SSAV (Super‑Strength Aloe Vera)
Clinical Evidence & Technical Overview
Evidence-based supplement for Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)
The only aloe vera formulation mentioned by name in international treatment guidelines
Regulatory Status: Desert Harvest SSAV is a dietary supplement (not an FDA‑approved drug). It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Featured Research Documents
1995 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Results
Institution: Urology Wellness Center, Rockville, Maryland
Principal Investigator: B.J. Czarapata, CRNP, CURN
Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Population: IC/PBS patients (n=13, 8 completed full 6-month trial)
Primary Outcomes:
Study Protocol Highlights:
- Dosage: 6 capsules daily = 3,600 mg pure freeze-dried aloe vera
- Crossover design: Each patient served as their own control
- Monitored symptoms: Frequency, nocturia, dysuria, urgency, suprapubic pain
- Assessment tools: Quality-of-Life, IC Symptom Index, 24-Hour Voiding Diary
Desert Harvest Survey Analysis Whitepaper
Source: Interstitial Cystitis Association Patient Population
Study Period: 2016 Patient Survey Analysis
Population: n≈660 IC/PBS patients using SSAV
Analysis Type: Comprehensive patient-reported outcomes study
Key Patient-Reported Outcomes:
This large-scale patient survey validates and extends the findings from the controlled clinical trial, demonstrating consistent efficacy patterns across a diverse patient population.
Additional Retrospective Data (2000)
These retrospective findings validate the double-blind, placebo-controlled study results across a larger patient population.
Key Differentiators & Unique Selling Points
Only Patented Aloe Vera Formulation Clinically Studied
Mentioned by name in international treatment guidelines for IC/BPS
Superior Purity & Potency Through Innovative Processing
Processed within 20 minutes of harvest to maximize nutrients
Rich in Bioactive Nutrients Critical for Bladder Health
200+ natural nutrients with concentrated glycosaminoglycans
Clinically Supported Outcomes in Symptom Relief
87.5% patient relief in Phase I trial, 92% in patient surveys
Consumer-Friendly Design & Accessibility
Only 6 capsules/day for 3600mg dosage, vegan & gluten-free
Founded on Empathy and Long-Term Support
Family-owned business since 1993, originally founded for IC/BPS
Clinical Trials & Human Data
Ongoing FDA‑Authorized IND Trial
ONGOINGInstitution: Wake Forest University, USA
Principal Investigator: Robert Evans, MD
Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04734106
Title: "Safety and Efficacy of Aloe Vera in the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis"
Phase: Phase I completed (2021), Phase II planned
1995 Phase I Double‑Blind, Placebo‑Controlled Study
COMPLETEDInstitution: Urology Wellness Center, Rockville, MD
Design: Double‑blind, placebo‑controlled crossover trial
Population: IC/PBS patients (n=13, 8 completed)
Primary Outcomes:
- 87.5% reported symptom relief
- 50% achieved significant relief from most symptoms
- 12.5% non‑responders
Note: Historical, small sample, early‑phase study with limited publication metadata
Patient‑Reported Outcomes Survey
COMPLETEDSource: Interstitial Cystitis Association Survey, 2016
Population: n≈660 IC/BPS patients
Self‑Reported Outcomes:
- 92% reported symptom relief
- 69% improvement in pelvic pain
- 63% improvement in frequency/urgency
- 68% reduction in urethral burning
Italy Study (Rome)
PENDING PUBLICATIONPrincipal Investigator: Dr. Mauro Cervigni
Status: Investigator‑initiated study reported as completed
Publication pending; no public registry/paper available as of current date
Mechanism of Action & Composition
Proposed Mechanism
GAG Layer Restoration Theory: SSAV's concentrated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) may coat the bladder, acting as a protective barrier for the damaged IC bladder urothelial cell layer.
Key Bioactive Components:
- Mucopolysaccharides/GAGs (including acemannan)
- 75+ active nutrients from 200+ naturally occurring compounds
- Amino acids, vitamins, minerals
- Antioxidants and enzymes
Proposed Actions:
- Anti‑inflammatory effects (NF‑κB/COX‑2 pathways)
- Analgesic properties
- Anti‑bacterial, anti‑fungal, antimicrobial activity
- Enzymatic support for tissue repair
Supporting Literature
GAG Supplementation in IC/BPS
Semin Reprod Med (2018): Oral supplements containing "naturally occurring GAG mucopolysaccharides such as aloe vera" discussed in IC/BPS management framework.
Preclinical GAG Enhancement
Studies demonstrate aloe increases GAG content (hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate) in wound healing models, providing mechanistic plausibility for bladder tissue support.
Anti‑inflammatory Pathways
Established anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant actions through multiple pathways support condition‑agnostic therapeutic rationale.
Processing Technology & Purity Standards
Patented Manufacturing Process
Rapid Processing
Processed within 20 minutes of harvest to prevent nutrient degradation from malic acid breakdown (6‑8 hour window)
Whole Leaf Utilization
Uses entire aloe leaf (not just inner gel) to capture polysaccharides from inner rind's sap‑producing cells
Cold Processing
Proprietary freeze‑drying techniques preserve polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes without heat damage
Purification
Removes water, insoluble fiber, and all anthraquinones (including aloin) while maintaining bioactive compounds
Source Quality
Cultivation Standards:
- Organically grown Aloe barbadensis Miller
- Volcanic soil cultivation for enhanced nutrient density
- Pesticide and herbicide‑free farming practices
- Regenerative agriculture methods
Final Product Specifications:
- Moisture content: ≤8% maximum
- pH: 4.8‑4.9 (1% solution at 25°C)
- Appearance: Crystalline powder, cream to light beige
- Anthraquinone‑free (de minimis levels)
Safety Profile & Considerations
Anthraquinone Risk Mitigation
Regulatory Context:
EFSA (2018): Hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) should be considered genotoxic and carcinogenic unless specific contrary data exist. No safe daily intake established.
NTP TR‑577 (2011): Clear evidence of carcinogenicity in rats with non‑decolorized whole‑leaf extract (high HADs).
SSAV Specifications:
SSAV is processed to remove anthraquinones (including aloin). Toxicology concerns apply specifically to non‑decolorized extracts, not purified/decolorized forms.
Independent data: Purified/decolorized inner‑leaf products with de minimis HADs show no genotoxicity in multiple assays.
Clinical Considerations
Contraindications:
- Known aloe allergy (affects ~1% of general population)
- Pregnancy/lactation: Avoid oral aloe (safety not established)
Drug Interactions:
NCCIH advises discussing aloe use with clinicians due to potential interactions. Include in medication reconciliation.
Dosing (Label Specifications):
- Initial dosing: 6 capsules/day = 3,600 mg (first 3 months)
- Maintenance: Patients may reduce dose after initial period
- Formulation: Vegan, gluten‑free, no fillers or artificial ingredients
Long‑Term Safety Experience
Market experience: In use since 1993 with no known long‑term adverse signals in de‑anthraquinoned products.
Clinical monitoring: Ongoing FDA IND trial will provide additional safety data under controlled conditions.
Guideline Positioning & Professional Recognition
AUA/SUFU Guideline Framework (2022)
The American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction IC/BPS guideline provides framework for behavioral, oral, intravesical, and procedural options with emphasis on multimodal management and shared decision‑making.
Note: Guidelines do not provide brand‑specific endorsements
International Patient Foundation Recognition
International Painful Bladder Foundation (IPBF, 2024): Lists "Super Strength Aloe Vera® (Desert Harvest)" by name among oral supplements referenced for IC/BPS self‑care.
Important distinction: Patient‑foundation resources are not the same as professional‑society clinical guidelines
Clinical Context
IC/BPS management typically involves multimodal approaches. SSAV may be considered as part of comprehensive care plans, following standard shared decision‑making principles and consideration of individual patient factors.
About Desert Harvest
Founded on Empathy and Long-Term Support
Desert Harvest is a family-owned business, operating since 1993, originally founded to help a family member with Interstitial Cystitis.
What began as a personal mission to find relief for a loved one has evolved into three decades of dedicated research, development, and support for the IC/BPS community worldwide.
Our commitment extends beyond just providing a product—we've built a comprehensive support system that includes:
- Ongoing clinical research to validate and improve our formulation
- Direct patient support and education resources
- Healthcare provider education and scientific materials
- Long-term outcome tracking and continuous improvement
Research & Development Commitment
Ongoing FDA Trials
Currently conducting Phase I/II trials at Wake Forest University with the goal of becoming the first non-drug prescription-like therapy for IC/BPS.
International Collaboration
Working with leading urologists worldwide, including recent completed research with Dr. Mauro Cervigni in Rome, Italy.
Continuous Improvement
Regular patient outcome surveys and feedback integration to enhance formulation and delivery methods.
Evidence Summary & External Resources
SSAV's aloe formulation has historical early‑phase, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled data in IC/BPS (1995) and large patient‑reported outcomes (ICA survey, 2016). A modern randomized study (Wake Forest) is ongoing under an FDA IND. While mechanistic plausibility exists (aloe mucopolysaccharides/GAGs; anti‑inflammatory/antioxidant effects), definitive clinical efficacy awaits contemporary RCT results.
External Links & Resources
Clinical Trials & Evidence
Professional Guidelines & Consensus
Safety & Regulatory Information
Mechanism & Research Reviews
For Additional Information
For detailed study protocols, bioavailability data, or additional safety information, please contact our Medical Science Liaison team.