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• Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe (Aloe barbadesis), a member of the lily family, is depicted as the "Plant of Immortality" in 6000 year-old Egyptian stone carvings, and was a traditional funerary gift to the pharaohs. The ancient Egyptian Book of Remedies notes the use of aloe to cure infections, treat the skin, and prepare laxatives. The transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Also today the gel is a popular ingredient in many skin preparations and cosmetics. The dried inner lining of the leaf (latex) has is effectively used as laxative to support digestion and to treat constipation. Aloe latex is not contained in the Halo™ Leaf of Life formula. It contains only the inner leaf gel juice known for its powerful immunomodulating effects based on promising preliminary support from in vitro, animal and human studies of the oral intake of the aloe gel.

Acemannan, the major carbohydrate fraction in the gel has been found in vitro and in animal studies to modulate immune function (particularly macrophage activation and cytokine production) and to accelerate wound healing. Acemannan has also been reported to exhibit antineoplastic and antiviral effects in vitro. Other constituents include bradykininase, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Salicylic acid and other compounds may be responsible for aloe's local anti-inflammatory activity. Particularly individuals with inflammmatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn´s disease) appear to benefit from aloe. Antioxidant properties have been attributed to the component aloesin. Anti-cancer effects of aloe have been observed in vitro and preliminary evidence in humans comes from a study that showed that aloe consumption may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Aloe appears favorably to affect detoxification of reactive metabolites by liver and other organs. Furthermore aloe gel may have antidiabetic potential by lowering blood glucose levels. However, further research is needed.

Precautions
Avoid if known allergy to plants of the lily family (garlic, onion, tulips). Oral aloe products should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance, and in patients using glucose-lowering agents. Blood glucose levels should be monitored. Internal use of aloe is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.