Aloe vera, A. ferox 芦 荟 Lú huì  Aloes  Family: Liliaceae    
PART USED: Dried concentrate of leaf juice- harvested year round.
Nature: Cold    FLAVOR: Bitter.  CHANNEL: Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Descending- Cooling purgatives
1. Drains Fire and guides out accumulation.[3] Laxative.[4]
2. Clear Heat of Liver, promote bowel movements.[1,2] Clears and cools the Liver Heat/Fire.[2,3]
3. Strengthens the Stomach.[3,4]
3. Vermifuge.[2,3] Anthelmintic.[4] Always combined with Quisqualis indica- Shi jun zi for worm infections, since it is very probable that in itself there are any anthelmintic properties.[4]
ACTIONS
INDICATIONS- Relatively mild herb, so used for chronic constipation.[3]
1. Chronic constipation due to Hot accumulation.[2,3]
2. Liver Fire:[2] Dizziness, headache, red eyes, deafness, tinnitus, restlessness due to Heat accumulation, easy to anger, abdominal pain on the right side (over liver), fever due to Heat in the Liver channel.[2,3] Ear signs due to Gall bladder channel circling ear.[2]
3. Childhood nutritional Malnutrition in children, especially when due to roundworm, also used for ringworm,[3] convulsion. Worm fever and convulsions in children, combined with licorice.[4]
4. External application for tinea.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Menstruation and pregnancy.[2,3]  Spleen/Stomach deficiency (due to bitter flavor).[2] Rectal bleeding,[2,3] or Cold from deficiency of the Spleen or Stomach.[3] Hemorrhoids.[2] Nausea and vomiting if overused.[2]
COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS
 0.3-1.5 g used in pill or powder form, not in decoctions.[3] Dried fruits or leaf 2-4 g.[1] Leaves are harvested when 2-3 years old. The juice is squeezed out of the leaves, boiled until it makes a thick consistent fluid and then put into a container and stored in cool places. Good quality is very dark green and lustrous, and has a strong taste.
NOTE:  Small doses increase bile production, peristalsis and hence the excretion of waste.
Large doses cause blood to concentrate in the pelvic cavity and hence relieve pain in the lower abdomen.
Because it is bitter, it can strengthen digestion.[2]
     
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents.
Research.
Aloe-emodin is reported to have anti-cancer activity in vitro.[1]
Extracts have been shown to enhance phagocytosis in adult bronchial asthma.[2]
References
[1] Kupchan, S. M. and Karim, A. (1976) Lloydia 39 223
[2] Shida, T. et al (1985) Planta Med 51 (3), 273.

Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro.
Langmead L, Makins RJ, Rampton DS.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Oral aloe vera gel is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease and is under therapeutic evaluation for this condition.
AIM:
To assess the effects of aloe vera in vitro on the production of reactive oxygen metabolites, eicosanoids and interleukin-8, all of which may be pathogenic in inflammatory bowel disease.
METHODS:
The anti-oxidant activity of aloe vera was assessed in two cell-free, radical-generating systems and by the chemiluminescence of incubated colorectal mucosal biopsies. Eicosanoid production by biopsies and interleukin-8 release by CaCo2 epithelial cells in the presence of aloe vera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS:
Aloe vera gel had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen metabolite production; 50% inhibition occurred at 1 in 1000 dilution in the phycoerythrin assay and at 1 in 10-50 dilution with biopsies. Aloe vera inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 by 30% at 1 in 50 dilution (P = 0.03), but had no effect on thromboxane B2 production. The release of interleukin-8 by CaCo2 cells fell by 20% (P < 0.05) with aloe vera diluted at 1 in 100, but not at 1 in 10 or 1 in 1000 dilutions.
CONCLUSION:
The anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera gel in vitro provide support for the proposal that it may have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Mar 1;19(5):521-7. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.
Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the use of Aloe vera (A. vera) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and compare its effects with those of omeprazole and ranitidine.
METHODS:
In this pilot, randomized controlled trial, 79 subjects were allocated to A. vera syrup (standardized to 5.0 mg polysaccharide per mL of syrup) at a dose of 10 mL/d, omeprazole capsule (20 g/d) or ranitidine tablet (150 mg in a fasted state in the morning and 150 mg 30 min before sleep at night) for a period of 4 weeks. The frequencies of eight main symptoms of GERD (heartburn, food regurgitation, flatulence, belching, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting and acid regurgitation) were assessed at weeks 2 and 4 of the trial.
RESULTS:
A. vera was safe and well tolerated and reduced the frequencies of all the assessed GERD symptoms, with no adverse events requiring withdrawal.
CONCLUSION:
A. vera may provide a safe and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of GERD.
J Tradit Chin Med. 2015 Dec;35(6):632-6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Effect of Aloe vera juice on growth and activities of Lactobacilli in-vitro.
Nagpal R, Kaur V, Kumar M, Marotta F.
Abstract
In present investigation, different concentrations of Aloe vera juice incorporated into the growth media of Lactobacilli were tested to observe the effect on growth and activities of these bacteria. From the results obtained, it was observed that aloe vera juice at a concentration of 5% v/v was effective in promoting the growth of L. acidophilus, L. plantarum and L. casei, as evident from the fall in pH and increased acidity, as well as from the improved generation time. At 15 to 25% concentration, growth was unaffected as compared to the controls; however, concentration higher than 25%v/v discouraged the growth. Overall, it was concluded that Aloe vera juice or gel at a particular concentration could possibly be used in combination with probiotic Lactobacillus strain(s) as a combinational therapy for gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Acta Biomed. 2012 Dec;83(3):183-8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis.
Langmead L, Feakins RM, Goldthorpe S, Holt H, Tsironi E, De Silva A, Jewell DP, Rampton DS.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The herbal preparation, aloe vera, has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory effects and, despite a lack of evidence of its therapeutic efficacy, is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
AIM:
To perform a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of aloe vera gel for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
METHODS:
Forty-four evaluable hospital out-patients were randomly given oral aloe vera gel or placebo, 100 mL twice daily for 4 weeks, in a 2 : 1 ratio. The primary outcome measures were clinical remission (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index </= 2), sigmoidoscopic remission (Baron score </= 1) and histological remission (Saverymuttu score </= 1). Secondary outcome measures included changes in the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (improvement was defined as a decrease of >/= 3 points; response was defined as remission or improvement), Baron score, histology score, haemoglobin, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and albumin.
RESULTS:
Clinical remission, improvement and response occurred in nine (30%), 11 (37%) and 14 (47%), respectively, of 30 patients given aloe vera, compared with one (7%) [P = 0.09; odds ratio, 5.6 (0.6-49)], one (7%) [P = 0.06; odds ratio, 7.5 (0.9-66)] and two (14%) [P < 0.05; odds ratio, 5.3 (1.0-27)], respectively, of 14 patients taking placebo. The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index and histological scores decreased significantly during treatment with aloe vera (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), but not with placebo. Sigmoidoscopic scores and laboratory variables showed no significant differences between aloe vera and placebo. Adverse events were minor and similar in both groups of patients.
CONCLUSION:
Oral aloe vera taken for 4 weeks produced a clinical response more often than placebo; it also reduced the histological disease activity and appeared to be safe. Further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of aloe vera gel in inflammatory bowel disease is needed.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Apr 1;19(7):739-47. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E.
Vinson JA, Al Kharrat H, Andreoli L.
Abstract
There are no literature references describing the effect of consumption of Aloe vera liquid preparations on the absorption of water- or fat-soluble vitamins. There is a very large population worldwide which consume vitamins and many people also consume Aloe. Thus we report the effect of Aloe on the human absorption of vitamins C and E, the most popular vitamin supplements. The plasma bioavailability of vitamins C and E were determined in normal fasting subjects, with eight subjects for vitamin C and ten subjects for vitamin E. In a random crossover design, the subjects consumed either 500 mg of ascorbic acid or 420 mg of vitamin E acetate alone (control), or combined with 2 oz of two different Aloe preparations (a whole leaf extract, or an inner fillet gel). Blood was collected periodically up to 24 h after consumption. Plasma was analyzed for ascorbate and tocopherol by-HPLC with UV detection. There was no significant difference in the areas under the plasma ascorbate-time curves among the groups sincerely due to large differences within the groups. For comparative purposes the control area was 100%. The Aloe Gel area was 304%, and Aloe Whole Leaf 80%. Only Aloe Gel caused a significant increase in plasma ascorbate after 8 and 24 h. For vitamin E, the results for the relative areas were control 100%, Gel 369%, and Leaf (198%). Only the Aloes produced a significant increase in plasma tocopherol after 6 and 8 h. Both Aloes were significantly different from the control after 8 h. Aloe Gel was significantly different from the baseline after 24 h. The Aloes slowed down the absorption of both vitamins with maximum concentrations 2-4 h later than the control. There was no difference between the two types of Aloe. The results indicate that the Aloes improve the absorption of both vitamins C and E. The absorption is slower and the vitamins last longer in the plasma with the Aloes. Aloe is the only known supplement to increase the absorption of both of these vitamins and should be considered as a complement to them.
Phytomedicine. 2005 Nov;12(10):760-5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study.
Oryan A, Mohammadalipour A, Moshiri A, Tabandeh MR.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Treatment of large wounds is technically demanding and several attempts have been taken to improve wound healing. Aloe vera has been shown to have some beneficial roles on wound healing but its mechanism on various stages of the healing process is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of topical application of A. vera on cutaneous wound healing in rats.
METHODS:
A rectangular 2 × 2-cm cutaneous wound was created in the dorsum back of rats. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups of control (n = 20), low-dose (n = 20), and high-dose (n = 20) A. vera. The control and treated animals were treated daily with topical application of saline, low-dose (25 mg/mL), and high-dose (50 mg/mL) A. vera gel, up to 10 days, respectively. The wound surface, wound contraction, and epithelialization were monitored. In each group, the animals were euthanized at 10 (n = 5), 20 (n = 5), and 30 (n = 10) days post injury (DPI). At 10, 20, and 30 DPI, the skin samples were used for histopathological and biochemical investigations; and at 30 DPI, the skin samples were also subjected for biomechanical studies.
RESULTS:
Aloe vera modulated the inflammation, increased wound contraction and epithelialization, decreased scar tissue size, and increased alignment and organization of the regenerated scar tissue. A dose-dependent increase in the tissue level of dry matter, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans' content was seen in the treated lesions, compared to the controls. The treated lesions also demonstrated greater maximum load, ultimate strength, and modulus of elasticity compared to the control ones (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Topical application of A. vera improved the biochemical, morphological, and biomechanical characteristics of the healing cutaneous wounds in rats. This treatment option may be valuable in clinical practice.
Ann Plast Surg. 2016 Jan;77(1):37-46. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000239. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov