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| Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor |
Researchers at Istanbul University in Turkey recently conducted a study that indicated Aloe vera may stimulate your natural immune system in a way that makes you less susceptible to developing cancer.
Their findings were published in the April 2007 edition of the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. In their clinical work, the scientists analyzed five different groups of mice including test subjects that were healthy and also those having stomach tumors. Some of these subjects were treated with Aloe vera and others were not.
The results from this experiment were fairly remarkable. Aloe vera was able to reduce the size of the tumors and decrease the tumor markers which in this case were serum sialic acid and tumor necrosis factor- alpha.
Aloe vera had the greatest effect on subjects who were given it as a preventative measure. The scientists believe that Aloe vera works by enhancing the natural response to infection and disease.
As an example of this increased protective activity, in their study the researchers found that Aloe vera increased the count of leukocytes. These are white blood cells that can be found in tissue. Leukocytes destroy infectious substances and also cancer cells.
In their article, the Istanbul University scientists concluded according to our results, Aloe vera could be proposed as a prophylactic for cancer prevention.
It should be noted that this is just a preliminary study and much more testing and verification is needed. However, a trend of findings that demonstrate Aloe vera’s beneficial effect on the immune system is building.
For example, in October 2006, researchers in Japan at the Fujita Health University conducted a similar study. These scientists looked at the effect consuming whole leaf Aloe vera had on intestinal tumor growth.
Their findings, published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, indicated that Aloe vera may have a mild suppressive effect on intestinal tumor growth. As important, they didn’t observe any harmful side effects from taking Aloe vera.
Aloe vera’s immune boosting properties are believed to stem from the presence of a specific polysaccharide in the plant called acemannan. This nutrient is made up of many molecules of the complex sugar, mannose.
According to Emil I. Mondoa, M.D., author of the book Sugars That Heal, the addition of mannose to your diet can accelerate healing, prevent infections and inhibit the growth and spread of tumors.
In his book, Dr. Mondoa writes that pure mannose is poorly absorbed by your digestive system, and may even cause diarrhea. However, the body easily digests the polysaccharide form, acemannan, which is found abundantly in Aloe vera.
Accordingly, Dr. Mondoa strongly recommends taking a high quality Aloe vera product.
For hundreds of years, people from around the world have reported that Aloe vera offers incredible health benefits. Finally, science is beginning to validate these claims.
Aloe vera has been linked to a number of health benefits, including but not limited to pain relief from hemorrhoid surgery, improved oral health, helping with kidney stones, managing diabetes, and helping with dry skin.
