Ingredients Commercial
Ingredients Commercial Cultivation of Aloe Species Large-scale cultivation is now trending up in various parts of the world. Some of these countries venturing in commercial Aloe farming (soil and soilless) include Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Spain, Mexico, Cuba, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, USA, among others. Researchers have been working hard building proofs on the efficacy and safety of Aloe extracts used as cosmetics or medicines. Whatever the outcome of some researches, marketers of extracts continue to claim the soothing, moisturizing, and healing power of Aloe extracts. There has been an increasing commercial use of Aloe gel as ingredient of popular foods like yoghurts, desserts, and beverages. Manufacturers are however advised on using Aloe gel at higher doses as it can impart toxicity to consumers. Benefits from Aloe The increase of incorporating Aloe extracts to hygienic products, however, cannot be ignored. The extract is used as an anti-irritant and as moisturizer. Some beauty products such as make-up, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos, shaving creams, among others contain extracts to improve the products’ quality. Medically, Aloe has some effects. It acts as an astringent by binding, constructing, and sealing some injured or cut areas. It effects as a laxative due to anthraquinones and barbaloin substances that stimulate bowel movement. Application of the extracts to skin help to heal minor burns, insect bites, and sunburn. Applying Aloe to skin regenerates cells, softens and moisturizes it besides protecting skin against pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses. For minor cuts, and burns, Aloe heals best when the affected skin is not covered with bandages. Aloe heals faster in the open. Aloe leaf has latex that has laxative effects. This latex helps to treat colitis, constipation, hemorrhoids, rectal itching and other colon issues. There was an advisory from FDA to remove latex from their products due to few studies conducted on its safety. When Aloe juice is dried, a very adhesive tincture of benzoin is produced used in bandage. The tincture allows the bandage to adhere snugly to skin. Similarly, a mannose carbohydrate called acemannan is also used as an adhesive for dentures. Other benefits of Aloe need more research. Many users of Aloe claim that it can cure calluses, varicose veins, corns, and arthritis. It can even treat skin cancer. Allergy caused by Aloe is rare. When applying Aloe to skin, apply first a small amount under your arm or behind your ear. If rashes or some stings appear, stop the application. When you’re experiencing nausea, vomiting or painful stomach, stop using it as the laxative property of Aloe could make the symptoms worse. Moreover, Aloe is not advisable for people having chronic intestinal issues, which include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel movement. Aloe’s Active Nutritional and Medicinal Composition The stuff has antioxidant vitamins namely: A, C, and E with vitamin B12, folic acid, and chloline. It has 8 enzymes including bradykinase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, carboxypeptadase, cellulase, catalase, lipase, peroxidase, and aliiase. Twelve anthraquinones, which act as laxative are present including alloin and emodim, which serve as antibacterials, antiviruses, and as analgesics. Aloe is also fortified with minerals including zinc, potassium, calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, and sodium. Four fatty acids are also present in Aloe extracts including lupeol, betasisosterol, cholesterol and campesterol. These fatty acids are known to act as anti-imflammatory. Another antiimflammatory substances are present in Aloe like auxins and gibberellins, which help to heal wounds faster. Some sugars like monosaccharides (glucose, fructose) and polysaccharides are also found in the extracts. The popularity of Aloe extracts is due to some proven benefits they can give. One of the benefits is in healing skin issues including treating psoriasis, surgical wounds, and burn injuries. The first study about the extracts was conducted on skin conditions and healing management. Aloe’s gel can guard against radiation and thermal burns on the skin and heal the affected areas faster. For dry hair or itchy scalp, Aloe serves as a natural treatment while nourishing the hair to become strong and healthy. It also helps to regenerate skin tissue around the hair follicles while the gel’s enzymes rid off dead cells. Aloe extracts help the digestive system by normalizing the acid/alkaline balance, reduce yeast formation, and regularize bowel processing. A study reported in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences suggests that Aloe extracts can be beneficial to people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). When 30ml of Aloe juice was given twice a day, the level 14 food Marketing & Technology • April 2021
Ingredients of discomfort with IBS was decreased. More data, however, are needed to recommend it as an effective cure. Aloe extracts help the immune system. This is possible with bradykinase, an enzyme present in the extracts. It breaks down the protein into amino acids and the enzyme fuels the body cells to function properly. The zinc component of Aloe, on the other hand, helps in preventing zinc deficiency. This capacity of Aloe in building up the immune system without causing allergic effects is also tapped for dentistry uses. The plant is rich in antioxidants that reduces imflammation. These are vitamins and minerals that ward off free-radical damage. Vitamin A maintains healthy vision, neurological functions and keeps the skin healthy. Vitamin C protects the body from eye issues, skin wrinkling and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E, aside from fighting imflammation also slows down cell aging. Studies using animals and humans have suggested that Aloe extracts can alleviate chronic hyperglycemia and worrying lipid profile on people with diabetes. In two clinical trials, one tablespoon of gel or a placebo was given to some women without drug therapy resulting to decreased level of blood glucose and serum triglyceride. With the next trial, gel or placebo in combination with a commonly prescribed anti-diabetes drug glibenclamide was given. The same reduction in blood glucose and serum triglyceride was produced. More Studies Needed in Establishing Benefits Who has learned that an Aloe plant has so much goodness stored in its spiny leaves? Though a lot of goodness is stored in the leaves, a world of caution has been addressed to unwary consumers not to use this yellow latex coming from the leaves due to laxative effects. Latex has bitter taste and is removed during processing with a stripping agent that impairs the active ingredients in commercial Aloe juice. Gel and juice are almost similar products that differ only in the total mucilage they have. Gel has more mucilage than juice. This slimy substance has the polysacharrides that make Aloe so healthful. For quality Aloe products, the best come from harvested leaves cut and processed within 48 hours. In sourcing for Aloe products whether they are gel, latex, juice or extracts, be sure that your choice comes from a reputable supplier. This is to ensure that extraction and processing have not lessen Aloe’s therapeutic properties. Buyers should consider that. As Aloe products are crushed, ground, pressed, filtered, and stabilized, the active components in the extracts should have high amount of active ingredients. The International Aloe Science Council has made a certification program in evaluating the quality and quantity in commercial products. Alternatively, you can grow your Aloe plant indoor in pots or greenhouse or outdoor to have the amazing and inexpensive benefits of the plant right on your own reach. Fresh is, indeed, always the best. fmt The Author Rico R.Magda is a plant biologist and lecturer at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos, and regular contributor to Food Marketing & Technology. When there‘s nothing left... fmt ...there was EMWAXY inside! 100 Get in touch Contact emwaxy@emsland-group.de % EMWAXY 100 % Taste ® Key No. 100101 food Marketing & Technology • April 2021 15
