Aloe Vera is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula, Northern Africa, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.
Aloe Vera has been used for:
• Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
• Today, aloe is used to treat a variety of conditions such as: diabetes, asthma, osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
• Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements examined the effect of two different aloe vera preparations (aloe inner leaf gel and aloe whole leaf gel) on the bioavailability of vitamins C and B12. Fifteen healthy volunteers were enrolled and were randomly given either aloe inner leaf gel with 1 mg B12 and 500 mg vitamin C or aloe whole leaf extract with 1 mg B12 and 500 mg vitamin C or placebo (water with 1 mg B12 and 500 mg vitamin C). Both aloe preparations significantly increased absorbance of vitamins C and B12 in comparison to placebo. Also, both aloes significantly increased plasma levels of vitamin C and both significantly increased serum levels of vitamin B12. In conclusion the researchers indicated that both aloe preparations were safe, well tolerated and enhanced the bioavailability of vitamins C and B12 and increased antioxidant status.1
1 Yun JM, Singh S, Jialal R, et al. A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover trial of Aloe Vera on Bioavailability of Vitamins C and B12, Blood Glucose, and Lipid Profile in Healthy Human Subjects. J Dietary Suppl. Jun2010;7(2):145-53.