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Distributed wild in South Africa. In the USSR it is cultivated in the seaside part of the Adjarian ASSR. Aloe is widespread as an indoor crop.
The juice is used, from which sabur (evaporated, condensed and hardened juice of aloe leaves) is obtained, which when rubbed gives a yellow-green powder with a peculiar odor and bitter taste.
Chemical composition
.Useful properties of aloe are often used to treat various ailments. Aloe juice contains anthracene derivatives in the form of glycosides and free aglycones (aloe - emadin), resinous substances, traces of essential oil. The juice from the fresh leaves is rich in enzymes, vitamins and has an antibacterial effect.
Useful properties of aloe are valued in traditional and folk medicine.
The effects and uses of aloe
The use of aloe in medicine is quite wide, it is used to treat various ailments. Sabur has a laxative effect, which is due to the anthraglycosides contained in it, irritating the receptors of the intestinal mucosa and reflexively increasing its peristalsis. The mucous membrane of the large intestine is the most sensitive.
In addition, from aloe leaves preserved according to the method of Acad. В. П. Filatov, a special extract containing biogenic stimulants that increase the defense functions of the sick body is prepared.
In experiment, it has been found that aloe juice has bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties against a number of microbes. Therefore, the use of aloe is often recommended for the treatment of colds.
The use of aloe in medical is recommended orally for atonic, chronic constipation, in small doses as a bitter to improve digestion. Laxative effect occurs 8-10 hours after administration. Aloe preparations in the form of powder prescribed 0.05-0.2 g per reception, in the form of dry extract of 0.02-0.1 g, in the form of tincture of sabur 10-20 drops per reception before meals. Useful properties of aloe help with chronic gastritis accompanied by constipation, peptic ulcer disease, after dysentery and to increase the body's resistance against infectious diseases. To improve appetite, take 5-10 ml of juice from fresh aloe leaves, which should be applied immediately after receiving it, half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
Application of aloe (its juice from fresh leaves) externally for the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, inflammatory skin diseases, etc. In the form of subcutaneous injections of 1 ml extract is used for various eye diseases: conjunctivitis, iritis, keratitis, vitreous opacity, as well as bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
Emulsion prepared from the juice of aloe leaves (kept in the dark at a temperature of 6-8 ° for 12 days), castor and eucalyptus oils, used for the prevention and treatment of skin lesions arising from radiation sickness. Useful properties of aloe soothe the skin, relieve redness and pain.
The useful properties of aloe were known more than 3000 years ago. It was used in Egypt, later in India, Greece, Italy as an external remedy for burns, long non-healing ulcers, wounds. Fresh juice was drunk in general weakness to stimulate appetite (A. Д. Turowa).
In Russian folk medicine, the juice of fresh leaves is also used for neuralgia, headaches and other diseases, and in a mixture with honey and lard - to treat tuberculosis, with poor digestion and to regulate menstruation - 8-10 drops per reception.
Aloe juice for internal use was authorized for use by the Pharmacological Committee of the Ministry of Health of the USSR in 1957. Sabur is included in the 1961 State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR.
The use of aloe in Chinese medicine is prescribed in pulmonary tuberculosis, vascular diseases, in menopausal and postmenopausal period, amenorrhea (contraindicated in pregnancy), in childhood in diseases accompanied by seizures, and in diseases described above.
Despite the useful properties of aloe, preparations from it are contraindicated in liver and gallbladder diseases, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids, cystitis and pregnancy due to the rush of blood to the pelvic organs.
Aloe is recommended by us as a laxative, prepared as follows: 150 g of aloe leaves (cut off the edges with thorns) crush with hands and pour 300 g of hot honey, not brought to a boil. Infuse for 24 hours, then heat, strain and take 5-10 g in the morning 1 hour before meals..
