Aloe, a plant species native to Africa, is also known as"lily of the desert", the"plant of immortality", and the"medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter"because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B. C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites.
There are over 500 species of aloe growing in climates worldwide. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration and their scent.
Extensive research since the 1930's has shown that the clear gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns by putting a protective coating on the affected areas and speeding up the healing rate.
The plant is about 96% water. The rest of it contains active ingredients including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins. Modern healers have used it as medicinal plant since the 1930's. Many liquid health treatments are made, some combining aloe juice with other plants and herbs. The juice is soothing to digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers.
Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the bodies natural resistance. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system.
In transdermal therapeutic systems, aloe vera is implemented generally as skin protectant. In US 6,455, 066 aloe vera is described to increase penetration of Lidocain through the stratum corneum into the epidermis or dermis. Nevertheless, aloe vera did not influence absorption of the drug by blood capillaries. Surprisingly and for the first time, we observed a significant effect of aloe vera as a drug penetration enhancer for an analgesic substance through the skin including the absorption of the substance by a buffer system.
From the foregoing description follows that it has now been found that aloe compositions are penetration agents for enhancing penetration of transdermally applied analgesics through the stratum corneum and into the epidermis or dermis and further into the circulating blood.
I like ALOE VERA!
