Aloe also showed strong antioxidant effects and blocked pain messages in laboratory animals. Researchers concluded that aloe may be a useful food or drug for use in diseases associated with increases in oxidation, such as some forms of arthritis.
Methods of Effect
Aloe vera may be useful for treatment of osteoarthritis, according to researchers of a study published in the June 2010 issue of the "British Journal of Community Nursing." Although it has been used to treat arthritis for centuries, no scientific studies have proven its effects and long-term human trials are needed. Aloe offers two methods of pain relief for joint pain sufferers: its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to protect against gastrointestinal irritation from standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The potential for using aloe to improve the safety and effectiveness of nonprescription painkillers should be explored, say researchers.
Gel Form
You may have good results applying aloe vera externally, in gel form, for arthritis relief, according to S. Brewer, M.D., author of the book "Arthritis for Dummies." Aloe contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that confer its healthful and healing effects. Reports of aloe vera consumed orally to treat rheumatoid arthritis also exist and its high safety profile makes it a worthwhile supplement to consider. Side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea can occur, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center. Exercise moderation to determine how your body responds to aloe and use aloe under your doctor's supervision.
Aloe and Vitamin C
Aloe vera injections have been found to cause regression of arthritis symptoms and you may also use a poultice of whole leaf aloe vera extract along with vitamin C over an affected joint, says Diane Gage, author of the book "Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer." Vitamin C acts synergistically with aloe to increase its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities.
References
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Ethanol Extracts From Aloe Saponaria Haw; E. Yoo, et al.; October 2008
- "British Journal of Community Nursing"; Oral Aloe Vera as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Summary; D. Cowan, et al.; June 2010
- "Arthritis for Dummies"; S. Brewer; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- "Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer"; Diane Gage; 1996
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