Aloes

Aloes is a tall, single stemmed plant with a rosette crown of thick and fleshy succulent leaves and striking orange-red flowers that make it a standout specimen along the south-central regions of southern Africa, where it originated. It is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics where it is grown as an ornamental and medicinal plant valued for its colourless leaf 'gel' and bitter brown leaf exudate. 

Aloes leaf exudate was first exported from South Africa in 1761. The centuries-old local tradition of sustainably gathering leaves for this purpose continues in South Africa today. Around 200 to 300 mature leaves are removed from the plants, without harming or destroying them, and stacked around a central well. This usually happens during the rainy season because the exudate is more abundant. The pungent brown exudate drips from the cut surface of the leaves into the well. The leaves are usually cut in the morning and extraction takes about six hours. The exudate is then dried to yield a dark, glossy crystalline mass. Full time aloe harvesters tap and drain the leaves and are commonly referred to as ‘tappers’. Age-old, indigenous, responsible harvesting knowledge, practices and skills have been passed down over generations as a family custom that has changed little over time. 

Aloes is made from the yellow sap or latex found in specialised cells in the margins of the leaves beneath the thick leaf epidermis and the gel of the leaf, which is extracted and dried to make a dark crystalline substance. The word “Aloes” in pharmacopoeias and formularies refers to this herbal substance derived from the dried leaf juice. This has always created confusion due to the fact that the leaves are the source of two products “aloe dried juice” and “aloe gel”, which are quite different in their chemical composition and their therapeutic properties. Aloes is mainly used for its anthraquinone laxative effect. It should be administered for constipation in small doses, for limited periods, due to its side effects and habituating potential. The purgative effects of the dark sap are attributed to the action of reducing water reabsorption into the intestine and by directly stimulating the smooth muscle of the gut. It is recommended to consume it with carminative herbs, such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), angelica (Angelica archangelica) or ginger (Zingiber officinale), to prevent intestinal cramping and griping pain. Results can take 12 to 18 hours following consumption. Therefore, it should be consumed early in the evening to obtain results the following morning. 

References

Bhaludra CSS, Bethapudi RR, Murugulla AC, Pullagummi C, Latha T, Venkatesh K, et al. Cultivation, Phytochemical Studies, Biological Activities and Medicinal Uses of Aloe ferox, Grandfather of Aloes an Important Amazing Medicinal Plant. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2013;9: 405-415.

Aloe ferox Mill. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Plants of the World Online. (accessed Feb 23 2024). Available from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:529449-1/general-information

Steenkamp V, Stewart MJ. Medicinal Applications and Toxicological Activities of Aloe. Products, Pharmaceutical Biology. 2007;45:5, 411-420, DOI: 10.1080/13880200701215307

Assessment report on Aloe barbadensis Mill. and on Aloe (various species, mainly Aloe
ferox Mill. and its hybrids), folii succus siccatus. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Europaean Medicines Agency Science Medicines Health (updated 22 Nov 2016; accessed 25 Jan 2024). Available from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-aloe-barbadensis-mill-and-aloe-various-species-mainly-aloe-ferox-mill-and-its-hybrids-folii-succus-siccatus_en.pdf