Pygeum (pygeum africanum ), is an evergreen tree native to higher elevations of southern Africa.The bark of this African evergreen has been used for centuries throughout its as a herbal remedy for prostate and urinary tract maintenance. Current researches show that Pygeum africanum can significantly decrease urinary frequency and pain with urination in men who suffer from mild-to-moderate benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms. Pygeum, has been approved in France, Italy, and Germany as a remedy for BPH.

Pygeum Benefits

In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that pygeum africanum extracts antagonize androgen receptor, and have antiproliferative and apoptotic activities against prostate cancer cells. Although the mechanism of action of pygeum africanum extract is unknown, various synergistic mechanisms have been proposed. Pygeum bark contains various useful compounds, including phytosterols such as beta-sitosterols, which exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the prostate. In vitro studies demonstrate pygeum africanum extract is a strong inhibitor of rat prostatic fibroblast proliferation stimulated by various growth factors. A study reported in the “Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine” found that, pygeum africanum, inhibits the ligand-activated human androgen receptor, which controls the growth of the prostate gland. Researchers found that a compound in pygeum africanum, (N-bütilbenzen-sülfonamid), also inhibits the androgen receptor, as well as the progesterone receptor. Especially, NBBS (N-butylbenzenesulfonamide) was found to have anti hormonal activity as well as the ability to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Pygeum and Prostate Problems

In a study in Europe, 85 men with mild to moderate BPH were given 50 milligrams of pygeum twice daily for 2 months. The study participants showed a 40% reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a subjective assessment of the severity of symptoms of BPH. Also, men reported a 32% reduction in frequency of nocturnal urination and a 31% improvement in quality of life. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 263 men received either 100 milligrams of  Pygeum africanum or placebo daily for sixty days. The pygeum group showed a 17 % improvement in urinary flow, a 24 % reduction in residual bladder volume, a 31% reduction in nocturia, and a 19 % reduction in daytime urinary frequency.

The effectiveness of a combination of pygeum extract and nettle the therapy of  BPH was examined by a group of scientists from Poland. The scientists recruited 134 participant with symptoms of  BPH and they were all between the ages of 53 and 84 years. These patients were divided in 2 groups with one group receiving 2 capsules of combined 25 mg of  pygeum bark extract and 300 mg nettle extract daily. The other group was also given 2 capsules of the same combined extract however containing 150 mg nettle extract and 13 mg of pygeum extract. The result of the study demonstrated important improvement in all patients of the 2 groups after 28 days of therapy. This study was reported in the journal, “Clinical Therapeutic”. A new literature review analyzed trials from 1966-2000 containing a total of 18 randomized, controlled studies involving 1562 men. The authors concluded that, compared with placebo, pygeum provided a important improvement in the combined outcome of urological symptoms and flow measures. Also, participants taking P. africanum extract were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms; nocturia was reduced by 19 %  and residual urine volume by 24%; and peak urine flow was increased by 23 %.

In a preliminary study, men with  BPH or chronic prostatitis were given 200 milligrams per day of pygeum africanum extract for 60 days, resulting in some improvement of symptoms and lab analysis of the prostate and urinary tract. The extract used in this trial was standardised to contain 14% beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol. Pygeum extract (100 mg/d for 5-7 weeks) was used to treat 47 people with chronic prostatitis in a open-label study. 89% of participants experienced complete remission of symptoms.

Pygeum africanum improves the production of  sperm, as well as the sperm’s quality. The herb may be an efficacious treatment for male infertility, particularly in cases of diminished prostatic secretions. P. africanum extracts have been shown to enhance alkaline phosphatase (an significant enzyme that maintains the proper pH of the seminal fluid) activity, which helps maintain the appropriate pH of seminal fluid, and enhances total prostatic secretions.  The lack of IgA in the semen is a important indicator of clinical success. In one trial, the participants who had no IgA in their semen showed an alkaline phosphatase boost from 265 to 485 IU/cc.

Dosage

Pygeum extract is generally administered at a dose (standardized to contain 14% triterpenes including beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol) of 50-100 mg twice daily. Pygeum bark extract is marketed under the brand-names of  Tadenan in France and Pigenil in Italy. It has been examined in clinical studies for BPH at daily doses of 25 to 200 milligrams. P. africanum extract effectiveness might be enhanced when it is combined with stinging nettle.

Side Effects

Pygeum africanum is usually well tolerated at this dosage. Adverse effects, which have been reported by a small portion of patients, include mild gastrointestinal problems. One  study reported satisfactory safety profiles after twelve months of using 100 milligrams daily in 174 participant. Prostate problems are mostly benign, but if you have symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy get a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and examination by a physician to rule out other (such as prostate cancer) complications.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, a strong antibacterial antiseptic and a powerful antioxidant. The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris is made up of 20-54% thymol. Thyme oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of the herb. In addition to thymol, this plant contains the antioxidant flavonoids naringenin, apigenin, thymonin and luteolin. Thyme oil was employed in pre and post-surgical dressings, to prevent and kill the yellow fever virus during WWI. The German Commission E, has approved thyme for symptoms of, whooping cough, bronchitis and catarrh.

Thyme Benefits

Thyme essential oil, which is distilled from the leaves of the plant, has strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal activities. The medicinal effect of thyme rests on its contents of flavonoids, thymol, eugenol, aliphatic phenols as well as saponins, luteolin and tetramethoxylated flavones.

Thyme Plant and Researches

Thymus vulgaris has traditionally been used to treat respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and to treat cough. Thyme is approved by the German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the FDA) to treat those diseases. This plant acts both as an expectorant to clear the lungs of congestion and as a antitussive, soothing coughing spasms. Thymol, essential oil has been recognized as an effectual treatment for the therapy of chronic and acute bronchitis, according to scientists at the German Central Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Sinzig. In a 2007 German study, researchers investigated a syrup made of extracts of thyme and ivy on children and adolescents with acute bronchitis. Their study concluded that a 10-day treatment of the syrup improved symptoms and, in some cases, cured the disease.

Thyme oil can help maintain a healthful scalp, curing dandruff and promoting healthful hair growth. There is some findings that applying lavender oil in combination with the essential oils from thyme, cedarwood and rosemary to the scalp improves hair growth in up to 44 percent of people after seven months of therapy.

Thyme oil is used in mouthwashes, which aids in treating infections of the mouth, gums and throat. Thymol and carvacrol have powerful antimicrobial effects and are important components of the essential oils of thyme. They are used in products like Listerine. Listerine mouthwash in studies has exhibited strong antibacterial effects.

Its basic compound, thymol, is attributed with antioxidant, antitussive, antifungal and antimicrobial effects. Lab experiments indicate that thymol has antifungal property against a number of species, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus, Saprolegnia, and Zygorhynchus species.The research, published in the June 1999 Journal of Applied Microbiology found that oil of thyme was efficacious against staph aureus as well as a number of other  fungi and bacteria in the experiments.

The thyme oil possesses a wide range spectrum of fungicidal activity. In 2001, a Georgetown University scientists explored the effects of thyme oil against different bacteria, including those that are medication-resistant. Results of the researches showed that the components of thyme oil inhibit infection with efficacy comparable to standard antibiotics. A study published in the June 2010 edition of  Planta Medica; thymus works by destroying the cell membrane, causing cell death, and it was effective against all strains investigated, those resistant to the antifungal medication fluconazole.

Thymol and carvacrol thought to be the compounds responsible for Thyme oil’s antibacterial and antifungal effects. A study reported in the 2010 Journal of  Medicinal Food explain scientists used thyme oil to inhibit 8 type of bacteria. A study at the “Department of Pharmacology at the University” of Milan has concluded that thymol, has the ability to interfere with the formation of candida. A study reported in the April 2004 edition of  Food Control, supports the use of oil of thyme for killing food borne bacteria and extending the shelf life of foods. In a study reported in the journal Letters of Applied Microbiology in 2007, scientists found thymol was effective against a wide variety of fungi and mold species.

E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless. Healthy adults generally recover from infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7 within 1 week, however, young children and older adults can develop a life-threatening form of  kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. A research reported in Letters in Applied Microbiology in 2002 showed on the activity of oil of thyme in killing the lethal strain of  Escherichia coli O157:H7. When thyme oil was added to bacterial growth medium at a concentration of 625 parts per million, Escherichia coli was killed within 1 minute.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a strain of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus resistant to normal antibiotic drugs. MRSA is frequently referred to in the press as a ‘superbug’, meaning a bacteria resistant to different antibiotics. It doesn’t respond to the standard therapy methods that work with other types of  Staphylococcus bacteria, and because of this, it is much more dangerous. A study found a blend of oils derived from thyme herbs was effective in destroying MRSA in 2 hours. The study was carried out by a team of microbiologists at the “School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.” Scientist Dr Jonathan Caplin said: “These are very promising results. We have shown at least in the laboratory that this blend of thyme has a very strong effect on MRSA. Now further work needs to be carried out to ascertain its effect in real cases.” The study has been published in the “International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics.”

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a HSV (herpes simplex virus). HSV-1 is the most important cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters. One 2004 study, reported in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” found that in lab experiments, thyme oil had some effect on HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1), the virus that causes cold sores.

In the 2008 issue of  Current Pharmaceutical Design, thyme oil is described as anti inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic. COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) is an enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis, and plays a important role in the inflammatory response. A research reported in the Jan 2010 edition of the Journal of Lipid Research indicate that the mechanism of action behind the anti-inflammatory activity of carvacrol is the inhibition of  COX-2. Researchers have identified the carvacrol in thyme oil as effective in suppressing the inflammatory COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) enzyme. A Japanese study of 6 essential oils, they report that thyme oil surpassed the others, reducing COX-2 levels almost 75%. Upon further study, the scientists found that carvacrol, was the primary active anti-inflammatory agent; when they use pure carvacrol extracts in their experiments, COX-2 levels reduction by over 80%. According to the scientists, the findings exhibited that thyme oil subdues the COX2 enzyme in a manner similar to the drugs like ibuprofen known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) which are effective in treating pain and swelling.

Thymol has been known for its antioxidant, anti microbial, and anti inflammatory effects. This compound has also been reported as anti-cancer agent, however its anti-cancer mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. Carvacrol has been shown to protect DNA from damage and prevent cancer cells developing. Thyme oil (carvacrol) inhibit DNA damage to white blood cells in a study reported in the Nov 2003 issue of the Cytotechnology.

Thyme oil Side Effects

Thyme should be avoided by anyone with an allergy to the mint family or to rosemary. Thyme oil is considered toxic and should not be taken by mouth. Thyme oil can irritate the skin, even when diluted. The German Commission E, does not recommend oil of thyme for medicinal purposes. Thymol is particularly toxic, and can produce the following symptoms; nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, convulsions, cardiac arrest, coma, and respiratory collapse.

Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a fruit that grows on the acai palm trees in the Amazon rain forest of  Brazil. Researches have shown that this super fruit is one of the most nutritious and antioxidant rich foods in the world. Acai berry is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, omega 3, 6 and 9, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, glutamic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, beta-sitosterol procyanidin oligmers, vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid,  complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that acai has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic and atheroprotective activities.

Acai Juice Health Effects and Benefits

The pulp and skin of the acai fruit are rich in compounds known as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. In both in vitro and animal-based studies, acai has showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit has also been shown to induce apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells through caspase-3 activation. Several foods have been tested for ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value, however, freeze-dried acai powder has the highest ORAC activity of any fruit or vegetable. (In 1992, the ORAC test was developed by Dr. Guohua Cao, a doctor at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland). Researches at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston indicate that consuming  vegetables and fruits with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain.”

Acai berry contains compounds called anthocyanins and flavonoids. Flavonoids and anthocyanins are strong antioxidants that help defend the body against life’s stressors. Antioxidants protect against free radicals, highly reactive atoms and molecules that can damage DNA and other important molecules in the cell.  Free radicals are the result of some oxygen molecules that are converted into oxidizing substances during the process that creates energy in cells, cellular respiration. Oxygen is a very active element, and in the stage of exchanging the molecules in the bloodstream, oxygen combines with many different compounds. Some of these compounds can cause damage to body tissue. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of a number of conditions including  arthritic disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. Anthocyanins may help prevent cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory responses, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Anthocyanins also improve neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular health as well as protect genomic DNA integrity. In recent years, numerous publications have demonstrated that besides their in vitro antioxidant capacity, certain phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins,  proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids, may regulate different signaling pathways involved in cell survival, growth and differentiation.

Acai fruit shows strong anti-inflammatory effects, according to a study reported in the April 2011 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. An ethanol extract of acai fruit peel inhibited testosterone 5-alpha reductase. In people with an enlarged prostate, dysuria was prevented by the  use of 2 tablets per day (80 mg of fruit peel extract powder per tablet) for 1 month. Acai berry antioxidants inhibit inflammation and avoid oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system, according to a study reported in the Feb 2011 edition of the journal Atherosclerosis. Scientists at the “University of  Florida” have found that extracts taken from Acai berries “helped to kill leukaemia cells” under lab conditions. The University of  Florida have been testing this fruit in a variety of concentrations and have found that dependent on the extract concentration, the acai berries has created aptosis in blood cells  from anywhere between 35 – 86%. Apoptosis is an prominent protective mechanism which ensures that cells with DNA mutations are effectively destroyed, as left unchecked, these cells may become cancerous.

The ginger (Zingiber Officinale), is a perennial herb that is native to India, Asia and West Africa. This plant is an very good source of several bioactive phenolics, including non-volatile pungent compounds such as gingerols, paradols, shogaols and gingerones. Shogaols and gingerols stimulate production of saliva, bile and fluids made by your stomach, and reduce stomach contractions and develop muscle tone in your intestines.

Ginger Root Medicinal Importance and Benefits

Active components are volatile oils and different pungent chemicals called shogaols and gingerols. Ginger root has a long history of medicinal use for the therapy of a variety of diseases including common colds, fever, gastrointestinal complications, motion sickness, diabetes and rheumatic disorders. The basic pharmacological actions of ginger root and compounds isolated therefrom include anti-emetic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-lipidemici immuno-modulatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory actions.

Antioxidant

Ginger is a powerful anti-oxidant substance and may either reduce or avoid generation of free radicals. Total antioxidant strength measured in terms of  ORAC of ginger is 14840 µmol TE/100 g. A study reported in the Nov 2003 edition of “Life Sciences” show that at least one reason for ginger’s useful properties is the free radical protection afforded by one of its phenolic constituents, 6-gingerol.

Nausea and Vomiting

In a comprehensive review of ginger as a therapy for nausea and vomiting reported in British Journal of Anaesthesia in 2000, the authors examined 6 study in which ginger was used to treat these problems. Researchers concluded that ginger root was more effective than a placebo in all cases and equally efficacious as anti-nausea medications in some situations. The antiemetic action of ginger root is attributed to its constituents, gingerol and and shogaol their interactions with 5HT-3 receptors. Ginger root has been approved by German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the  FDA) for indigestion and to help prevent motion sickness.

Clinical studies show that ginger root can effectively lessen nausea and vomiting following surgery and that associated with pregnancy and motion sickness. A double blind study aboard a ship demonstrated ginger was equally as efficacious as various drugs in controlling seasickness, in a large study of 1489 individuals. In a study of thirty pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who took 1 g of ginger root every day for 4 days reported more relaxation from vomiting than those who took placebo. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 79 Swedish naval cadets demonstrated that 1 grams of ginger root could reduce nausea and vertigo at sea. A 2006 meta-analysis evaluating the use of ginger root for postoperative nausea and vomiting demonstrated that, in five randomized trials with a total of 363 people, ginger root was more effective than placebo.

In a study, of over 600 cancer patients found that a ginger root extract lessen chemotherapy-induced nausea by 40%. The Phase II/III placebo-controlled, double-blind study included 644 cancer patients who would receive at least 3 chemotherapy. Patients were divided into four arms that received placebos, 0.5 g of ginger, 1 g of ginger, or 1.5 g of ginger along with antiemetics. They took the ginger supplements 3 days prior to chemotherapy and 3 days following therapy. Patients reported nausea levels at different times of day during following their chemotherapy and those who took the lower doses had a 40%decrease.

Menstrual Pain

Ginger root pain-killing properties may help if have painful periods. One study shows that taking a certain ginger root extract 250 mg 4 times daily for three days at the beginning of the menstrual period reduces pain symptoms in as many as 62% of women.

Arthritis

Experimental studies suggest that ginger root inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, by inhibiting both the cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. Also, findings revealed that an extract of ginger root inhibits several genes that contribute to inflammation. In vitro a study, 6-gingerol was shown to significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a highly reactive nitrogen molecule that quickly forms a very damaging free radical called peroxynitrite. According to a study reported in “Arthritis and Rheumatism”, Nov 2001, ginger root  can lessen the pain and suffering of people who have osteoarthritis as well as conventional medications or painkillers. In a study, a special ginger root extract combined with glucosamine worked as well as the anti-inflamatory drug diclofenac slow release 100 mg daily plus glucosamine sulfate 1 g daily.

In a study of 56 people, ginger root extract was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in three-quarters of the arthritis patients and all of the patients with muscular discomfort. Ginger root is efficacious as a therapy for pain and inflammation, according to a 2005 research reported in Archives of Iranian Medicine. Scientists found that pain fell approximately 50% for people in the ginger and ibuprofen groups. In a study of 261 participant with osteoarthritis of the knee, those who took a ginger root extract twice daily had less pain and needed fewer pain-killing drugs than those who received placebo. Another study compared the effects of a ginger root extract to placebo in 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The ginger root reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40% over the placebo. Found that ginger root, like the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. Common types of NSAIDs include Aspirin, Advil, Aleve and Motrin. Ginger root suppresses prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2.

Antitumor

Ginger root contains compounds that inhibit a certain enzyme that metabolizes a substance that is necessary for prostate cancer proliferation. Some researches demonstrate that ginger root may help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, kill cancerous cells. A study out of  “Georgia State University” demonstrated  ginger root extract was able to shrink prostate tumor size by 56 % in mice.Tumour tissue from ginger root extract -treated mice demonstrated reduced proliferation index and widespread apoptosis compared with controls, as determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical methods.  Therapy with (6)-gingerol, has been found to have the activity to kill cancerous cells according to a study reported in March 2007 edition of  Molecular Nutrition and Clinical Research. Detailed studies have approved that  ginger root extract perturbed cell-cycle progression, impaired reproductive capacity, modulated cell-cycle and apoptosis regulatory molecules and induced a caspase-driven, mitochondrially mediated apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.

Researchers at the “University of Michigan” have showed that ginger root  kills ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptotic and autophagic cell death. “In multiple ovarian cancer cell lines, we found that ginger induced cell death at a similar or better rate than the platinum-based chemotherapy drugs typically used to treat ovarian cancer,” says Jennifer Rhode, M.D. a gynecologic oncology fellow at the U-M Medical School. Ginger root has been identified in one study to help lessen colon inflammation markers such as PGE2, so indicating a measure that might affect colon cancer. Researchers at the “University of Minnesota” evaluated the effect of ginger on lab mice injected with human bowel cancer tumour cells. Twenty mice were fed the ginger before receiving therapy. A control group of mice was also injected with cancer but not fed the spice. After 2 weeks, 13 tumours had appeared among the control mice, but just 4 among the ginger-treated animals. Ginger root reduced markers of colon inflammation in a select group of patients, according to a study  reported in “Cancer Prevention Research“. By researchers at the University of  Michigan Medical School, enrolled 30 patients and randomly assigned them to 2 g of ginger per day or placebo for 28 days.After 28 days, the scientists measured standard levels of colon inflammation and found statistically significant decrease in most of these markers, and trends toward significant decrease in others.

Dosage

Would have to consume 3.5 ounces of whole ginger in a daily diet to get the favorable effects. Ginger, 500 mg,  2–4 times per day for nausea, vomiting, motion sickness has been used. Studies show that if used as a single anti-inflammatory intervention that the daily dosage can range from 1000 milligrams  to 4,000 milligrams per day, based upon the dose required to lessen symptoms. Research findings, ginger root should be standardized to contain at least 5% gingerols per dose. Pregnant women should ask their physician before taking ginger, and should be careful not take more than 1g per day.

Most commonly found in Africa and the Caribbean, aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a plant that belongs to the succulent species, it holds liquid to survive in hot, dry climates. The outer leaf parts include a yellow-green sap (aloe latex) that can have a laxative, irritant property. The inner parts of the leaf include, polysaccharide-rich gel that helps to relieve the digestive system and support immune system. Aloe vera juice contains 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 specific compounds.

Aloe Vera Juice Therapeutic Effects and Benefits

Aloe Vera is a stimulant to the immune system, a strong, anti-inflammatory, an analgesic and is able to speed up cell growth. Scientific researches have shown that a complex carbohydrate in aloe vera, acemannan, combines antiviral action, antibacterial properties and stimulates the immune system. Though aloe vera is 99% water, aloe gel includes polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Glycoproteins speed the healing process by stopping inflammation and pain, while polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair.

Skin

Aloe vera contains phytochemicals that enhances the rate of healing of skin lesions and damaged epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that aloe gel might be helpful in treating psoriasis, dandruff, seborrhea, and minor burns and skin abrasions, as well as radiation-induced skin injuries. The gel acquired from the leaf is useful for treating different skin diseases such as dermatitis, burns and other skin disorders.

“The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology” at the University in Belgrade, reported research in 2011 noting that gel from aloe vera is believed to promote and assist the growth of new cells. One study found that aloe gel displayed anti-inflammatory properties superior to 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or a placebo gel. In a study, 27 participant with moderate burn wounds were treated with  aloe vera gel or vaseline. The burns improved more fast in the aloe vera group, with an healing time of 12 days compared to 18 days for the group using vaseline. Aloe cream was shown to be superior to silver sulfadiazine cream for the therapy of second-degree burns. Burn sites treated with aloe vera improved fully in less than 16 days compared to 19 days for sites treated with silver sulfadiazine. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported in “Tropical Medicine and International Health“, 60 people with chronic psoriasis were given a 0.5% aloe vera extract in a mineral oil creme. When participants were checked after 8 months, far more psoriasis skin lesions had improved in the aloe vera group (82.8%) than in the placebo group (7.7%).

Digestive System

Aloe vera is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help develop digestion. Specific components in aloe vera have a anti inflammatory activity on the enzymes responsible for damaging the intestinal wall. Mucopolysaccharides found in the aloe vera role in the body by lining the colon to keep out toxins. Mucopolysaccharides expedite the absorption of water, electrolytes and nutrition in the gastrointestinal tract, and help to maintain fluid movement thus the digestive system can work healthy and alleviate indigestion.

Aloe vera may help improve gastric ulcers, according to a study reported in the April 2006 edition of the World Journal of  Gastroenterology. A study performed in Japan demonstrated that the compounds in aloe juice decreased the formation of lesions and secretion of gastric juices that can cause the pain associated with ulcers. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the membrane of the colon and rectum.Some researches shows that aloe vera can help relieve ulcerative colitis which is a painful inflammation of the colon. In a study reported in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, half of the subjects (47%) had complete remission of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in four weeks by ingesting aloe vera  twice a day. Aloe latex and aloe leaves include chemicals with laxative effects. German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the FDA) has approved aloe for treating constipation. A typical dose is 50 to 200 mg of aloe latex, taken in liquid or capsule form once a day for up to 10 days.

Inflammation

Aloe vera reduces inflammation. Various researches have showed that aloe vera consists of Lupeol or phyto-steroids, Campesterol and B-Sitosterol. These substances work in the similar manner as conventional steroids. Aloe contains small levels of salicylic acid and salicylates. Salicylic acid has pain relief effects and relieves inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin hormones- which encourage inflammation. Also, in researches, aloe vera has been shown to possess anti-bradykinin effect. Bradykinin is part of the body’s complex mechanism that causes painful inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ease swollen joints and improve mobility, however may trigger stomach upsets or peptic ulcers. Steroids suppress inflammation, however can cause brittle bones and weak skin. Aloe vera can alleviate inflammation, help to regenerate new cells and disperse damaged tissue with no adverse effects. According to the article reported in Dec 1994 in the “Journal of the American Podiatric Association“, aloe has a natural COX-2 inhibiting effect which relieves pain, fever and inflammation in the muscle without the unfavorable effects of the COX-2 inhibiting drugs. In a study animals were injected with a bacterium to cause arthritic symptoms. Further, aloe vera (150mg/kg body weight) was injected under the skin daily for 13 days. Aloe vera reduced inflammation by 79 % and suppressed the autoimmune response by 42 %.

Immunomodulatory

Researches show that polysaccharides found in aloe have immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. Research reported in the “Journal of  Environmental Science and Health” that aloe vera contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects that aid the immune system to cleanse the body of toxins and invading pathogens. Aloe vera, a important immune stimulant, includes 90 percent rhodium and iridium in the acemannan which is one of the polysaccharides which dramatically enhances the white blood cells or macrophages and T cells.

A compound made from aloe vera, di 2-ethyl hexyl phthalate, has been found to stop the development of leukaemia cells in test tubes. One study demonstrated that an aloe extract (aloe emodin) can block the growth of head and neck cancer cells in test tubes. Aloe-emodin (chemical component of Aloe), inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human liver cancer cell lines through p53-and p21-dependent pathways. An in vitro study has showed aloeride, (a polysaccharide obtained from aloe vera), as a strong immunostimulator by increasing NF-kappa B activities. In a study researchers found that a compound from aloe vera, when injected directly into tumors, activated the immune system to attack the cancer. Natural killer T cells, white blood cells that bind to invading cells and destroy them, began to attack the tumor cells.

Aloe polysaccharides application have been shown to develop helper lymphocytes in AIDS patients and inhibit the reproduction of HIV. In a study, for 4 months, 29 participant were given pure aloe  juice along with an essential fatty acid supplement and other supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. After ninety days, all of the patients had lesser occurrences of opportunistic infections, fatigue,  thrush, and diarrhea, as well as increased white blood cell counts. 14 HIV patients were given acemannan (aloe vera extract) orally at 800 mgs per day. A important boost in the number of circulating monocytes and macrophages were noted, which increased infection fighting capacities.