Page 63 - Aloe Vera Information - Scientific Papers about Aloe Vera

Karaca K; Sharma JM; Norgren R 1995: Nitric Oxide production by chicken macrophages activated by Acemannan. Int.
J. Immuno pharmacol. 17 (3) 183-8.
Scientific Literature References To Stimulation Of Phagocytosis

The following references relate to human adult bronchial asthma and identified a positive effect upon
phagocytosis in these patients.

Shida T; Yagi A; Nishimura H; Nishioka I 1985: Effect of Aloe Extract on Peripheral Phagocytosis in Adult Bronchial
Asthma. Planta Med. pp273-275.

Yagi A 1987: Effect of Amino Acids in Aloe Extract on Phagocytosis by peripheral neutrophils in Adult Bronchial
Asthma. Jpn J. Allegrol. 36 (12) 1094-1101.

The following recent references relates to work with chickens in which the complex carbohydrates from
Aloe was found to increase the output of Nitric Oxide by macrophages. Nitric Oxide is one of the lethal
chemicals produced by macrophages for killing and neutralising harmful bacteria and for the destruction
of foreign substances and debris. Obviously, then an increased output of Nitric Oxide provides a means
by which macrophage cells can increase effectiveness of phagocytic activity.

Karaca K; Sharma JM; Norgren R 1995: Nitric Oxide production by chicken macrophages activated by Acemannan. Int.
J. Immuno pharmacol. 17 (3) 183-8.

The following reference relates to the stimulation of immune activity in mice by local activation of a
substance known as “complement” and by increase in antibody production. In its conclusions it makes
reference to the “activation...of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes.” Once again it is clear that major
immuno-stimulatory activity is being reported.

t’Hart LA; Van Den Berg AJ; Klus L; Van Dijk; Labadle RP 1989: An anti-complimentary polysaccharide with
immunological adjuvant activity from the leaf parenchyma gel of Aloe vera. Planta Med 55 (6) 509-12.

In addition, the following article by J.C. Pittman cites that “Acemannan has direct effects on the immune
system, activating and stimulating macrophages, monocytes, antibodies and T-cells.” T-cells are one of
the major classes of lymphocytes. Pittman also says that “It (acemannan) has been shown in laboratory
studies to act as a bridge between foreign proteins (such as virus particles) and macrophages, facilitating
phagocytosis.” Acemannan is a trade name given to a mannose-rich polysaccharide extracted from Aloe
vera.
Pittman JC 1992: Immune enhancing effects of Aloe. Health Conscious 13 (1) 28-30.

The Knock-On Benefits For A Whole Cascade Of

Different Medical Conditions

The consequences of having a more effective immune system are extremely far-reaching. Perhaps the
most obvious and most expected change is that the body is very much strengthened with regard, not
only to fight infection, but also with regard to keeping infections at bay in the first place. The work
that has been done in this area includes both bacterial and virus infections of various types. The
biochemical literature shows clearly that this is the case.

In order to present a balanced picture, it has to be stated that not all plant substances which stimulate the
immune systems of animals and humans do so in a useful, efficacious and supportive way. There is a
whole range of such plant substances, loosely classified under the heading of “lectins” which, although
they are immuno-stimulatory, nonetheless fail to produce a good and useful effect on the immune system
that is of demonstrable benefit to its performance. The special importance of Aloe is that its
immune-active effects have been clearly shown to be of functional benefit.