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Other common
name(s): aloe vera, aloe vera gel, T-UP
Scientific/medical
name(s): Aloe barbadensis, Aloe capensis
Description
The aloe plant, a member of the lily family, is a common
household plant originally from Africa. The most common and widely
known species of aloe plant is aloe vera. Aloe vera plants have dark
green leaves that look like small cacti but are soft and supple. Aloe
vera gel is the thin, clear, jelly-like substance that oozes from the
inside of the aloe leaves. The extract taken from inside the outer
lining of the leaves is called aloe juice or aloe latex, and is often
dried into brownish granules. Unprocessed aloe gel often contains some
aloe latex.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that
aloe can treat any type of cancer. In fact, used as a cancer treatment,
aloe is dangerous and may even be deadly.
The gel inside aloe leaves may be effective in treating minor burns and
skin irritations. There are mixed reports about its use as a laxative.
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that aloe can
treat any type of cancer. In fact, used as a cancer treatment, aloe is
dangerous and may even be deadly.
How is it promoted for use?
Aloe juice or latex is used mostly for constipation, whereas
aloe gel is used for skin conditions. However, proponents of
alternative treatments claim aloe also boosts the immune system and
acts directly on abnormal cells, thus preventing or treating cancer.
The main aloe product promoted as a cancer cure is an
unapproved drug called T-UP, which comes in an oral form or can be
injected. Aloe proponents claim it is effective against all types of
cancer, including liver and prostate cancer, although available
scientific evidence does not support these claims.
What does it involve?
Aloe vera gel is a common ingredient in many skin creams and
lotions, cosmetics, and burn and wound ointments. When used on skin for
minor burns or irritations, aloe gel is usually applied to the affected
area three to five times a day. The aloe gel may be purchased as a
commercial gel or cream or applied directly from a cut aloe leaf. Since
some compounds in aloe gel break down quickly, some supporters
recommend fresh aloe gel taken directly from the leaf as the best
source.
Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency for herbs) has
approved aloe for treating constipation. A common dosage is 50 to 200
milligrams of aloe latex (the bitter substance from inside the outer
lining of the leaf), taken in liquid or capsule form once a day for up
to ten days. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that
aloe products cannot be sold as nonprescription drugs for treatment of
constipation because of insufficient information on safety and
effectiveness. Aloe products can be sold as dietary supplements in the
United States.
T-UP, a concentrated liquid form of aloe, has been promoted to
be taken orally or injected directly into the tumor or bloodstream.
Practitioners give T-UP injections to people with advanced cancer. Aloe
injections are illegal in the United States but are available at
clinics in other countries.
What is the history behind it?
The earliest known references to the medicinal use of aloe
come from the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a treatment for cuts,
burns, and skin irritations. Many other cultures have also used aloe
for similar purposes. Since the 1930s, aloe has been used frequently
for the treatment of minor skin ailments and skin reactions to
radiation burns.
In 1996, a company based in Maryland began producing and
selling a concentrated form of aloe called T-UP to be used orally and
by injection for the treatment of cancer, AIDS, herpes, and other
autoimmune disorders. In the summer of 1999, the U.S. Attorney's Office
and the FDA indicted the makers of T-UP on twenty different charges
including fraud, promoting and selling an unapproved drug, and
conspiracy. The makers of T-UP were charged with misleading cancer
patients by making false claims, including claiming FDA approval for
their drug when approval was never granted.
.
What is the evidence?
Aloe contains many chemicals. Some of these chemicals called
anthraquinones give aloe its stimulant laxative properties. Preliminary
studies of cell cultures (grown in laboratory dishes) and laboratory
animals suggest that some of the chemicals found in aloe may have
helpful effects on the immune system. However, the safety and
effectiveness of most of these chemicals have not been tested in
humans. The aloe products being promoted for internal use contain a
wide variety of chemicals, some of which can cause very serious side
effects.
Available scientific evidence does not support the claim that
aloe is effective in treating people with cancer. Several people with
cancer have died as a direct result of receiving aloe injections.
Animal and laboratory studies have found mixed results. One study
reported that aloe reduced the growth of liver cancer cells in rats but
another found that it promoted the growth of human liver cancer cells
in tissue culture. Another rat study reported aloe reduced
pre-cancerous liver changes in rats treated with cancer-causing
chemicals. Another recent laboratory study reported that aloe promotes
the growth of endothelial (blood vessel) cells, raising the concern
that it might promote angiogenesis (growth of blood vessels that help
"feed" a cancer).
Although aloe has been used since the 1930s in the treatment
of skin reactions resulting from radiation therapy, recent clinical
trials found that an aloe vera gel did not protect against dermatitis
(a skin reaction) caused by radiation therapy. Some studies suggest
that aloe gel may be effective for minor cuts and burns, but other
studies report that aloe can delay healing of infected surgical wounds.
People with severe skin trauma or deep injuries may need other
treatments.
Aloe gel and juice contain chemicals with laxative properties.
These substances are classified as stimulant laxatives and can be
irritating to the intestines. There are a number of dietary and medical
approaches to treating constipation that are safer and more effective
than aloe products.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be
tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make
supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug
Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as
they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease.
Some such products may not
contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the
label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual
amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different
batches of the same brand.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
The use of aloe on the skin for the relief of minor cuts and
burns appears to be safe. There are mixed reports about the safety of
taking aloe internally. One report suggested that aloe taken by mouth
might increase cancer risk to humans. Side effects of the internal use
of aloe may include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and
electrolyte (chemical) imbalance in the blood, especially at high
doses. It should not be used as a laxative for more than two weeks.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use aloe internally.
Taking aloe internally may cause dangerous interactions with
prescription drugs and with other herbal supplements. Aloe injections
are dangerous, illegal in the United States, and have caused the deaths
of several people.
Some people who have used aloe gel for long periods of time
have had allergic reactions such as hives and rashes. Those who are
allergic to garlic, onions, tulips, and similar plants may be more
likely to have an allergic reaction to aloe. Relying on this type of
treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for
cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Aloe Vera. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web site.
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69116.cfm. Accessed June 4, 2008.
Blumenthal M, ed. The
Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Department of Health and Human Services. Status of certain
additional over-the-counter drug category II and II active ingredients.
May 9, 2002. 21 CFR Part 310. [Docket No. 78N-036L]. RIN 0910-AA01. US
Food and Drug Administration Web site.
http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/78n-036L-nfr0004-vol107.pdf.
Accessed June 4, 2008
Gruenwald J. PDR
for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR;
2004.
Heggie S, Bryant GP, Tripcony L, et al M, Heath J. A phase III
study on the efficacy of topical aloe vera gel on irradiated breast
tissue. Cancer Nurs.
2002;25:442-451.
Meadows M. Investigators' reports: Maryland man, Virginia
physician sentenced for illegally marketing aloe vera 'treatments.' FDA
Consumer: The Magazine of the US Food and Drug Administration. May-June
2002. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/departs/2002/302_irs.html. Accessed June
4, 2008.
Natural Standard. Herbal/plant therapies: aloe (aloe vera).
Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources, The University
of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Web site.
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer/display.cfm?id=ee033c9d-ec7b-11d4-810100508b603a14&method=displayfull.
Accessed June 4, 2008.
Olsen DL, Raub W Jr, Bradley C, Johnson M, Macias JL, Love V,
Markoe A. The effect of aloe vera gel/mild soap versus mild soap in
preventing skin reactions in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum.
2001;28:543-547.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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