Connor Dowling, Student pharmacist Spring 2022
Aloe Vera
canva.com
Scientific name: Aloe barbadensis miller Common names: aloe, true aloe Background Aloe vera is a perennial succulent that has been used as a medication for thousands of years by many different cultures. From serving as a funerary gift to pharoahs as the "Plant of Immortality" to being cited by Greek physicians as a treatment for wounds, balding, hemorrhoids, and Step 2 ulcers. Common Uses
Dermatologic: acne, burns, wounds, radiation trauma Gastrointestinal: weight loss, diabetes, hepatits, IBD, constipation Cosmetics: shampoos, sunscreens, moisturizers Pharmacology and MOA GI effects are associated with the aloe vera latex that is rich in cathartic anthraquinones, normally known as aloin, that act as colonic-specific stimulant laxatives that induce gut motility, transit, and inhibition of water and electrolyte secretion. Dermatologic antimicrobial activity likely stems from its polysaccharide content whereas its anti-inflammatory features come from salicylates, breakdown of bradykinin via carboxypeptidases, and inhibition of histamine release. Emollient features stem from the polysaccharide glucomannan.
Dosage Forms
Juices, capsules, softgels, ointments, creams, lotions, and more!
Dosing As a laxative: once daily before bed with a max oral dose of 0.05 to 0.2 grams/day. Metabolic Syndrome: 500 mg BID x eight weeks Burns: topically every three days (gels) or twice daily for fresh aloe mucilage - https://www.puritan.com - https://www.naturessunshine.com/product/aloe-vera-leaf-juice - https://www.naturecity.com/ -https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spring-Valley-Concentrated-Aloe-Vera-Gel-Dietary-Supplement-50-count/10316845? wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=6807&adid=2222222227710316845_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0= &wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla293946777986&wl5=1026069&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=10316845&wl13=6807&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=CjwK CAjwopWSBhB6EiwAjxmqDfYDcQ-gWOJ8Y1JeviqoCVzK98VOp0EhAnnaNSsDpgLTMq6-h2nHQhoCWYcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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