Image source: Wikipedia
Both vera (meaning "true" or "genuine")(1) and barbadensis are alternate species names for the same plant used on skin and also internally(1,2). Aloe vera is variously thought to have come from southern or eastern Africa(2) or the southwestern portion of the Arabian peninsula and has been naturalized in northern Africa, the Canaries, Cape Verde, and the Madeira islands(1). Many of about 600 aloe genus members have history behind them of economic and medicinal functions(2) (backed up by ancient documents)(1) yet due to how the various species work, the consumer ought to stick with vera(2).
It is vital to note that aloe vera gel, juice, and latex are all different products. Gel is the key product, the inner portion of the leaf mashed after having the green outer leaf and teeth removed in the filleting process. "The polysaccharides, non-caloric long-chain sugars, associated with Aloe vera gel’s positive effects have been well-studied." Commonly cheaper aloe juice is from pressed leaves. Aloe latex is from "the cuticle of the aloe leaf, the portion with specialized cells called pericyclic tubules, which occur beneath the epidermis. These cells produce a bitter yellow juice" rife with aloin; latex is considered a drug, harmful in all but brief and limited use, and is not recommended for use in dietary supplements(2). Aloin was once a questionable OTC laxative product until banned by the FDA(1).
Besides use on burns to skin infections to insect bites and more, aloe gel helps "support sugar levels, cardiovascular health, upper respiratory tract conditions, digestive problems, stomach ulcers, and as a detoxifying agent." Specifically, it activates bodily enzymes that eliminate toxic substances and protect organs from poisons from foods and without. It is important to note that many commercial aloe products have fillers slipped in(2); further note: aloe may have adverse reactions with prescription heart, diabetes, blood pressure, and diuretic drugs(1).
Personal Product Favorite (Aloin-free!):
Cleanse drink
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Aloe vera." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Jul. 2020. Web. 27 Jul. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera.
2. "Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 27 Nov. 2017. Web. 27 Jul. 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-aloe/.
It is vital to note that aloe vera gel, juice, and latex are all different products. Gel is the key product, the inner portion of the leaf mashed after having the green outer leaf and teeth removed in the filleting process. "The polysaccharides, non-caloric long-chain sugars, associated with Aloe vera gel’s positive effects have been well-studied." Commonly cheaper aloe juice is from pressed leaves. Aloe latex is from "the cuticle of the aloe leaf, the portion with specialized cells called pericyclic tubules, which occur beneath the epidermis. These cells produce a bitter yellow juice" rife with aloin; latex is considered a drug, harmful in all but brief and limited use, and is not recommended for use in dietary supplements(2). Aloin was once a questionable OTC laxative product until banned by the FDA(1).
Besides use on burns to skin infections to insect bites and more, aloe gel helps "support sugar levels, cardiovascular health, upper respiratory tract conditions, digestive problems, stomach ulcers, and as a detoxifying agent." Specifically, it activates bodily enzymes that eliminate toxic substances and protect organs from poisons from foods and without. It is important to note that many commercial aloe products have fillers slipped in(2); further note: aloe may have adverse reactions with prescription heart, diabetes, blood pressure, and diuretic drugs(1).
Personal Product Favorite (Aloin-free!):
Cleanse drink
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Aloe vera." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Jul. 2020. Web. 27 Jul. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera.
2. "Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe." Isagenix Health. Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 27 Nov. 2017. Web. 27 Jul. 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-aloe/.
RSS Feed