Credit for the write up is a previous member @Hobbit and the original thread can be found here >>> hobbits-organic-world-1272#p20451
but on with the show
"This was written in regards to human consumption but same applies and more to plants." - from original post
Aloe Vera
Aloe leaf contains over 240 nutritional and medicinal ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids, salicylic acid, etc.
1. Amino Acids
Aloe vera contains 19 of the 20 known amino acids, which are necessary for our organism.
The human body can produce only 12 of the 20 amino acids and our body cannot produce the other 8 and they have to be consumed via food. These are known as essential amino acids.
Aloe vera contains 7 of the 8 essential amino acids:
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Valin
Aloe vera also contains 12 non-essential amino acids:
Alanine
Arginine
Asparagine
Cysteine
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Histidine
Proline
Serin
Tyrosine
Glutamine
Aspartic acid
Amino acids are important elements involved in the construction of proteins and muscle tissue.
The missing amino acids on this list is Tryptophan. Recent research on aloe show that it contains even Tryptophan. In any case, aloe vera is a great source of amino acids!
2. Anthraquinone
Aloe Vera contains 12 anthraquinones:
Aloe emodin
Aloetic acid
Aloin
Antracin
Antranol
Barbaloin
Chrysophanic acid
Emodin
Ethereal oil
Cinnamonic acid ester
Isobarbaloin
Resistannol
These 12 anthraquinone are found only in aloe vera juice. They promote the functioning of the digestive system; they have analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
In high concentrations, anthraquinones can be toxic, but aloe vera juice contains ideal amounts of these compounds.
3. Enzymes
Aloe Vera contains 8 enzymes:
Aliiase
Alkaline phosphatase
Amylase
Carboxypeptidase
Catalase
Cellulase
Lipase
Peroxidase
Enzymes help break down sugars and fats from food and thus improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
For external use enzymes reduce inflammation and pain and accelerate the healing of wounds.
4. Hormones
Aloe vera contains two hormones:
Auxin
Gibberellin
Auxin and Gibberellin help heal wounds, prevent inflammation and infection.
Gibberellin acts as a growth hormone that regenerates cells and stimulates their growth.
5. Lignins
Lignins are plant fibers which are used to connect and support, and give the strength to plant. Lignins in Aloe Vera penetrate deep into the skin and introduce other medicinal ingredients of aloe vera into our skin.
6. Salicylic acid
Aloe vera contains salicylic acid - natural painkiller which also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Aspirin is nothing other than salicylic acid in chemical form. Aloe vera has the effect of aspirin, but operates in a gentle manner and has no adverse effects on health.
7. Saponins
Saponins, found in aloe vera, have a cleansing and antiseptic effect. They have anti-microbial properties and protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
8. Sterols
Aloe vera contains four plant sterols:
Cholesterol
Campesterol
Lupeol
Sitosterol
Sterols have anti-inflammatory properties. Lupeol also has antiseptic and analgesic effects.
9. Vitamins
From the moment of conception, your body uses vitamins. They are essential for the normal functioning of cells, tissues and organs. We get vitamins from food, with a few exceptions (such as vitamin K and biotin, which are formed in the intestines).
Aloe vera contains the following vitamins:
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoksin)
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Kolin
Folate
Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties and neutralize free radicals. Group B vitamins and choline are responsible for the metabolism. Vitamin B12 is responsible for the formation of red blood cells, while folic acid is necessary for proper cell development.
10. Minerals
Minerals are inorganic substances which constitute 4-5% of the human body.
Minerals are necessary for preserving the delicate balance of cellular ionic liquids, building bone tissue and blood cells, the electrochemical activity of nerve cells and the regulation of muscle tone.
Many minerals were found in aloe vera, to name only the top 10:
Calcium
Chrome
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Potassium
Phosphorus
Sodium
Zinc
11. Sugars
Aloe vera contains two monosaccharides, glucose and fructose, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Aloe is also a rich source of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are found in every cell of our bodies. However, our body ceases to create them after the age of ten. After that, we are completely dependent on external sources of polysaccharides.
From the leaves of aloe vera a special ingredient called acemannan is obtained.
Acemannan deserves special mention. This polysaccharide has antiviral and immune-stimulating properties.
Acemannan plays an important role in the body, stimulating macrophages to produce interferon and interleukin, which stop the growth of viruses.
Macrophages deeply cleanse the body and destroy the smaller particles of toxic metals and cancer. Acemannan also lubricates joints and protects the bowel wall against the "leaky gut" syndrome.
In addition to these compounds aloe vera leafs contain some compounds still unknown to science. Secrets of aloe vera are just waiting for you to uncover them.
This plant was called "miracle plant", "heavenly blessing" and "elixir of life" throughout the history for a good reason.