Gel Full
Aloe Gel (aloe Vera) - Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Dosage
Aloe Gel (Aloe vera)
The succulent, cactus-like Aloe vera plant, one of over 300 Aloe species, was previously known as Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vulgaris. Aloe gel is a clear viscous liquid obtained from the inner portion of the long, fleshy leaves.
Uses:
Topically, aloe gel is commonly used for minor abrasions, burns, wounds, and a variety of dermatologic disorders. Aloe gel is a common household remedy in many cultures, and is an ingredient in numerous commercial skin lotions, sun blocks, and cosmetics. Therapeutic claims also have been made for oral ingestion of the gel, including benefits for diabetes, peptic ulcer, cancer, AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease, and as a general tonic.
Aloe gel is distinct from, and often confused with, the bitter yellow liquid derived from the outer rind of the leaf. This bitter exudate is variably referred to as aloe juice, sap, latex, or simply aloes; it contains anthraquinone glycosides that have strong laxative properties when taken orally. Dried aloes is a powerful cathartic drug similar to senna and cascara, but has largely been superceded by gentler laxatives.
Pharmacology:
Active chemical constituents from the gel include mucilaginous polysaccharides (e.g., glucomannans, acemannan), beta-sitosterol, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes. The polysaccharides and high water content make aloe gel an effective moisturizing agent or emolient, which accounts for its use in many cosmetics.
The activity of aloe gel has been investigated in hundreds of in vitro and animal studies. Although not all study results were positive in animal models, topical and injectable aloe gel have been found to inhibit acute inflammation, speed the healing of wounds and burns, increase wound strength, and enhance tissuesurvival in frostbite. The proposed cellular mechanisms for aloe gel's activity on wound healing are numerous, although the clinical effects are not necessarily correlated with these actions. Studies have demonstrated an increase in fibroblast and collagen proliferation, stimulation of new capillaries, and reduced thromboxane production. Although inflammation is reduced, immune stimulation (increased antigenic, macrophage, and natural killer cell activity) has also been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, primarily with injectable acemannan, which is also used clinically. In addition, the fresh gel (but not commercial preparations) inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro, and injectable acemannan also reduced tumor growth and mortality in animal models of cancer.
Aloe extracts have in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity, including activity against herpes and HIV viruses. Oral administration of the gel in several animal studies has produced inconsistent results on blood glucose concentrations and gastric ulcers. Hypoglycemic activity may be greater for the bitter aloe juice exudate.
Clinical Trials:
Many potential uses of aloe gel are based on case reports and uncontrolled trials. In a systematic review of the worldwide literature, only 10 controlled clinical trials of aloe vera gel were found; six were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four were double-blinded.
Topical Use -
Two controlled trials have investigated the effects of aloe gel on wounds and burns; both trials compared aloe and standard dressings on opposite sides of the wound. After fullface dermabrasion of 18 patients for acne vulgaris, healing was reported to occur 72 hours faster on the side of the face with the aloe gel saturated dressing (total healing time in the control group was about 10 days). Similarly, in 27 patients with partial-thickness burns, healing was faster with the aloe dressing than the vaseline dressing (11.9 versus 18.2 days, respectively; P < 0.002). Although both studies showed significant results, neither study was randomized or blinded.
In contrast, acemannan was not effective for open wounds from gynecologic surgery that required healing by secondary intention. In this unblinded RCT, open surgical wounds in 40 patients actually took longer to heal using the aloe gel extract (83 days) compared to standard care (53 days). For prevention of radiation induced skin injury in women receiving radiation for breast cancer, two RCTs from the same investigators (one double-blinded with 194 patients) found that a 98% aloe vera gel was no more effective than placebo or standard care. In two double-blind RCT's for the treatment of aphthous ulcers, one found no consistent benefits using different gels containing a 0.125% aloe extract, and the other found faster healing times with an acemannan hydro gel product compared to a placebo (5.89 vs. 7.80 days; P = 0.003). In an unblinded RCT of 30 patients with uninfected pressure ulcers, an acemannan hydrogel dressing was equivalent to, but no more effective than, a moist saline gauze applied daily,.
Positive results were best documented in double-blinded RCT's for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and genital herpes. In 44 adult patients with seborrheic dermatitis, clinical resolution or substantial improvement was significantly more frequent with a 30% aloe extract emulsion than a bland aqueous control cream, as assessed by patients (62% vs. 25%; P = 0.03) and dermatologists (58% vs. 15%; P = 0.009).16 In 60 patients with mild-moderate psoriasis, a 0.5% aloe cream helped heal plaques in 83% of patients in 4 weeks, compared to 7% using placebo. In a study of 120 male patients with first-onset genital herpes, mean duration of healing was 4.8 days for a 0.5% aloe extract cream, 7 days for a 0.5% aloe vera gel, and 14 days for a placebo cream. The percentages of "cured" patients were 70%, 45%, and 7.5%, respectively, at 2 weeks. A similar study by the same investigators in 60 patients showed almost identical results. Note that the three studies for psoriasis and herpes (with rather remarkable results) were all performed by the same research group.
. Oral Use-Ingesting 10-20 ml of aloe vera daily was reported to reduce triglycerides and total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo in 60 patients over 3 months. However, it is not clear if this study (published in abstract form) was randomized or blinded.
One tablespoon b.Ld. of aloe vera gel extract was reported to reduce blood glucose levels (from 250 to 141 mg/dl) compared to placebo (unchanged) in 72 new-onset diabetics after 42 days. A similar study by the same group found identical benefits in treated diabetics. Triglyceride levels also decreased significantly, without a change in total cholesterol. However, these studies are difficult to accept. Both were single-blinded and not randomized, and
in the treated diabetic control group, glibenclamide (glyburide) 20 mg/day had no effect on blood glucose when used alone.
Although preliminary studies of acemannan initially suggested benefits in AIDS patients, a well-designed double-blind RCT in 63 patients given an oral dose of 1600 mg/day for 1 year found no effects on CD 4 counts or viralloads.
Adverse Effects:
Topically applied aloe gel is generally well tolerated, with occasional reports of stinging sensation, mild itching, or hypersensitivity reactions. There are no reported adverse effects with oral ingestion of the gel.
Interactions:
There are no recognized drug interactions with topical or oral administration of aloe gel.
Cautions:
Unlike pure aloe vera gel, total leaf extracts (sometimes referred to as aloe "juice") or contaminated gel products may contain anthraquinones from the bitter sap. Excessive oral ingestion of anthraquinones can result in severe intestinal cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, and other toxicities of laxative abuse. While topical application by pregnant or lactating women is considered safe, oral consumption should be avoided due to lack of data.
Preparations & Doses:
The gel is usually applied topically 2-4 times daily or as needed. When using the fresh plant, a leaf can be cut and the gel of the inner leaf applied directly to the injury. Pure aloe gel is available commercially for topical use, but more cosmetically acceptable products are also available; these are typically marketed in percentage strengths such as 0.5% (i.e., 0.5 g of 100% gel is contained in 100 ml or g of lotion, cream, or other preparation). Recommended oral doses of aloe gel (in concentrations up to 100%) vary widely; typical oral doses of liquid products are 30 ml 1-3 times daily. The gel is also marketed in solid extract forms. Careful processing of the gel is necessary to avoid contamination with anthraquinones, and stabilization is needed to reduce degradation of the active components, which occurs quickly.
Summary Evaluation
Although widely applied as an easy-to-use household remedy, objective evidence that aloe gel can enhance the healing of abrasions and burns is limited. Nevertheless, simple emollient and occlusive properties may be soothing. Consistent healing benefits were not demonstrated in studies of open surgical wounds and in studies examining prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis, aphthous ulcers, and pressure sores. Benefits have been reported for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and genital herpes, but these results need verification. Oral administration of acemannan is not effective for AIDS. Benefits have been reported for diabetes, but claims for the oral use of aloe gel for any indication have not been confirmed in reliable, controlled studies.
About the Author
Peter Thomas is a writer, who writes many great articles on home remedies, herbal remedies and ayurvedic medicines for common ailments and diseases. These articles also include the causes, symptoms and treatment options availaible.
Trendy Nail Wraps - Full Coverage - Gel Application 2010
 |
 OLE HENRIKSEN BLEMISH ATTACK DAILY DEFENSE GEL FULL SIZE 45 $14.98 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 11m Buy It Now for only: $14.98 Buy It Now |
 500pcs natural color full cover False Nail art clear french acrylic gel yajn 5bg $0.99 Time Remaining: 1h 31m |
 Avon ANEW CLINICAL Expression Line Filler New FULL SIZED in Box $19.00 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $21.00 Buy It Now |
 OBAGI Nu Derm Combo Full Size 67 fl oz NEW SEALED 1 FOAMING GEL and 2 TONER $35.95 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 43m Buy It Now for only: $35.95 Buy It Now |
 NEW Bath Body Works CREAMY COCONUT Shower Gel 10 oz FULL SIZE $11.50 Time Remaining: 3h 25m Buy It Now for only: $13.00 Buy It Now |
 Spenco GEL TOTAL SUPPORT Cushion Full Insole 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 NEW $16.95 Time Remaining: 12d 23h 58m Buy It Now for only: $16.95 Buy It Now |
 Nina Ricci Paris Womens Lot of 2 Bath Shower Gel 18 oz 50 ml 90 Full $5.99 Time Remaining: 4h 34m |
 Philosophy HOLIDAY ANGEL Lip Shine Gloss 2 x 5oz Full Size Angelfood Cake Scent $9.99 Time Remaining: 4h 39m |
 New Avon Solutions Plus + TOTAL RADIANCE Eye Gel 50 oz FULL SIZE Cream FRESH $5.99 Time Remaining: 38m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 Bath Body Works Moonlight Path Shower Gel Full Size $4.50 Time Remaining: 4h 43m Buy It Now for only: $6.50 Buy It Now |
 CPAP Replacement HEADGEAR Respironics Comfort Gel Full New Sealed 1040138 $19.95 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 57m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Yellow Bumper Rim Frame Gel Soft Rubber Silicone Case+Full LCD for iPhone 4 4S G $4.99 Time Remaining: 4h 55m |
 WOW HUGE BATH BODY WORKS LOT OF 7 FULL SIZE gel lotion spray aromatherapy $22.99 Time Remaining: 5h 32m |
 Nail Harmony Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish 324 Simple Sheer Full Size 1 2 oz $12.88 Time Remaining: 13d 4h 58m Buy It Now for only: $12.88 Buy It Now |
 Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel eyeliner Black ink with brush 1oz FULL SIZED NEW $20.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 42m |
 Benefit BAD GAL Lash Full Size NIB Black Retail Value 1900 $8.79 Time Remaining: 7d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $8.79 Buy It Now |
 500pcs natural color full cover False Nail art clear french acrylic gel iwzb 5bg $0.99 Time Remaining: 5h 49m |
 Spenco GEL Insole Full Length Insoles Inserts All Sizes $14.95 Time Remaining: 24d 5h 46m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now |
 3 FULL Gel RV Camper Memory Foam Mattress Pad Topper $54.00 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h 22m |
 3 FULL GEL Memory Foam Mattress Pad Topper Save 600 $36.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h 26m |
 New Benefit Lip Plump Full Size $8.95 Time Remaining: 19h 35m Buy It Now for only: $8.95 Buy It Now |
 SIGNATURE CLUB A Moroccan Argan Oil Night Cream Capsules Full Size $15.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 3m |
 ANY 3 6 10 OR FULL SET OF SUGARFLAIR PASTE GEL FOOD COLOURING ICING COLOURS $27.80 Time Remaining: 24d 20h 52m Buy It Now for only: $27.80 Buy It Now |
 GEL COAT Brand New PERFECT FORMULA Nail Guard System FULL SIZE 6 fl oz 18 ml $21.99 Time Remaining: 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 Buy It Now |
 Accel Gel Advanced Sports Gel Chocolate 24 Pack Full Retail Box $24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 34m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 Buy It Now |
 Nail Harmony Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish 338 Star Burst Full Size 1 2 oz $12.88 Time Remaining: 13d 6h 24m Buy It Now for only: $12.88 Buy It Now |
 SEALED FULL SIZE BIOTHERM EAU PURE INVIGORATING SHOWER GEL FRESH PERFUME $14.10 Time Remaining: 8h 38m |
 Nail Harmony Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish 408 Pink Smoothie Full Size 1 2 oz $12.88 Time Remaining: 15d 5h 21m Buy It Now for only: $12.88 Buy It Now |
 Accel Gel Advanced Sports Gel Key Lime 24 Pack Full Retail Box $24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 47m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 Buy It Now |
 Pro Starter UV Gel Nail Art Kit + 12pcs Pure Color UV Builder Gel Full Kit E329 $11.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 9h 8m |
 Pearl Izumi Select Gel Full Finger Mountain Bike MTB Gloves Black XL $34.95 Time Remaining: 29d 23h 44m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 Buy It Now |
 2 IN 1 Nail Art Acrylic Powder Nail Art UV GEL Tips Manicure Pedicure Full Kit $12.99 Time Remaining: 9h 12m |
 OBAGI NU DERM FOAMING GEL 2 BOTTLES FULL SIZE NEW $39.99 Time Remaining: 5d 16m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 Full 24 color Acrylic Powder Glitter Liquid Nail Art Kit UV gel primer Tools 301 $37.99 Time Remaining: 9h 57m |
 New Avon Anew CLINICAL EYE LIFT Upper Gel Under Cream FULL SIZE 66 oz Sealed $13.99 Time Remaining: 22h 10m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 Buy It Now |
 500pcs natural color full cover False Nail art clear french acrylic gel tufv 5bg $0.99 Time Remaining: 11h 59m |
 NEW SPECIALIZED GEL WOMENS FULL FINGERED CYCLING GLOVES SIZE X LARGE $22.99 Time Remaining: 12h 27m Buy It Now for only: $25.99 Buy It Now |
 Nail Harmony Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish 418 Black Cherry Berry Full Size1 2oz $12.88 Time Remaining: 15d 5h 30m Buy It Now for only: $12.88 Buy It Now |
 Brand NEW 2012 Neutrogena Full Size Lip Soother Spf20 Sparkle Gloss 45 Hydrogel $0.99 Time Remaining: 15h 33m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 Buy It Now |
 Nail Harmony Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish 366 Samuri Full Size 1 2 oz $12.88 Time Remaining: 15d 5h 12m Buy It Now for only: $12.88 Buy It Now |
 Bath and Body Works Aruba Coconut 2 body lotion shower gel full size $12.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 16h 4m |
 Brand NEW 2012 Manishma Kiwi Lime Daiquiri Full Size Lip Shimmer 035oz Gloss $0.99 Time Remaining: 16h 14m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 Buy It Now |
 Any 3 5 6 10 25 or Full Set SugarFlair Paste Gel Food Colouring Colour $65.99 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 50m Buy It Now for only: $65.99 Buy It Now |
 Black TPU Cover Gel Case S line for Apple iPhone 4 4G 4S + Full Body Films $5.75 Time Remaining: 16h 30m Buy It Now for only: $6.75 Buy It Now |
 1 Pair Silicone Extra Comfort Gel Full Foot Insoles Shoe Pad Insole $6.99 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 16m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now |
 4 ALBERTO VO5 REAL CLEAN STYLING GEL FULL SIZE EXTRA HOLD $9.00 Time Remaining: 16h 41m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 Buy It Now |
 Full Red Silicone Gel Wrist Watch Mens Women Automatic Selfwind Skeleton $0.93 Time Remaining: 17h 8m |
 Dr HOs Full bonus Set BRAND NEWExtra free 2 pairs SM gel padsFree shipping $130.43 Time Remaining: 2d 8h Buy It Now for only: $130.43 Buy It Now |
 500pcs natural color full cover False Nail art clear french acrylic gel espl 5bg $0.99 Time Remaining: 17h 48m |
 MARY KAY AFTER SUN REPLENISHING GEL FULL SIZE NIP $7.36 Time Remaining: 20d 24m Buy It Now for only: $7.36 Buy It Now |
 Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel Lot of 2 NIB Full size acne blemish control gel $12.39 Time Remaining: 18h 16m |
 Premium Black Soft Gel Silicone Skin Case Cover for Apple iPod Touch 4G, 4th Generation, 4th Gen List Price: Sale Price: $1.59 You save: $28.40 (95%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSpecial skin gel case for ipod touch 4g  |
 Pearl iZUMi Elite Gel Vent Full-Fingered Glove,Black,Medium List Price: Sale Price: $31.69 You save: $13.30 (30%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Pearl Izumi ELITE Gel-Vent Full-Finger Gloves warm your hands during an early season road ride or help protect your digits during a fast, furious DH trail ride. Strategically placed Gel-Vent palm pads absorb vibrations and alleviate pressure on the nerves yet breathe so your hands don't get sweaty... |
 Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Secret Wonderland Shower Gel Full Size 10 Fl. Oz. New Fragrance! Sale Price: $7.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBath & Body Works Signature Collection Secret Wonderland Shower Gel Full Size 10 Fl. Oz. New Fragrance! |
 Newpoint International 200-Thread Count Cotton, Gel Filled Full Mattress Pad List Price: Sale Price: $28.06 You save: $1.93 (6%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSoft and Luxury memory Gel Mattress Pad. 100% cotton, 200-Thread Count sateen filled with hypoallergenic gel fibers. Great loft and recovery that surpasses any fiber. Fully quilted top and sides to protect your mattress... |
 Glove Full Finger Anti-Vibration Gel Pair - Black - X-Large Sale Price: $23.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDesigned with leather front, vinyl padded back plus cool nylon spandex on lower back and wrist V.E.P.P Gel protection covers: palm, index finger and full thumb |
 Silipos Softzone Pure Gel Gel Metatarsal Pad #10465 Sale Price: $14.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSilipos Gel Metatarsal Pads Anatomical design supports the ball of the foot and the reinforced toe loop provides increased durability. Ideal for conditions such as Fat Pad Atrophy, Metatarsalgia, and Morton's Neuroma... |
 Full Body LCD Cover + Soft Gel Case for iPhone OS 4 G 4th Sale Price: $2.97 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCompatible With Apple: iPhone 4 16GB / 32GB. |
 Torque Full-Finger Gel Gloves - Harley Davidson Men's Sale Price: $55.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSoft, drum-dyed cowhide with nylon reinforced stitching for extended wear. Gel-padded palms for shock absorption and pre-curved fingers. Side entry and removal. Leather tab with custom Harley-Davidson inlaid rubber logo... |
