Aloe Vera Compound Found to Improve Alzheimer’s Disease
Scientists from the University of Miami's School of Medicine determined that a constituent of Aloe vera reduces Alzheimer's disease symptoms and increases cognition scores.
The researchers gave a supplement with aloe polymannose – also called acemannan – to Alzheimer's patients over a one year period. They tested the subjects every three months. The researchers found that the cognitive improvements occurred in 46% of the patients taking the supplement.
The research also found that several cytokines and inflammatory factors were significantly decreased among the patients. This of course directly relates to a reduction in neuro-inflammation. Other research has determined that neuro-inflammation is symptomatic in Alzheimer's disease.
The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The researchers wrote:
"Our results showed improvements in both clinical and physiological outcomes for a disease that otherwise has no standard ameliorative remedy."
The product tested is branded BiAloe, manufactured by Lorand Laboratories. The company announced shortly after the study was published that the study shows the promise of the supplement but should not be considered a treatment. Here is the statement of Lorand's CEO, Dr. Santiago Rodriguez, as published in NewHope360.com:
"We do not want our industry audiences or the public to think that Lorand Labs believes that BiAloe is in any way a treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. We know and believe that the results of this pilot study are very interesting and show promise; however, more independent research needs to be done to determine if any long‐term benefit can be derived from the daily use of a BiAloe multinutrient complex."
Of course we know that before a company can state that its product can treat a medical disease, it must be approved by the FDA. As BiAloe is considered a nutritional supplement and not approved as a medicine, the manufacturer cannot state the product treats any medical condition.
The patients consumed four teaspoons a day of the supplement. Their cognition scores were determined using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale system – also called ADAS-cog – along with several other tests.
Aloe polymannose is a complex oligosaccharide, which has been extensively studied for its ability to interact with and regulate glycoprotein metabolism. This directly affects inflammation processes.
Aloe contains several other medicinal saccharides, such as D-mannose.