THE GREAT ALOE BOOK - Aloelf- ALOE living forever

96 Pages·2005·1.18 MB·English

Alessandro Bassetti and Stefano SaIa
THE GREAT ALOE BOOK
History, botany, composition, and pharmacological aspects
of this legendary plant.
USA Edition
First Edition
ZUCCARI EDITIONS
2005
We dedicate this text
to Aloin and Aloe-emodin,
molecules unreasonably relegated
to the fringes of the pharmacopoeia
for reasons “unknown”.
Long live these molecules.
May their popularity and success
continue to care for the health of millions of people
as they have done for thousands of years . . .
© Copyright September 2001
ZUCCARI Pty Ltd
Via Maccani, 34 - 38100 Trento
Tel.[phone] - Fax [phone]
Web site: http:/www.zuccarionline.com
E-Mail:
Introduction
What becomes immediately apparent to anyone approa-
ching the subject of Aloe in depth are the numerous histo-
rical references available. This observation reveals a fun-
damental piece of important information – the therapeutic
values of this plant have been known and used since an-
cient times.
Aloe Vera has been used for over five thousand years.
Throughout history, it has been considered a magical plant,
almost a panacea, capable of remedying many of mankind’s
ailments. Behind Aloe’s humble and discreet appearance
lies hidden what has been defined as a prodigy of nature
because of its therapeutic values.
It is only in the last 20 years, after a series of proven re-
search, that we can highlight the characteristics of this plant
whose secrets have been hidden behind a blanket of bota-
nical and pharmacological puzzles that only today begin to
yield some answers.
In summary, what we wish to present in this brief study is
an outline of Aloe’s character as a therapeutic plant whose
make-up is principally divided into three large groups of ac-
tive constituents and nutrients.
The first group of components includes the complex su-
gars, called mucopolysaccharides.
These carbohydrates have a filamentous consistency simi-
lar to the elice secreted by snails.
The slimy or viscous capacity of this substance suggested
its gastro-protective effect to the first researchers. In fact,
mucopolysaccharides spread themselves throughout the
digestive tract, preventing many of the various imbalances
which can alter the structure and proper function and ab-
sorption of the digestive tract.
This extraordinary effect has distracted the scientific com-
munity from a much more important and qualifying aspect
of these structured sugars: that is, their extraordinary ca-
pacity to stimulate the immune system and therefore ge-
For their determined collaboration we wish to thank: nerate strong and effective reactions to a great number of
Katja Ravagni, Bruna Facinelli,Carla Delai and Piera Angelini, Roberto Rossi, Maria Broll, Lia Ar- pathologies.
man, Francesco Bonella, Edoardo de Abbondi, and Ezio Salvaterra. The second large group of active principles present in Aloe
are the anthraquinones. Without expanding further on this
subject, which will be evaluated later in the book, we will
limit ourselves to outlining their laxative action, and the re-
storative and repairing effects of these substances that can
truly be called the body’s “garbage disposals”.
It is important to remember that a laxative substance often
carries a secondary effect which seems to know how best
to eliminate that which is toxic to the body.
Finally, but of no lesser importance, is Aloe’s wealth of vi-
tamins, minerals, and general nutritional value. Each and
every Aloe plant constitutes a veritable chemical synthesis
factory, producing a vast range of varied elements.
The extraordinary qualitative richness of this plant, when
compared to its substantial shortage of citrate components,
has inopportunely caused many expert nutritionists to miss
what may be considered a fundamental fact: the synergistic
and homeopathic microstimulus of the plant’s constituents.
Modern homoeopathy teaches us that, often, the body gre-
atly prefers microstimuli coming from synergistic micro-
doses of vitamins and mineral salts, rather than the typical
“overdosing” which, even at the best of times, brings about
dependency or overload.
The Aloe plant contains over 150 active constituents which
will be analyzed and described later in this text. However,
we need to remember that the role played by Aloe juice
is not a strictly nutritional one, but rather more that of an
“advisor” to the body, pointing out the best way to retain
and synthesize all nutrients – an art in which this plant is
specialized.
These three evaluations and interpretations of Aloe’s the-
rapeutic potentials constitute the greater part of this text,
offering an exploration into the numerous cultural and in-
structive aspects of this plant, including the historical, bota-
nical, productive, chemical, therapeutic, and medical scien-
tific aspects. After a careful reading of this in-depth look
into Aloe, the reader will find suggestions on the correct
use of the products derived from this plant. In fact, despite
the primary use offered by the Aloe leaves’ juice, we will
point out how the many products derived from Aloe can,
in our own day and age, significantly improve the quality
of our health.
Aloe, an ancient plant:
important historical aspects
1
ALOE, AN ANCIENT PLANT: IMPORTANT HISTORICAL ASPECTS
1. Aloe, an ancient plant:
11
important historical aspects
1.1 Aloe in Assyrian and Babylonian culture
The ancient Assyrian race used the juice of Sibaru (Aloe)
as a remedy for the disturbing symptoms of ingestion of
rancid or stale food and for intestinal gas.
Towards the end of the 19th century, a group of archaeolo-
gists, experts in the Sumerian race and their culture, iden-
tified clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform texts describing
the Aloe plant. On these clay tablets, found in the city of
Nippur, in what would have been the general quarters of
King Assurbanipal, can be clearly read – “…these leaves
resemble knife sheaves …”. This information reveals two
aspects relative to modern archaeobotany. Firstly, the As-
syrians knew the plant and some of its properties well and,
secondly, the description demonstrates the use of the spe-
cies of Aloe called barbadensis Miller, commonly known as
Aloe Vera.
1.2 Aloe in Egyptian culture
The Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality” and placed
it at the entrance of the pyramids to indicate the pathway
for the dead pharoahs towards the Land of the Dead.
Precious information relative to this plant is contained in the
“Papyrus of Ebers”, discovered during the excavation of
an Egyptian tomb in 1858 and so called after its discoverer,
the German Egyptologist, George Ebers. In this papyrus is
found the Aloe symbol and a detailed description pertai-
ning to the plant, with indications for its therapeutic uses.
Aloe juice formed an integral part of the ingredients used
for the mummification of the dead, as in the case of Pha-
roah Ramses II.
The ancient Egyptians, inventors of the first enema, used
Aloe in combination with other herbs for their purging ene-
mas. Also, the beauty of Cleopatra and Nefertiti was attri-
buted to the use of Aloe as one of the ingredients of their
regenerating and nutrient-rich milk baths.
Aloe juice was also used in numerous ways at the esoteric
THE GREAT ALOE BOOK ALOE, AN ANCIENT PLANT: IMPORTANT HISTORICAL ASPECTS
level. In fact, many recipes for propitiatory potions include of Aloe juice to cure wounds, stomach problems, consti-
Aloe as the principal ingredient. Among those worthy of pation, headaches, alopecia (balding), skin irritations, oral
12 13
mention are those dedicated to the goddess Isis and the problems, and many other disturbances.
sun god Ra.
Today, in Egypt, this succulent plant is still considered a sym- 1.4 Aloe in the various Eastern cultures
bol of happiness and protection, especially if placed inside
a house – it is thought to protect the family by absorbing Among the hundreds of Aloe species found in the world,
the negative energies brought into the home by visitors. some have larger trunks than others. These are the species
It is not uncommon to find Aloe in shops or public struc- that Tibetan medicine and culture uses to make therapeutic
tures. Decorated with a red bow, the Aloe plant serves to remedies and incense for meditation.
invoke love and, if decorated with a green ribbon, it is pro- They are still used today, especially for their calming, sopo-
pitious in invoking the blindfolded goddess. In some rituals, rific, and harmonizing effects.
it is still used for its energetic powers. To no lesser degree, Ayurvedic medicine today still uses
the cortex, or skin, of the Aloe species Aloe aquilarius agal-
locha in many of its prominent preparations.
1.3 Aloe in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
One of these formulations including Aloe, called “Agar” in
The etymology of the word Aloe derives from the Greek Hindi or Agaru in Sanskrit, is mainly used to treat ear infec-
“àls – alòs” (salt), because the bitter taste of the plant is re- tions and open wounds.
miniscent of sea water. Aloe is also mentioned as an aphrodisiac in the Kamasu-
A folk legend tells us that, during Alexander the Great’s en- tra. Other mentions are found in the “Milione”, in which the
deavors to expand the Persian Empire, he sought to con- famous Venetian, Marco Polo, describes clearly and con-
quer the island of Socotra under the advice of Aristotle, with cisely, the story and legend created around the Aloe plant
the intent of gaining possession of the vast quantities of its with regard to its use and its widespread growth and distri-
Aloe plants and their succotrine constituent. bution from the island of Socotra to all the Orient and in the
This small island, situated off the eastern coast of Somalia flourishing trade routes of the mighty Chinese Empire.
and south of the Arab peninsula, was, in fact, a fertile area
for the growth of this precious plant, which was used as a 1.5 Aloe in the Mayan culture and in the New World
healing salve for the often serious and extensive wounds
suffered by Alexander’s soldiers in their long and arduous In the Mayan culture, the Hunpeckin-ci (Aloe) was conside-
military expeditions. red a wondrous remedy for headaches. The juice was pre-
There are numerous references to this plant in many books pared as an infusion and was taken diluted with water. The
of the Holy Bible. In the Book of Psalms (45:8), for example, Mayan women rubbed the oozing gel from the cut leaves
it is clearly stated “…the King’s robes are perfumed with onto their breasts when they wanted to wean their babies
Myrrh and Aloe…”. In the Gospel of John, chapter 19, verse off breast milk – the bitter taste from the nipple was unap-
39: “…Nicodemus prepared a mixture of Myrrh and Aloe to petizing to the infant.
prepare the body of Jesus for burial …”. During his voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus
This unguent was later given the name “Elixir of Jerusalem” wrote in his diary a phrase which demonstrates the known
and used by the templar and masonic cultures, who exhal- and accepted versatility and efficacy of Aloe at that time
ted its amazing curative and rejuvenating virtues for skin, – “Todo esta bien, hay Aloe a bordo”. (“All is well, there is
body, and soul. Aloe aboard.”)
In the first century, A.D., both Dioscoredes, Greek physi- The therapeutic properties of the Aloe plant were also known
cian to the Roman Empire, and Pliny the Elder, author of the to the Native Americans who made use of the Aloe barba-
treatise, “Historia Naturalis”, described the therapeutic uses densis Miller species as an elixir for longevity and health.
THE GREAT ALOE BOOK ALOE, AN ANCIENT PLANT: IMPORTANT HISTORICAL ASPECTS
In their magic rituals, witchdoctors combined the amazing In the year preceding the publication, they were treating a
curative values of this succulent plant with their magic and woman with dermatitis caused by clinical x-ray therapy.
14 15
esoteric knowledge. Medical technology was still in its early years and the do-
Thanks to the work of the Jesuits who spread Christianity ses administered in cancerous pathologies were not well-
across the seas at the end of the 16th century, these won- calibrated. Therefore, side effects were expected, including
derful plants were imported into the Caribbean, especially extensive burns to the epithelial area covered in the treat-
to the islands of Barbados. Actually, this species of Aloe ment. The doctors knew that the gel from the Aloe leaves
carries their name, Aloe barbadensis, though in the past it was used in folk medicine for treating serious sunburn and
was named Aloe vera according to the botanist Linnaeus. decided to try it.
In the 17th century, Aloe also spread across the world, thanks With great amazement, they observed that, after only 24
to the Dutch conquests of the African continent during this hours, the intense itching suffered by the patient was gre-
time, creating a flourishing herbal market, commercial stron- atly alleviated. After a few weeks, there was a regrowth of
ghold of the Dutch East India Company, the great importer skin on her forehead. Five months from the onset of the
and exporter of special herbs and spices from around the Aloe treatment, the patient was dismissed from the hospi-
world. tal, completely recovered – something unheard of for any
Between the 1700s and 1800s, many of the experts in the patient suffering from such a condition.
“old continent” understood the importance of this plant, Encouraged by these promising results, interest in Aloe be-
thus increasing importation of Aloe, which was, by that gan to grow among the medical dermatologic community,
stage, quoted and classified in the major botanical collec- followed by research and many clinical trials carried out on
tions and had become a popularly used remedy by both the humans and laboratory animals.
aristocracy and the newly emerging middle classes. Many The first real analyses oriented towards gaining a knowled-
English nobles created prestigious and elegant hothouses ge of the phytochemical content of Aloe were conducted in
filled with these succulents, giving rise to various species 1940, by Professor Tom Rowe of the University of Virginia
of Aloe. who, through a series of studies carried out on laboratory
rats exposed to radiation and their subsequent treatment
1.6 Aloe in the contemporary world with Aloe gel, understood that the curative agent was to be
found in the hard part of the leaf.
The first scientific study to discover the active constituents In 1959, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Uni-
responsible for the extraordinary effects of Aloe was carried ted States Department of Health documented and definiti-
out by the English scientists Smith and Stenhouse in 1851. vely attested to the skin-regenerating capacity of prepara-
These two luminaries identified and named the first consti- tions based on Aloe. This plant, heretofore left at the fringes
tuent, known today as “aloin”. That rudimentary research of any pharmaceutical consideration, gained the favor of
is an integral part of the information contained in today’s the international medical–scientific community.
pharmacopoeias, describing the uses of this substance and Parallel studies in the USSR in 1957 came to the same con-
attributing a laxative effect to it. clusions as those conducted in the United States, using two
The extracts of Aloin and aloe-emodin are cited in the Bri- different species of Aloe – Aloe arborescens and Aloe stria-
tish Pharmacopoeia Codex of 1907, with indications for its tula. The Russian researchers found the gel to be useful in
use mainly as a purgative. gynecological and paradontal pathologies, concluding that
Aloe became a subject of further study only after 1930, in it reduced the healing time of cutaneous lesions caused by
both the U.S.and Russia. freeze burns, burns, and sunburn rashes by fifty percent.
In 1935, two doctors from Maryland, Collins and Collins (fa- Other Russian studies observed that the internal section of
ther and son), published their studies on the use of Aloe the leaf contained numerous healing substances, including
vera in the treatment of radiodermatitis. salycilic acid and cinnamic acid, respectively an analgesic
THE GREAT ALOE BOOK
and an anti-helminthic or vermifuge.
16 The discovery which finally ordained this plant into the wide
ethno-medical panorama came from Texan chemist Bill Coa-
ts at the end of the 1950s. Coats was able to stabilize the
pulp, eliminating the undesired oxidation and fermentation
problems which compromised the product’s value either
as an ingestible juice or a topical skin cream, thereby fa-
cilitating its commercialization worldwide. In the following
decades, a great deal of research was carried out on the
numerous and now well-recognized properties of this plant,
a plant that can rightly be classified the “queen” of all thera-
peutic plants on Earth.
Botanical system
and chemical composition
2
BOTANICAL SYSTEM AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
2. Botanical system
19
and chemical composition
2.1 Botanical classification
The botanical genus of Aloe has always been classified in
the family called Liliaceae, because it germinates from an
original bulb in the same way as lilies. Other plants well
known to us in this family are onions, garlic, and aspara-
gus. Tom Reynolds, a researcher from London, England,
coined a new classification. In assessing the specifications
and particular characteristics of the Aloe plant, he inserted
it into a new botanical family, that of the Aloaceae.
Aloe is a perennial evergreen shrub with succulent leaves
having flowers of an elongated tubular form varying in co-
lor according to the species, from orange to bright scarlet
red, particularly spectacular and reminiscent of an autumn
landscape.
The Aloaceae family contains approximately three hundred
and fifty varieties of the plant throughout the planet. In Sou-
th Africa alone, in 1955, a total of 132 species were catalo-
gued! The range spanned from the miniature type like Aloe
aristata and Aloe brevifolia, to one which can be defined as
the most beautiful in existence in the world, the Aloe striata.
Among the larger-sized Aloes, and those having a cosme-
tic, curative value, we can mention Aloe arborescens Miller,
Aloe ferox, Aloe barbadensis Miller Vera, Aloe chinensis,
Aloe saponaria, and Aloe succotrine.
A more generalized botanical distinction is achieved by
observing the trunk and leaves. In this way, we can di-
stinguish three large groups of Aloe: acauleas (without a
trunk), subcauleas (visible trunk but with a reduced size),
and cauleas (having a large and branched trunk).
The first group contains the plants that don’t have a trunk
and, if present, is very short, soft, and thick, covered by the
leaves which are arranged in a rosette, rising outward from
the base of the stem. Belonging to this first group are Aloe
barbadensis miller, Aloe saponaria and Aloe aristata.
Belonging to the second group are aloe succotrine and Aloe
chinensis. The short, woody trunk is easily visible and can
THE GREAT ALOE BOOK BOTANICAL SYSTEM AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
reach a foot in height.
Figure 2.1 – Example of a flowering Aloe barbadensis, commonly called Vera.
Finally, in the third group, with a woody, branching trunk
20 21
and bushy boughs reaching a height of as many as several
feet, belong the species like Aloe ferox, Aloe arborescens,
and the very famous and distinctive aguillaria agallocha.
The Aloe, which comes from Barbados, named barbaden-
sis according to Miller, or Aloe Vera by Linnaeus, or yet still
called Aloe vulgaris by Lamark, are one and the same bota-
nical species. Much confusion has arisen from the added
word “Vera”, since Miller named Vera a species different to
the one named “Vera” by Linnaeus. As a result, today we
tend to accept a plant classification which is unclear, not
allowing us to distinguish between the two varieties. We
shall call Vera the species barbadensis Miller, and add the
word (Vera) “Quality”, to the Aloe described by Linnaeus.
This is as much as has been understood from the writings
of the great herbalist, Burman.
2.1.1 Aloe barbadensis Miller or Vera
Vera is a perennial that grows into the shape of a tuft, whose
base is surrounded by a rosette of succulent and thorny-ed-
ged leaves with a spiral development. This is the characte-
ristic that clearly distinguishes this species among all the
existing species. Its structure and consistency are vaguely
reminiscent of the cactus. (fig. 2.1)
Originating in Africa, Aloe barbadensis then spread to the
Americas after the expedtions of Columbus and Vespucci.
The hot, humid climate of Central America favors its growth,
as well as the Caribbean archipelago to which we owe the
actual denomination of barbadensis, from the islands of
Barbados. After 1950, plants arose in the central and sou-
thern states of the United States, such as Texas, Arizona,
and Florida, and extending into Mexico and throughout
South America.
Aloe Vera has succulant, fleshy leaves of a mottled light
green color with delicate edges sometimes punctuated with
a pink hue during the winter months. Over time, the brilliant
green color tends to fade to a grey green.
The plant reaches maturity after four years and has leaves
with a length averaging between two and three feet and a
is twelve years. It produces an average of twelve to thir-
base width from three to five inches, each leaf weighing
ty leaves. When these are cut, two or three times a year,
from two to four pounds. The plant’s complete life cycle
one can observe the almost instantaneous remargining of