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"The use of Aloe vera will be the most important single step forward in the treatment of diseases in the
history of mankind." - H. Reg McDaniel, M.D.  A bold statement indeed. And one with
much to be said for it. However, sadly, there is much misinformation generated by the "Aloe Vera" bandwagon; largely engendered by commercial expediency. The market is
potentially huge and growing, principally through networking. To this end it is important that users and sellers educate themselves as to the facts. Aloe vera is not
a quack remedy. It is a true natural wonder. Some would say a panacea or even a miracle cure. As such, claims for its efficaciousness should be examined with as much scepticism as miracles themselves.
As with many good things there are both desirable and undesirable qualities present in the Aloe plant, and the processing methodology employed in juice manufacture
determines its optimum make up. And the fundamental test of this is the assay report. According to Ivan E. Danhof, Ph.D., M.D. editor in chief of the Aloe Letter quarterly and
director of the North Texas Research Laboratory - both independent organisations - the ideal Aloe juice should feature:
- Whole leaf content.
- Cold processing - or only limited heating.
Polysaccharide
content of >6,000 milligrams per litre.
Aloin
concentration of 1 part per million or less.
Acceptable taste palatability.
A recent series of assays
of a number of manufacturers' Aloe juice products yielded Polyhydroxyanthraquinone ( Aloin ) concentrations of up to 110 ppm and Polysaccharide content down as low as 1,320 mg/l. Aloin being an undesirable and
very bitter laxative/purgative, whereas Polysaccharides are perhaps the most important active desirable constituents and strongly representative of the overall strength of the
preparation. Many products also failed the iodine test, indicating the presence of additives which are designed to enhance test results(!) by supporting claims of high levels of active solids.
As a result, Trading Standards Officers are taking an interest in the labelling of, claims
for, and quality of the Aloe Juices currently available. Furthermore, legislation relating to licensing of quality product is soon scheduled to start taking effect. |
