Research — Ingredients

Research Summary: Amongst the numerous species of Aloe used in traditional medicine, *Aloe vera* stands on its own as the basis of an enormous global industry, with an estimated annual retail value exceeding 110 billion US dollars (International Aloe Science Council 2004). In South Africa, *Aloe ferox* has become an important commercial medicinal plant, not only for its traditional use as laxative bitters but more recently as a source of raw material for health drinks and cosmetics formulations, which nowadays comprise the bulk of aloe-based consumer products.This broad review describes traditional and modern uses of aloe and highlights recent developments...

Research Summary: Aloe vera, a cactus-like plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, has been used for traditional medical purposes for thousands of years. The name *Aloe vera* is derived from the Arabic word "Alloeh," meaning "shining bitter substance," due to the bitter liquid found in its leaves, and "Vera," which means "true" in Latin. There are over 300 species of aloe, most of which are native to South Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia. Aloe leaves can be separated into two basic products: the latex, a bitter yellow liquid beneath the epidermis of the leaf, and the gel, a colorless and...

Research Summary: Background: Oral Aloe vera gel is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease and is currently under therapeutic evaluation for this condition.Aim: The study aims to assess the effects of Aloe vera in vitro on the production of reactive oxygen metabolites, eicosanoids, and interleukin-8, all of which may play a pathogenic role in inflammatory bowel disease.Methods: The anti-oxidant activity of Aloe vera was assessed in two cell-free, radical-generating systems and by the chemiluminescence of incubated colorectal mucosal biopsies. Eicosanoid production by biopsies and interleukin-8 release by CaCo2 epithelial cells in the presence of Aloe vera were measured...

Research Summary: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular in the United States during the last 10–15 years. The use of oral and topical supplements falls within this framework. Most oral and topical supplements are based on or include several botanical ingredients, many of which have long histories of traditional or folk medicine usage. Several of the available products derived from botanical sources are touted for their dermatologic benefits.The focus in this discussion will be on a select group of botanical compounds that have been used for dermatologic purposes or show promise for such applications. These include rosemary,...