Aloe Vera and the Immune System

For thousands of years, Aloe vera has been heralded for its unique healing properties.  Only recently, however has modern medicine begun to confirm what much of the world has already known…when processed properly, Aloe vera contains a wide variety of healing and protective powers.

Aloe vera Antiseptic Properties

There are six antiseptic agents found in Aloe vera: Lupeol, natural salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamic acid, phenol and sulfur.  All six of these agents are anti-microbial, which means that they can kill or inhibit the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites.

Aloe vera Anti-Inflammatory Properties

According to Dr. John C. Pittman, M.D. of the Carolina Center for Alternative and Nutritional Medicine, such inflammation can irritate the lining of the digestive tract, which increases intestinal permeability.  This increased permeability (also known as “leaky gut syndrome”) allows partially digested food particles to be released into the bloodstream. 

The body sees those particles as foreign invaders and alerts the immune system to build up antibodies to attack them.  This puts the body in a hyperimmune state, overtaxing the immune system and wearing it out, making our bodies more susceptible to disease.

Dr. Pittman believes that the polysaccharides found in Aloe vera have a remarkable ability to normalize all of these damaging processes, which has the effect of enhancing immune system function through improved digestion.

They act as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, stopping the damage and leakage of the intestinal wall, reducing swelling and permeability, thereby taking stress off the immune system.  Aloe mucopolysaccharides increase the number and intensity of all immune cells in the body.

Aloe Vera Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial Properties

According to Scott Gregory in “Whole Leaf Aloe Vera A Holistic Protocol For the Immune System”, aloe vera not only provides vigorous overall immune system support, but aids directly in the destruction of intravascular bacteria.

He maintains that the unique polysaccharides found in Aloe vera trigger an immune response to take on a “doughnut” shape and insert themselves into the surface membranes of bacteria, literally cutting holes in the bacteria, exposing the pathogens’ interior to surrounding fluids, causing their death.

Scott Gregory goes on to explain that these polysaccharides are concentrated close to Aloe vera’s rind, where the sugars are produced.  Therefore it is important to use whole leaf aloe vera to make sure you get the benefits of these polysaccharides