Immune-Boosting Properties Of Aloe Vera

An effective natural botanical remedy with notable immunomodulatory qualities is aloe vera. Its rich chemical makeup and long history of use in conventional medicine highlight its potential as a therapeutic herb to strengthen the immune system. Even though more investigation is necessary to understand aloe vera's immunomodulatory effects and maximize its therapeutic uses, preliminary results indicate that aloe vera may be a useful adjunct in supporting immune function and treating immune-related conditions.

Introduction

The perennial green herb known as aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller, family Xanthorrhoeaceae) is widely found in hot, dry regions of northern Africa, the eastern half of Asia, the Southern Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. It has bright yellow tubular flowers.¹ Aloe has been the subject of extensive research for a variety of therapeutic purposes, such as its purported antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunoregulatory, and hepatoprotective qualities. However, as some recent studies have shown, some of these claims have been called into question.² 

Brief overview of  historical and cultural significance of Aloe vera

Clay tablets from 1750 B.C.E. in Mesopotamia demonstrated the use of aloe vera in medicine. Aloe vera was said to be able to treat skin infections in Egyptian texts dating back to 550 BCE. Greek physician Discordes wrote a book titled De Materia Medica in 74 C.E. in which he claimed that aloe vera could cure skin infections, heal wounds, stop hair loss, and get rid of hemorrhoids.³ Nefertiti and Cleopatra, the queens of Egypt, incorporated it into their daily beauty regimens. It was used by both Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus to treat military wounds. John Goodyew translated Dioscorides' medical treatise De Materia Medica in A.D. 1655, which is when aloe vera was first mentioned in the English language.⁴

Immune-boosting properties of Aloe vera

Because of the different bioactive compounds it contains, aloe vera is thought to have immune-boosting qualities. Studies have demonstrated that Aloe vera has immunostimulatory properties that may improve the non-specific immune response.⁵ Furthermore, by boosting macrophage cell viability and strengthening the immune system's first line of defense against infections, aloe vera has been shown to play a critical role in the immune system.⁶  

Composition of Aloe Vera 

About 110 potentially active components from six different classes are present in the plant, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and coumarins, phenylpyrone and phenol derivatives, anthraquinone and its glycoside derivatives, chromone, and others.⁷Amino acids, polysaccharides, minerals, organic acids, phenolic compounds, anthrones, C-glycosides, and other compounds tend to be all present in the plant's gel.⁸ In addition, aloe vera is a rich source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, as well as vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and E.⁹ These varied ingredients support aloe vera's numerous medicinal qualities and potential health advantages.

Importance of composition in immune modulation

These various chemicals found in aloe vera are important in modulating the immune system in one way or the other.

Aloe vera contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and E, which are antioxidants.¹⁰ Antioxidants protect the body against free radicals(exceptionally reactive species that can harm biologically significant molecules like DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the cell's membranes and nucleus).¹¹

The plant has several anti-inflammatory and medicinal enzymes, such as peroxidase, amylase, and bradykinase. When applied topically to the skin, bradykinase helps to minimize excessive inflammation, and other enzymes aid in the breakdown of fats and sugars. There are twelve anthraquinones in aloe vera, which are phenolic acids that are commonly used as laxatives.Aloin and emodin offer antiviral, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. 

It has four plant steroids: lupeol, cholesterol, campesterol, and β-sisosterol. Each of these reduces inflammation, and lupeol also acts as an analgesic and antiseptic.¹² Also, Its components, like mannose-rich polysaccharide glucomannan and the growth hormone gibberellin, interact with the fibroblast's growth factor receptors to stimulate the cell's activity and proliferation. This, in turn, dramatically boosts the production of collagen following topical and oral Aloe vera therapy.¹³

Forms of Aloe Vera products

Products containing aloe vera are offered in a variety of formats, such as gels, creams, lotions, juices, and supplements. These products are utilized for many different things, including wound healing, skincare, and internal health. It promotes mucus secretion, raises intestinal peristalsis, and increases intestinal water content.¹

Recommended dosage for immune support

In one experiment, mice given 150 µl of aloe gel daily were the only ones that showed stimulatory effects. Regardless of the daily dosage of aloe vera, feeding mice with the gel for 14 days increased the production of 2-mercaptoethanol + resistant, anti-SRBC 7 S (IgG) antibodies.¹⁵ The 2-mercaptoethanol serves as a physiological antioxidant by removing reactive oxygen species.

Potential side effects and precautions

Some studies reported a few minor side effects, like pain, discomfort, and the emergence of hypersensitive reactions. Nevertheless, a male patient who used the Aloe vera gel topically and orally developed papular and generalized eczematous dermatitis.¹⁶ It has also been established that herbal products, including dietary supplements, are frequently the cause of drug-induced liver damage. According to a recent report, consumers who frequently buy dietary/herbal supplements online without the guidance of a healthcare provider and who are unaware of drug-herb interactions and relevant warnings are responsible for 19% of drug-induced acute liver failure cases.¹⁷

Areas for future research

It has been discovered that aloe vera extracts reduce inflammatory reactions on the skin by controlling the expression of NF-κB. NF-κB is usually activated by moving from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it binds to particular DNA sequences called κB sites to either induce or repress target gene transcription. To validate these advantages, additional long-term data from human clinical trials are required.¹⁸

Summary  

Aloe vera juice is a good way to include aloe vera in your diet regularly to support your immune system. The anti-inflammatory qualities of aloe vera juice are well known, and they can aid in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, it provides a natural means of boosting immunity.