See also Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome / Chronic Pelvic Pain / Urinary Tract Infection

Czarapata, B. J. (1995, October). Super-strength, freeze-dried Aloe vera capsules in interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, and nonbacterial prostatitis: A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial using Desert Harvest Aloe vera at the Urology Wellness Center, Rockville, Maryland. Proceedings of the NIDDK Scientific Symposium, San Diego, California. National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.

Abstract: Because of the promising anecdotal findings of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients who had tried Desert Harvest’s super-strength, freeze-dried Aloe vera capsules, the Urology Wellness Center (UWC) in Rockville, Maryland, designed a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of this highly concentrated form of the Aloe vera plant in 13 IC/PBS patients. The study included three months of placebo followed by three months of Aloe vera or vice versa, depending on randomization. The study included a cross-over segment, with each patient receiving both substances at some point during the study and acting as her/his own control. The patients were assigned control numbers randomized by computer, and the products were shipped directly to the patient every month by the blinded manufacturer. The primary objective of the study was to monitor the safety and efficacy of Desert Harvest’s super-strength, freeze-dried Aloe vera capsules in the management of the symptoms of IC/PBS. The symptoms that were monitored included urinary frequency, nocturia, dysuria, urgency, and suprapubic pain. Response to therapy was monitored by Quality-of-Life Assessment, IC Symptom/Problem Index, Health Status Questionnaire, and 24-Hour Voiding Diary. Of the 13 patients who were recruited for the study, 8 completed the full six months of the trial. Of the 8 patients who completed the study, 7 patients received relief from at least some of their symptoms of pelvic pain, frequency of urination, pressure, or nocturia (87.5%). Four patients experienced significant relief from all or most of their symptoms (50%). Only one patient had no response after completing all six months of the study (12.5%).

American Urological Association. (2011, January). AUA Guideline Interstitial Cystitis Treatment Algorithm.

Abstract: The purpose of this Guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Fmoin, A. (n.d.). Nocturnal incontinence (urine dribbling) in children treated by Aloe extract. Extract of Aloe, Supplement to Clinical Data, by Medexport, USSR, Moscow.

Abstract: Treatment of nocturnal incontinence in children by Aloe vera.

Hanno, P. M., Burks, D. A., Clemens, J. Q., Dmochowski, R. R., Erickson, D., FitzGerald, M. P., Forrest, J. B., Gordon, B., Gray, M., Mayer, R. D., Newman, D., Nyberg, Jr., L., Payne, C. K., Wesselmann, U., and Faraday, M. M. (2011, January).American Urological Association (AUA) Guideline: Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Abstract: The purpose of this Guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Kyker, K. D., Coffman, J., and Hurst, R. E. (2005, March 23). Exogenous glycosaminoglycans coat damaged bladder surfaces in experimentally damaged mouse bladder. BMC Urology, 5,4.

Abstract: Interstitial cystitis is often treated with exogenous glycosaminoglycans such as heparin, chondroitin sulphate (Uracyst), hyaluronate (Cystistat) or the semi-synthetic pentosan polysulphate (Elmiron). The mechanism of action is presumed to be due to a coating of the bladder surface to replace the normally present chondroitin sulphate and heparin sulphate lost as a result of the disease. This study used fluorescent labeled chondroitin sulphate to track the distribution of glycosaminoglycans administered intravesically to mouse bladder that had been damaged on the surface. Glycosaminoglycan administered intravesically does bind to damaged bladder. Given that the changes seen following bladder damage resemble those seen naturally in interstitial cystitis, the mechanisms proposed for the action of these agents is consistent with the coating of damaged bladder.

Nudolskaya, O. E. (1960). Aloe treatment of onchocerclasis (craw-craw) of the vulva. Sovetskaia Meditsina, 24(2).

Abstract: Complex therapy with Aloe preparations proved to be very effective; it is recommend to gynecologists for wide use in the treatment of patients suffering from onchocerclasis of the vulva.

Phatak, S., and Foster, H. E., Jr. (2006, January). The management of interstitial cystitis: An update. Nature Clinical Practice: Urology, 3(1), 45-53.

Abstract: Literature review on pain management for interstitial cystitis, including chronic pelvic pain, clinical trials, neuropathic pain, and bladder physiology.

Van de Merwe, J,. and Nordling, J. (2006, February 28). Interstitial cystitis: Definitions and confusable diseases. Proceedings of ESSIC Meeting 2005 Baden, 1-13.

Abstract: This report is the summary of the consensus obtained on definitions and confusable diseases for painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis during the ESSIC meeting in Baden, 16-18 June 2005.

Dino Papeš, and Silvio Altarac (2014, October 8) Use of d‐mannose in prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women https://doi.org/10.1111/bju.12492 Cited by: 21

Abstract: 2013 study evaluated D-mannose in 308 women who had frequent UTIs. D-mannose worked about as well as the antibiotic nitrofurantoin for preventing UTIs over a 6-month period.

D. Porru, A. Parmigiani, C. Tinelli, D. Barletta, D. Choussos, C. Di Franco, V. Bobbi, S. Bassi, O. Miller, B. Gardella, R.E. Nappi, A. Spinillo, and B. Rovereto (2014, January 10) Oral D-mannose in recurrant urinary tract infections in women: a pilot study

Abstract: 2014 study, D-mannose was compared to the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treatment and prevention of frequent UTIs in 60 women. D-mannose reduced UTI symptoms in women with an active infection. It was also more effective than the antibiotic for preventing additional infections.

L. Domenici, M. Monti, C. Bracchi, M. Giorgini, V. Colagiovanni, L. Muzii, and P. Benedette Panici (2016) D-mannose: a promising support for acute urinary tract infections in women. A pilot study

Abstract: 2016 study tested the effects of D-mannose in 43 women with an active UTI. At the end of the study, most women had improved symptoms.

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