Aloe Vera, the 'Miracle Plant'

Often called the 'Miracle Plant' or the 'Natural Healer', Aloe Vera is a plant of many surprises. Aloe Vera has been known and used by many cultures for centuries for its natural properties. The healing properties of Aloe Vera were discovered by the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago.

More recently, the cosmetic and drug industries have made wide use of Aloe Vera for its wound healing characteristics. Most recently, the textile sector has started to make use of Aloe Vera too - that's us - the Healthy Mattress Company!

Aloe Vera benefits at a glance:

	The Aloe Vera element of our mattresses helps to ward off Bacteria, Mould, Mites and Insects.
	Aloe Vera is widely known for its ability to renew skin cells and remove dead skin cells.
	Aloe Vera helps to maintain the natural balance of your skin.
	Aloe Vera adds to the comfort of the mattress against your skin.
	Aloe Vera has a tried and tested natural structure.
	Aloe Vera adds a soft touch and shine to the fabric in our mattresses.

Aloe Vera benefits in detail:

There is a wide range of research from all over the world based upon different species of Aloe. As far as is possible the table below describes the constituents found in Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) with their properties and their inferred activities. The aloe constituents are derived from the aloe leaf which consists of three primary sections: the rind (photosynthesis) with sap contained in the pericyclic transport tubules (xylem and phloem), the mucilage (container) layer and the parenchyma or gel fillet (storage) layer. The relative quantities of the aloe constituents may be quite small (the total solid fraction varies from 0.5 to 1.5%), but most researchers claim that the effects that are observed may be due to the synergistic actions of the 75 known ingredients. The table below lists the constituents in alphabetical order. The aloe constituent list represents a consensus view of published work and may not be complete. The properties and the associated activities reported in the table have been constructed using the references cited below:

Constituents	Number & Identification	Properties & Activity	Comment
Amino Acids	Provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids & 7 of the 8 essential ones.	Provides the basic building blocks of proteins in the production of muscle tissue etc	The 8 essential amino acids are those the human body cannot manufacture
Anthraquinones	Provides 12 anthraquinones: Aloe emodin, Aloetic Acid, Aloin, Anthracine, Antranol, Barbaloin, Chrysophanic Acid, Emodin, Ethereal Oil, Ester of Cinnamonic Acid, Isobarbaloin, Resistannol.	In relatively small concentrations together with the Gel fraction they provide Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal & Antiviral activity. In high concentration on their own they can be toxic.	Traditionally known as laxatives, the antraquinones are found in the sap. The anthraquinone derivatives (anthrones & chromones) comprise the phenolic fraction of the sap. The primary sap component is Aloin/Barbaloin anthrone derivative
Enzymes	Provides 8 enzymes: Aliiase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Amylase, Carboxypeptidase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Peroxidase	Helps breakdown of food sugars and fats aiding digestion & enhancing nutrient absorbtion
Hormones	Auxins & Gibberellins	Wound Healing & Anti-inflammatory
Lignin	Cellulose based substance	Thought to provide penetrating power in Aloe vera skin preparations and may act as a carrier for other components
Minerals	Provides 9 minerals: Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc	Essential for good health and is known to work in certain combimation with each other, vitamins and other trace elements
Salicylic Acid	Aspirin like compound	Analgesic
Saponins	Glycosides	Soapy substance both cleansing and antiseptic
Sterols	Provides 4 main plant steroids: Cholesterol, Campesterol, Lupeol, ss Sitosterol	Anti-inflammatory agents. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties
Sugars	Monosaccharides: glucose & fructose Polysaccarides: gluco-mannans / polymannose	Anti-inflammatory action, Anti-viral, immune modulating activity of Acemannan	The long chain gluco-mannans are absorbed intact by the pinocytotic process of certain cells lining the digestive tract
Vitamins	A, C, E, B, Choline, B12, Folic Acid	Antioxidant(A,C,E): neutralises free radicals	B's & Choline involved in amino acid metabolism, B12 required for production of red blood cells, Folic Acid in the development of blood cells