1. What is Aloe vera extract?
Definition:
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis, family Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a cactus-like perennial green herb with bright yellow tubular flowers that grow in hot and dry climates. For decades, many cultures have used Aloe vera leaves for their pharmacological, medicinal, beauty, and skincare properties. The clear gel within the leaves and the latex, a yellow substance found beneath the plant's skin, are the beneficial parts of aloe vera.
Aloe vera is primarily composed of water (>98%) and polysaccharides such as pectin, cellulose, mannose derivatives, and acemannan, the latter being considered as an immunostimulant. Antimicrobial properties of polysaccharides have also been demonstrated, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties.
Aloe vera also includes around 75 different components, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, anthraquinones, fatty acids, and hormones.
Aloe vera extract is used topically to treat medical problems such as pain relief caused by burns and wounds and anti-inflammatory processes. It has also been used internally as a cathartic agent. It has shown other therapeutic properties, including anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, bone protection, and cardiovascular effects.
Aloe vera extract is available in various pharmaceutical forms, including gels, creams, and ointments, all of which contain the clear gel found in Aloe vera leaves and are applied topically. Aloe vera extract can also be taken internally as capsules, tablets, or health drinks.
Chemical & Physical properties:
Chemical structure:
Synonyms: Aloe barbadensis Mill
Molecular formula: C16H13NO3
Molecular weight: 267.27932
CAS number: 85507-69-3
DrugBank Accession Number: DB13906
Physical appearance: The extract is an odorless, viscous yellow liquid with a bitter taste.
Water solubility: Soluble in water.
Brand names:
OraMagic Rx®, Carrington Oral Wound Rinse®, Aloquin®
2. Aloe vera extract Mechanism of action
Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties are due to its ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway and reduce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production from arachidonic acid. Aloe vera also contains antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A and C, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been linked to the suppression of Nf-kB and other inflammatory cytokines.
The healing properties result from an increase in wound collagen synthesis, which speeds up the healing process.
The active constituent, Anthraquinones, is responsible for the laxative effect of aloe vera. It is a potent laxative that increases intestinal water content and intestinal peristalsis.
3. Aloe vera extract forms and specifications
In the market, aloe vera extract comes in a variety of forms and specifications. The following formulations are commonly available.
• 100% pure Aloe vera: It is used as an API raw material. It is colorless and viscous, and it is entirely composed of natural green leaves with no chemicals or additives. It is soluble in water as well as other organic solvents.
• Aloe vera extract aloin (20-98%): It is a yellow or light-yellow crystalline powder composed of Emodin 98%, Aloin 20%-90%, and Barbaloin (A+B): 20%-40%. It is used in food, health products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
• Aloe vera extract powder: Aloe vera powder is made by rinsing Aloe vera gel to remove aloin remnants and the laxative ingredient in the latex, then dehydrating it. After that, the dried gel is ground into powder.
• Organic Aloe vera extract gel: It is the inner leaf juice of aloe vera extracted without the outer rind and latex. It is then ground into juice or stored as a gel. The main difference between gel and juice is that the gel contains a lot of mucilage, a viscous liquid containing the polysaccharides that make Aloe beneficial.
• Aloe vera extract juice: It is the juice of the Aloe vera leaf. It's a thick liquid made by crushing or grinding the entire plant's leaf, including the latex portion, which has a bitter taste and laxative effects and is removed during processing, potentially leaving a product with few active ingredients such as acemannan. It serves several therapeutic and nutritional functions, including hydration, liver health, constipation, clear skin, digestive benefits, and nutritional boost.
• Aloe vera extract capsules: Aloe vera extract capsules are made by extracting the entire leaf and then freeze-drying it into capsules, resulting in a more concentrated form of aloe vera. Capsules are used to help with skin renewal, digestion, heartburn relief, and constipation relief. They can also be used to enhance overall health and promote hair growth.
• Aloe vera herbal extract oil: Aloe vera oil is an oily extract derived from Aloe barbadensis leaves. It is primarily composed of polysaccharides, the most important of which is acemannan. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of chromones and sterols, and it has been used to moisturize and calm the scalp. It can also help relieve dandruff and unclog hair follicles that have become clogged due to excess oil.
• Aloe vera extract concentrate: Aloe vera concentrate is dehydrated aloe vera gel extracted from the entire aloe leaf. People who want to take a small dose once a day prefer it because it's more potent. It can be consumed on its own or in combination with food or beverages.
• Aloe vera non-decolorized whole leaf extract: Most aloe vera products contain decolorized whole leaf extract that has been filtered, is safe to use and contains no cancer-causing chemicals found naturally in the Aloe vera plant. The non-decolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera, on the other hand, is an unrefined, unpurified material that does not contain the Aloe vera ingredients commonly found in products. It is on the Proposition 65 list because it may increase the risk of cancer.
4. How to extract aloe vera from the plant?
· Three to four leaves are removed at a time, then thick leaves from the plant's outer sections are chosen.
· Leaves must be free of mold or damage before being cut close to the stem, avoiding the roots.
· After washing and drying the leaves, they are trimmed with a knife to separate the interior gel from the leaf's exterior.
· Aloe vera latex is a yellow liquid that can be stored in a container and used later.
· Finally, the aloe vera gel is cut into slices or cubes.
5. Aloe vera extract medical uses and health benefits
• Aloe vera extract for skin
Aloe vera is frequently used to supply moisture directly to skin tissue, improve skin elasticity, and repair by stimulating skin cell regrowth and assisting the skin in producing collagen due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties. It's also good for sensitive, sunburned, and sun-exposed skin because it absorbs UV rays and relaxes the skin. Aloe vera extract is also used to treat acne because it increases blood flow to the skin and has antibacterial properties. Furthermore, aloe vera may be helpful in soothing burns by increasing collagen production.
• Aloe vera extract for hair
Aloe vera has numerous hair benefits, including cleansing the hair shafts and removing excess sebum caused by hair products. And because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it also alleviates scalp itching caused by dandruff.
Because of its smoothing and moisturizing properties, aloe vera works well as a hair conditioner. It also promotes hair growth, strengthening, and repairing due to its vitamin and antioxidant content.
• Aloe vera extract for health
Aloe vera gel can be used to relieve symptoms of some skin conditions, such as psoriasis and some gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, when taken orally, the latex in aloe vera is a remedy for constipation.
Aloe vera contains potent antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamins A and C, which aid in preventing premature aging by neutralizing free radicals and preventing cell damage. Aloe vera has also been shown in studies to benefit diabetic patients by improving blood sugar control.
6. Aloe vera extract dosage
There are no standard doses of aloe vera; for example, topical preparations such as creams, gels, or ointment range in concentration from 0.5 percent (for minor burns) to 99 percent. Similarly, supplement doses range from 100 milligrams to 10,000 milligrams.
Therefore, topical aloe vera is safe to use as needed if there are no skin reactions. For oral use, strengths and preparations vary greatly, so the label should be read carefully to follow the directions.
7. Aloe vera extract risks and side effects
Side effects of topical use include redness, burning, stinging, and, in rare cases, generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Oral use can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine, hepatitis, and constipation.
8. Where to buy pure Aloe vera extract?
Amazon, Walmart, The Vitamin Shoppe®, Indiamart, and Alibaba all sell pure Aloe vera extract.
9. Aloe vera extract Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturers in China
• Shaanxi Kingsci Biotechnology Co., Ltd
Kingsci Biotechnology Co., Ltd is a GMP-compliant manufacturer of high-quality natural herbal extracts for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food additive applications.
Business Type: Trading Company, Manufacturer
Category: Natural Extracts, Plant Extracts
Country: China
Product: Aloe Vera Gel Powder
Standard: ChP, USP, BP, EP, JP, In-house Standards, IP, Ph. Int
Grade: Food grade, pharmaceutical grade, cosmetics grade
• Shaanxi Honghao Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.
Business Type: Trading Company, Manufacturer
Category: Natural Extracts, Plant Extracts
Country: China
Product: Aloe Vera Extract
Specification: Aloe Emodin 95%, Aloin 20%-98%
Appearance: Brown Yellow Fine Powder
Standard: ChP
Grade: Food grade, pharmaceutical grade
• Baoding Faithful Industry Co., Lt
Baoding Faithful Industry Co., Ltd is a leading Chinese company specializing in the research, development, production, and sale of raw materials for high-quality health products. The company has obtained ISO9001 certification for its quality management system.
Business Type: Distributor, Trading Company, Manufacturer
Category: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Country: China
Product: Aloe Vera Extract
Price: 15~26 USD/kg
Standard: ChP, USP, BP, EP, JP, In-house Standards, IP, Ph. Int
Grade: Food grade, Pharmaceutical grade
• Hunan Nutramax Inc.
Hunan Nutramax Inc. is one of China's leading manufacturers of herbal extracts. The company's mission is to identify, develop, and manufacture natural active ingredients derived from Chinese herbs for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, health-food, functional beverage, and cosmetic industries.
Business Type: Manufacturer
Category: Natural Extracts, Plant Extracts
Country: China
Product: 100% Natural Aloe Vera Extract Aloin 20%~98%
Plant of Origin: Aloe vera L.
Part Used: Leaf
Appearance: Yellow or Light-Yellow crystalline Powder
Specifications: Emodin 98%, Aloin 20%-90%, Barbalion(A+B): 20%,40%
Active ingredient: Emodin, Aloeemodin, Aloin, Barbalion
Standard: ChP, In-house Standards
Grade: Food grade
• Xiamen Forever Green Source Biochem Tech. Co., Ltd.
Xiamen Forever Green Source Biochem Tech. Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese manufacturer of nutraceuticals, botanical extracts, API, amino acids, food additives, cosmetic ingredients, sweeteners, capsules, and tablets.
Business Type: Manufacturer
Category: Natural Extracts, Plant Extracts
Main Product Categories: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Intermediates, Excipients, Natural Extracts
Country: China
Product: Aloe Vera Extract
Standard: USP, BP, EP
International Approvals/Standards: ISO 9001:2008
• Xi'an Green Spring Technology Co., Ltd
Xi'an Green Spring Technology Co., LTD is a high-tech company that has achieved great success in innovating modern Chinese medicine technology and applying new energy-saving and environmental protection technology.
Business Type: Manufacturer, Supplier
Main Product Category: Natural Extracts, Plant Extracts
Country: China
Product: Aloe Vera Extract
Standard: In-house Standards
Grade: Pharmaceutical grade
10. FAQ
How to extract Aloe vera gel from leaves?
After removing the leaf's base, the aloin vera leaf should be sliced off and drained from the leaf. The outer layer "Aloe" is then peeled off after the spiky edges are removed. The gel is then collected and stored in a sterile container.
How to extract Aloe vera seeds?
Seeds are located on the plant in dried pods and must be extracted by splitting the pod. When the pods are ready, they will be brownish green; therefore, a basin must be placed beneath the pot to harvest the seeds.
References:
1. https://examine.com/supplements/aloe-vera/research/#sources-and-composition
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7144722/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/?report=reader
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323358682000207
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