Thank you, Nina - this is helpful.
elizabeth
*Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.*
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Sent: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:50 PM
Subject: Aloe vera, is it poisonous? (was Update on Antonio)
Okay, while I was reading about aloes and aloe vera gel I did start to remember something about the skin of the plant being toxic, (not the gel from the inside). I found this post from a Holisticat archive. I'm still confused after reading it, but I thought I'd pass it along while I look for clearer answers:
ALOE(part used: leaf gel) vera vs ALOES (parts used: dried leaf juice---the following info was taken from the book "Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals", by Newhall, Anderson,and Phillipson; hardcover, 296 pages, $77, available through the American Botanical Council 1-800-373-7105)
Aloe vera (Aloe vera and aloes are often confused with each other) refers to the mucilaginous tissue located in the leaf of Aloe vera or related Aloe species. However, many documented studies for Aloe vera have utilised homogenised leaf extracts which therefore combine aloe vera with aloes, the laxative preparation obtained from the bitter, yellow juice also found in the leaf. Commercial "aloin" is a concentrated form of aloes.
Aloe vera is obtained from the mucilaginous tissue in the center of the Aloe vera leaf and consists mainly of polysacharides and lipids. It should not be confused with aloes, which is obtained by evaporation of water from the bitter yellow juice that is drained from the leaf.Unlike aloes, aloe vera does not contain any anthraquinone compounds and does not therefore, exert any laxative action.
Hypoglycemic activity has been documented for an aloe vera extract, although it is unclear whether this is associated with the true aloe vera gel or the aloes extract.
The external application of aloe vera gel during pregnancy is not thought to be any cause for concern. However, products stated to contain aloe extracts or aloe vera may well contain gastrointestinal stimulant anthraquinone components that are well recognized as the active constituents in aloes(laxative). As such, ingestion of such preparations during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.
ALOES
...recommended for the treatment of atonic constipation and suppressed menstruation.
...recommended for the treatment of atonic constipation and suppressed menstruation.
In human studies: the purgative action of the anthraquinone glycosides is well recognized, although aloes is reported to be more potent than both senna and cascara. An aloes extract in doses too small to cause abdominal cramps or diarrhea had a significant hypoglycemic effect in 5 non-insulin-dependant diabetics.(Ghannam N et al. The antidiabetic activity of aloes: preliminary and experimental observations. Hormone Res 1986; 24:288-94)
Aloes is a potent purgative that may cause abdominal pains, gastro-intestinal irritation leading to pelvic congestion and in large doses, may result in nephritis, bloody diarrhea, and hemorrhagic gastritis.
The drastic purgative action of aloes contra-indicates its use in individuals with hemorrhoids and existing kidney disease. In common with all purgatives, aloes should not be given to patients with intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Aloes colors alkaline urine red. Aloes is an abortifacient and affects the menstrual cycle.
