Vitamins:
The plant contains many vitamins, including the important antioxidant vitamins A, C and F. Vitamins B (thiamine), niacin, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B12, choline and folic
Enzymes:
Biochemical catalysts, such as amylase and lipase, can aid digestion by breaking down fats and sugars. Carboxypeptidase, inactivates bradykinins and produces an antiinflammatory effect. During the inflammatory process, bradykinin produces pain associated with vasodilation and, therefore, its hydrolysis reduces these two components and produces an analgesic effect10,11.
Minerals:
Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium and iron are all found in the aloe plant. Magnesium lactate inhibits histidine decarboxylase and prevents the formation of histamine from the amino acid, histadine. Histamine is released in many allergic reactions and causes intense itching and pain. The
prevention of its formation may explain the antipuritic effect of aloe vera.
Sugars:
Sugars are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant under the rind, surrounding the inner parenchyma or gel. They form 25 per cent of the solid fraction and comprise both mono- and polysaccharides. The most important are the long chain polysaccharides, comprising glucose and mannose, known as the gluco-mannans. The polysaccharides are absorbed complete and appear in the blood stream unchanged hence they act as immunomodulators12-14.
Anthraquinones:
The bitter aloes consist of free anthraquinones and their derivatives ,Barbaloin, aloe-emodin-9-anthrone, lsobarbaloin ,Anthrone-C-glycosides and chromones. In large amounts these compounds exert a powerful purgative effect, but when smaller they appear to aid absorption from the gut, are potent antimicrobial agents15,16 and possess powerful analgesic effects. They also reduce the formation of melanin and any tendency to hyper-pigmentation17,18. Lignin with their penetrative ability to carry other active ingredients deep into the skin to nourish the dermis9.
Sterols: These include Campesterol, Sitosterol and Lupeol9.
Salicylic acid:
This is an aspirin-like compound possessing antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has a
kerolytic effect which helps to debride a wound of necrotic tissue.
Aminoacids:
These are the building blocks of proteins. Aloe vera gel provides 20 of the 22 necessary amino acids required by the human body and seven of the eight essential amino acids which the body cannot synthesize.
FOR MORE DETAIL LOG ON www.selayanghealthcarecentre.com / CALL - 012 5115507
