Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a herbaceous plant from the lily family, originally from Africa. It is a perennial, succulent plant with rich polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, active enzymes, and beneficial trace elements. Its characteristic components include aloe-emodin and other compounds. Due to its various bioactive substances, aloe vera has been used in Chinese folk medicine as a natural remedy for beauty, hair care, and treating skin diseases. Aloe vera leaves are clustered, arranged in a rosette or at the top of the stem. The leaves are often lance-shaped or short and wide, with serrated edges. The flower spikes can be umbellate, racemose, spike-like, or conical, and are red, yellow, or spotted with red. The flower has six petals and six stamens, with the base of the perianth often fused into a tubular shape.

Overview

Aloe vera, also known as the wood aloe, is a succulent, evergreen plant with a long history. Its medicinal properties were recognized as far back as ancient Egypt, where it was referred to as the "mystical plant." Aloe vera belongs to the lily family. The leaves are clustered in a rosette or at the top of the stem, lance-shaped or short and wide, with serrated edges. The flower spikes are variously umbellate, racemose, spike-like, or conical, with colors ranging from red to yellow or spotted with red. The flowers have six petals and six stamens, and the base of the perianth is often tubular.

The earliest records of aloe vera are found in the ancient Egyptian medical text Ebers Papyrus. Archaeological discoveries show that aloe vera was placed between the knees of mummies in pyramids. This text, written around 1550 BCE, not only documents the use of aloe vera for treating diarrhea and eye diseases but also includes numerous prescriptions involving aloe vera. This suggests that aloe vera was used as a medicinal plant 3,500 years ago. It is likely that its use in Egypt began even earlier, around 5,000 years ago. Later, through the Macedonian Empire, aloe vera spread to Europe. In the 1st century BCE, the Roman Emperor's physician, Dioscorides, wrote the De Materia Medica, which included specific prescriptions for various ailments using aloe vera, referring to it as a panacea. Additionally, the New Testament records that aloe vera was mixed with myrrh and used in the burial of Jesus.

Aloe vera gained widespread recognition in Europe, being recorded in German pharmacopoeias in the 12th century, marking its first legal recognition in a country. Subsequently, aloe vera spread to China via the Silk Road. In China, it is known as "aloe," and it appears in the Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen, the father of traditional Chinese medicine. This text not only recognizes aloe vera as a useful plant but also describes it as "black and resinous," suggesting that early Chinese uses of aloe vera involved a dried resin form imported from Europe.

Aloe vera reached Japan during the Kamakura or Muromachi periods. During the Edo period, it was called aloe (now referred to as "aroai" in Japan), indicating that it was imported from China. At that time, it probably referred to Cape Aloe, suggesting that aloe vera was initially introduced to Japan as a medicinal rather than a plant. This is confirmed by illustrations in texts such as The Herbal of Yamato by Kan'emon and The Enlightenment of the Compendium of Materia Medica by Ono Ransan, which often depicted imagined forms of aloe vera. Portuguese missionaries also introduced aloe vera to Japan, which is now known as the wood aloe. With the spread of Christianity, aloe vera became popular across Japan, and its cultivation methods were developed.

During the Meiji era, Japan's medical system improved with the adoption of German medicine, leading to the formal inclusion of aloe vera in Japanese pharmacopoeias. Although aloe vera was listed early, it did not become widely used until after World War II. Post-war research revealed its pharmacological effects, and varieties such as the wood aloe and Aloe vera var. chinensis, suited to Japan's climate, proved highly effective. This led to widespread acceptance of aloe vera as a medicinal herb. In particular, research in 1971 discovered aloe vera's cancer-suppressing properties, significantly increasing public interest.

Aloe Vera – Etymology

The term "aloe" in Chinese consists of "芦" (lú), meaning "black," and "荟" (huì), meaning "gather." The juice that drips from cut aloe vera leaves is yellowish-brown, turning black upon oxidation and solidifying, hence the name "aloe."

According to the Xinhua Dictionary: "A perennial evergreen herb (Aloe vera var. chinensis). Leaves are large, thick, and clustered, lance-shaped, with yellow or red-spotted flowers, commonly found in tropical regions. Also known as 'oil onion.' The leaf edges have sharp teeth, flowers are spike-like, and the leaf juice can be used medicinally."

The Guoyu Dictionary defines it as: "A plant name. Belongs to the lily family and aloe genus. Evergreen with fleshy, thick leaves and sharp teeth on the edges. Grown in tropical areas. Juice from leaves can be used medicinally."

In Plant Encyclopedia:

• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Aloe
• Species: Aloe vera (Linn.) N. L. Burman var. chinensis (Haw.) Berg.
• Other Names: Lu Hui, Ne Hui, Elephant Gall, Nu Hui, Lao Wei
• Pinyin: lú huì
• English Name: Aloes
• Latin Names: Aloe vera L., Aloe vera L. var. chinensis (Haw.) Berg, Aloe ferox Mill.

Aloe Vera – Medicinal Summary

• Meridian Entry: Liver, Heart, Stomach, Large Intestine.
• Indications: Liver fire headache, eye redness and swelling, irritability and convulsions, heat-induced constipation, parasitic abdominal pain, pediatric malnutrition, skin ulcers, hemorrhoids.
• Dosage: Oral: powdered into capsules, 0.5 to 1.5 grams; or in pills or powders; not used in decoctions. Topical: appropriate amount, powdered and applied.
• Distribution: Native to North Africa, now widely cultivated in the West Indies; also cultivated in China.
• Harvesting and Storage: Can be harvested year-round. Cut leaves, collect the juice, boil to a thick paste, pour into containers, and let cool and solidify.

Aloe Vera – Usage Precautions

1. Some individuals may be allergic to aloe vera and should avoid use.
2. Should not be used by those with chronic diarrhea.
3. There are over 500 aloe vera varieties, but only a few are medicinally effective and edible.
4. Aloe vera has a bitter taste; the green skin should be removed, and the leaves boiled for 3-5 minutes to remove bitterness.
5. Contains aloin, which can cause diarrhea; hence, should not be consumed in excess.
6. Individuals with weak constitutions and children should avoid excessive consumption to prevent allergies.
7. Pregnant women should avoid aloe vera as it can cause congestion in internal organs and stimulate uterine contractions.
8. Individuals with bleeding hemorrhoids or nosebleeds should avoid aloe vera as it may worsen their condition.

Aloe Vera – Classification

• Curaçao Aloe: A perennial herb with a very short stem. Leaves are clustered at the stem top, upright or nearly upright, thick and juicy, narrow lance-shaped, up to 36 cm long and 6 cm wide, with pointed tips and broad bases. Flower spikes are single or branched, 60-90 cm high; inflorescence is loose, with yellow or red-spotted flowers; the flowers are tubular, 6-lobed, with slightly bent lobes. Native to northern Africa, now widely cultivated in the West Indies and China.
• Chinese Aloe: Also known as the spotted aloe, a variety of the Curaçao aloe. Leaves are clustered, with white spots on both sides that do not fade as they mature. Leaves are about 35 cm long and 5-6 cm wide. Found in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan, Taiwan, and other regions. It has medicinal and cosmetic value, with young leaves used as aloe vera raw material for consumption.
• Shangnong Large-Leaf Aloe: A variant developed from Curaçao aloe by the Plant Breeding Laboratory of Shanghai Agricultural College. Leaves are covered with white wax powder, green and tender, up to 85 cm long and 12 cm wide, with thick, non-bitter flesh. It grows quickly and has high potential for development but has weak branching ability under pot conditions. Native to the Yangtze River Basin, China.
• Wood Aloe: Also known as the small wood aloe. It has been popular as a folk medicine for a long time. Native to South Africa. In medicine, it contains many effective components and is recognized as one of the most effective varieties. Leaves can be consumed raw or processed into health foods or cosmetics. Suitable for use in household dishes. Has medicinal and cosmetic applications.
• Cape Aloe: Also known as the Good Hope aloe. A large variety reaching up to 6 meters in height, with a woody stem and 30-50 clustered leaves. Leaves are large, hard, spiny, deep green to blue-green, and covered with white spots. The flowers are orange-red, appearing from a long spike, and the fruits are 5-6 cm long capsules. Grown mainly in South Africa.
• Soap Aloe: Contains soapy juice in its leaves, used primarily as an ornamental plant. Leaves are spiny and fibrous. This variety is less commonly used for medicinal purposes.

Aloe Vera – Pharmacological Benefits

1. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Aloe vera extracts can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, inhibiting their growth.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Polysaccharides in aloe vera enhance the body's disease resistance and aid in healing chronic conditions.
3. Moisturizing and Beautifying: Aloe vera nourishes and hydrates the skin, reduces acne, and improves hair health.
4. Digestive Health: Aloe vera aids in digestion, improves appetite, and strengthens the stomach.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Improves blood circulation, reduces cholesterol, and normalizes blood pressure.
6. Immune Support and Wound Healing: Promotes wound healing, supports immune function, and has anti-tumor properties.
7. Detoxification: Helps detoxify the body and supports white blood cell recovery during radiation therapy.
8. Anti-aging: Mucilage in aloe vera helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent cell aging.
9. Pain Relief and Sedation: Alleviates pain from conditions such as arthritis and headaches.
10. Sun Protection: Absorbs UV rays, reducing skin damage.
11. Insect Repellent and Preservation: Repels insects and prevents decay.

Differences from Agave

Aloe vera and agave are both succulents but belong to different families. Aloe vera is from the Liliaceae family, while agave is from the Asparagaceae family. Aloe vera leaves are transparent and produce a sticky juice, while agave leaves are fibrous and do not produce juice. Their flowers and fruits also differ significantly.

Comparison of Fresh and Dried Aloe

Fresh aloe vera leaves retain more active ingredients and provide better health benefits compared to dried ones. Fresh aloe vera is more effective for immune function and digestion.

Nutritional Analysis

Aloe vera is rich in niacin and vitamin B6, has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and benefits skin, hair, and digestive health. It also helps regulate blood sugar and overall health.