Aloe vera, wonder drug for diabetes

SCIENTIFIC studies have proven that
aloe vera gel works better in various folks.
The effectiveness of aloe vera extract and
gel along with other herbs have shown
their potential role in correction of high
blood sugar level (hyperglycemia), wound
healing, pain relief, constipation and ulcers.
Aloe is a plant originally from Africa. The
long, green leaves contain aloe gel and a
sticky yellow residue called latex. The gel is
the part of the aloe plant used most
commonly, both topically and orally.
Various studies on oral administration and
local application of aloe vera extract/gel
have shown its potential abuse like every
other herb due to the thinking that all herbs
are safe irrespective of its mode of use, the
dose and length of usage.
Certainly, if an animal study can be
extrapolated into humans, then there is the
need for caution when taking aloe vera.
Researcher found that aloe vera extract can
be toxic to the heart muscles, if used over a
long period of time.
The 2010 study published in the African
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
involved a total of 24 male albino rats,
which were divided into four groups, one
control and three experimental.
Animal of experimental groups were
injected with aloe vera gel extract made
from fresh leaves of the plant in doses of
100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. Parameters such
as the state of the muscles of the heart and
heart beat rate of the albino rats were
determined using electrocardiograph at
different times after they were injected
with aloe vera gel extract.
They found that aloe vera gel may cause
potassium deficiency and result in irregular
heartbeat and weakness in high doses, thus
making it toxic to the heart and unsafe,
especially in people with heart disease,
kidney disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
Previously, few studies have been done on
the toxic effects of aloe gel other than
occasional allergic reactions. Also its safety
in children, pregnant or nursing women, or
people with liver and kidney disease was
not established.
But overdose of aloe latex can cause
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, red
urine, severe diarrhea, kidney dysfunction,
and possibly death. Use for over seven
days may cause dependency or worsening
of constipation after the aloe is stopped.
Ingestion of aloe for over one year has
been reported to increase the risk of
colorectal cancer. Individuals with severe
abdominal pain, appendicitis, ileus
(temporary paralysis of the bowel), or a
prolonged period without bowel
movements should not take aloe.
There are potentials of aloe gel interacting
with conventional drugs. Aloe latex should
not be taken internally with some
antihypertensive medicines, steroids, drugs
for irregular heartbeat and drugs that cause
potassium loss.
Due to lowering of potassium levels that
may occur when aloe is taken by mouth, the
effectiveness of heart medications such as
digoxin and digitoxin and of other
medications used for heart rhythm
disturbances, may be reduced. The risk of
adverse effects may be increased with
these medications due to low potassium
levels.
In addition, aloe taken by mouth may cause
blood sugar levels to become too low,
especially if combined with blood sugar
medications.
There have been a few case reports of
acute hepatitis from aloe vera taken orally.
However, the evidence is not definitive and
the safety of aloe has not been
systematically studied.