What are Aloes? [Aloe INFORMATION]
BOTANY
More or less 349 separate species of the genus Aloe have been scientifically documented.
? All Aloes are indigenous to the African continent (283 species} and closely adjacent
geographical regions: Yemenite Arabia (17 species) the islands Madagascar (46 species)
and Socotra (3 species).
? Aloes grow in a vast range of environments. For this reason, species with a wide range of
characteristics have developed. The various heights range from metres to mere
centimeters. Some exhibit grassy leaves while others are stout, with stems. The size and
number of thorns also vary.
? A common characteristic of all Aloe species is the rosette of leaves, which are all
succulent. While the inflorescence or flower bearing part of the plant rises above as a
spike.
? The inherent skincare qualities may be attributed to the unique hardiness of the Aloe
species. Living Aloe plants can withstand drying out. Locals know the indigenous South
African Aloe Veriegata as “Kanniedood”, which means, “cannot die”. When placed on a
shelf or in the air without food or water, the plant will continue to flower for two successive
years without any trouble.
? The above testifies to the plant‟s incredible ability to retain and conserve moisture. The
remarkable Aloe gel must be responsible for its ability to protect itself against desiccation.
? Aloes tend to be better protected against predation in mixed plant communities as a
result of the bitter sap in the outer peel combined with the natural antibiotic properties in
certain gel constituents.
General Information about Amino Acids
22 Protein amino acids serve as the body‟s building blocks. They are responsible for the
production of proteins found in the structural tissue throughout the body. For several important
body functions, including neurotransmission and pain control, amino acid balance is critical.
Metabolism (the process of turning nutrients into energy), detoxification (the process of breaking
down harmful substances for elimination from the body), and digestion itself make use of
essential amino acids. Because the health of the entire body depends on how well the nutrition in
food is used, problems with amino acid metabolism can have far-reaching effects. Many amino
acids are produced by the body (non-essential) but the body cannot produce all of the necessary
amino acids, these must be found in nutritional sources (essential amino acids). Semi-essential
amino acids are those for which there is some endogenous synthesis, but not enough for all the
physiological needs of the human body.
ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
Methionine
Is a crucial essential amino acid that brings methyl groups and sulphur into the body. It is
required for the formation of body tissues, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino
acids, and antioxidant and detoxification processes. Methionine is the essential precursor to
the important amino acids, cystine, glutathione, and taurine and, via cystine, contributes to
the formation of insulin and coenzyme A.
Tryptophan
Serves as the precursor to the hormone, serotonin, a vasoconstrictor and neurotransmitter
that influences sleep, appetite, and mood. Studies of depressed patients have demonstrated
reduced levels of tryptophan, suggesting in some cases reduced tryptophan availability to the
brain.
Isoleucine
Promotes energy needed for haemoglobin formation, which regulates and stabilizes blood
sugar. It is one of three branched chain amino acids. Energy enhancing, endurance fortifying
and aids in healing. Often used by athletics.
Leucine
This is one of three branched chain amino acids. It works together with Isoleucine and Valine
to protect muscles, promote the healing of bones, skin and muscle tissue. It serves as a
wonderful post-surgery supplement. It also lowers elevated blood sugar levels.
Lysine
This is necessary for proper growth. It helps form collagen, which comprises bone cartilage
and connective tissues. It aids in the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies.
Because it helps repair tissue, it is a good supplement for anyone recovering from surgery
and injuries. It is also helpful in lowering triglycerides and is an anti-aging factor.
Phenylalanine
Promotes alertness, reduces hunger pangs, improves memory is an antidepressant. It helps
to control pain, particularly arthritis and is used in the treatment of Parkinson‟s disease and
alleviates PMS symptoms. NOTE: Diabetics should not take it or anyone suffering from
anxiety attacks, high blood pressure, PKU or melanoma.
Threonine
Anti-aging; helps form Elastin and Collagen; supports the immune system; produces
antibodies and helps digestive and intestinal tract function while boosting the metabolism.
Valine
Anti-aging; has a stimulant effect; promotes mental vigour, muscle coordination and calms
emotions. Valine is one of the branched chain amino acids.
NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
Alanine
Supports the immune system and strengthens it by producing antibodies. It aids in the
metabolism of glucose is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and
central nervous system. It also helps weight control.
Asparagine
Maintains balance of the central nervous system.
Aspartic Acid
Improves fatigue, increases stamina and cellular energy. Athletes use it, because it
increases endurance. It also aids in the excretion of harmful ammonia by absorption and
removal to the bloodstream.
Citrulline
Promotes energy and stimulates the immune system.
Glutamic Acid
Essential to the metabolism for fats and sugars, it is another “brain food” amino acid that
helps in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, ulcers,
hypoglycaemia, diabetes and personality disorders.
Glycine
This is necessary for the synthesis of bile acids, nucleic acids and other amino acids. It aids
in skin and tissue repair; important for central nervous system function and is used to treat bi-
polar disorders and hyperactivity.
Ornithine
Contains anti-aging properties, prompts the release of growth hormone and promotes
metabolism of excess body fat. For this reason it is an excellent weight loss constituent along
with arginine and carnitine.
Proline
Aids in the production of collagen and helps reduce its loss due to aging. Heals cartilage,
strengthens joints and tendons; improves elasticity of and strengthens the heart muscle.
Serine
A natural moisturizer, it promotes healthy skin, helps the body metabolise fats and fatty acids,
promotes muscle growth and supports the immune system.
Tyrosine
Acts as a mood elevator; appetite suppressant; produces melanin in the body so it enhances
natural hair colour. It is used as an anti-depressant and anxiety reliever. It transmits nerve
impulses to the brain, helps overcome depression, improves memory and increases mental
alertness.
SEMI-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
Histidine
Essential in the growth and repair of tissues, found in haemoglobin and is used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers and anaemia.
Arginine
A regenerative, it promotes growth hormone production, slows the growth of tumours and
cancer by supporting and enhancing the immune system. It promotes improved immune
system responses to bacteria, viruses and tumour cells and supports healing. It is used in
the treatment of AIDS and immune system diseases. It has also been found useful in the
treatment of sterility in men.
Cystine
The N-Acetyl form of Cysteine helps prevent chemotherapy and radiation therapy side effects.
It increases glutathioned levels in the lungs, kidneys, liver and bone marrow and has an anti-
aging effect on the body. It reduces the accumulation of age spots.
Gamma-Amino butyric Acid – (GABA)
Essential for brain metabolism it is truly a “brain food”. Assists Niacin amide and Inositol in
preventing anxiety and works in the body much like a natural tranquilliser. It is used to treat
epilepsy, hypertension, Attention Deficit Disorder and impotence.
Cysteine
This is an anti-aging, anti-oxidant and a powerful aid in protecting the body from radiation. It
deactivates free radicals and is vital for the formation of skin and cell recovery, particularly
after surgery of cellular damage from burns. Hair and skin contain Cysteine.
Taurine
Helps stabilize the excitability of membranes which is very important in the control of epileptic
seizure. Taurine and sulphur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many
biochemical changes that take place in the aging process.
Glutamine
Is the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream, serving as an important vehicle for
nitrogen transport. In cells, glutamine can donate one of its nitrogen atoms as an amide to
form nicotinamide from niacin (vitamin B3), a necessary step in the formation of the very
important cofactor “NAD”.
Another “brain food”, it helps build and maintain muscles. It is useful for weight loss and
bodybuilding and also used to treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, intestinal
disorders, ulcers, connective tissues disease and tissue damage from radiation treatments,
fatigue, impotence, schizophrenia and senility.
VITAMINS
Vitamin C
What it does
It helps to strengthen the capillaries and cell walls and is crucial for the formation of collagen. It also aids in producing haemoglobin in red blood cells and helps the body absorb iron from foods. In addition, it speeds wound healing and enhances immunity.
How much you need
The daily RDA is 60 mg
Vitamin B? Thiamine
What it does
Aids energy production
Promotes healthy nerves
May improve mood
Strengthens the heart
Soothes heartburn
How much you need
The RDA is 1.5 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women
Vitamin B? Riboflavin
What it does
It plays a vital role in the production of the thyroid hormone, which speeds up metabolism and ensures a steady supply of energy. It also aids the body in producing infection-fighting immune cells. Riboflavin works in conjunction with iron to manufacture red blood cells. It converts vitamins B6 and niacin into active forms so that they can do their work. It also prevents or delays the onset of cataracts, reduces the frequency and severity of migraines and improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea. Riboflavin assists the production of powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in protecting cells against damage from the free radicals. Riboflavin is essential for tissue maintenance and repair.
How much you need
The daily RDA for adults and children over the age of 10 is 1.6 mg
Vitamin B? Niacin
Niacin is available in three forms: nicotinic acid, niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate
What it does
Lowers cholesterol
May improve circulation
May relieve depression
May ease symptoms of arthritis
May prevent the progression of type 1 diabetes
How much you need
The daily RDA for adults and children over the age of 10 is 18 mg
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine
What it does
It Forms red blood cells, helps cells make proteins and manufactures brain chemicals such
as serotonin plus releasing stored forms of energy. May lessen PMS symptoms and help lift
depression.
How much you need
The daily RDA is 2 mg
Vitamin B?? Cyanocobalamin
What it does
It is essential for cell replication and is particularly important for red blood cell production. It
assists in converting food to energy and plays a critical role in the production of DNA and
RNA. It also prevents certain forms of anaemia.
How much you need
The daily RDA 1 mcg for adults and children over the age of 10
References
www.drweil.com www.gsdl.com Reader‟s Digest - „The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs‟