Since ancient times, aloe have been recorded in Egyptian hieroglyphs and in the San and Khoi rock paintings and has a long history of medicinal uses in traditional cultures. Africa has over 360 species of the genus Aloe linneus of which the Aloe ferox is the most used and commercially produced in South Africa. The Aloe ferox, indigenous to South Africa, has been found to have a 28% higher level of Aloin and 36% more amino acids than Aloe vera, which is indigenous to America.
The bitter exudate from the plant is accredited with having laxative properties and helps with digestion.
The main active ingredient, the anthraquinone, aloe-emodin, works as an intestinal anti-inflammatory and effective natural constipation releif – natural laxative and colon cleanser.
Unlike chemical or other plant laxatives, which are harsh and direct, the action of aloe is gentler and indirect—in fact, mediated –which prevents the body from becoming “used” to it making it non addictive natural constipation releif- natural laxative.
The exact mechanism is that Aloe Ferox is potent purgative. The compound Aloin is metabolized by colonic flora into aloe-emodin which is an active component. Aloe-emodin exerts its action by disturbing the equilibrium between the absorption of water from the intestinal lumen via an active sodium transport, and the secretion of water into the lumen by a prostaglandin-dependent mechanism (increased water volume into the intestine). By this mechanism, the bowel it stimulated for movement. It does not directly stimulate the muscles, unlike other laxatives therefore it will not cause lazy bowels. Aloe-emodin also will soften the stool by this mechanism, therefore it doesn’t have to be combined with stool softener.
Aloe Ferox is also known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well cleansing properties: antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic effects and it is positioned as having immune boosting properties. Considering these porperties, Aloe Ferox is known for its detoxing effect.
