NOTE: Animals should never be given aloe vera that contains anthraquinones, the caustic latex chemicals in the aloe plant that cause diarrhea. All Desert Harvest products (for both humans and animals) have used a patented filtration process to remove the anthraquinones. Our Pet-Friendly Aloe Vera Capsules are made especially for cats and dogs, and they are completely safe to use long term.

Cera, L. M., Heggers, J. P., Hafstrom, W. J., and Robson, M. C. (1982, July/August). Therapeutic protocol for thermally injured animals and its successful use in an extensively burned Rhesus monkey. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association,18, 633-638.

Abstract: This article from the University of Chicago Burn Center, is exceptional because the 70% burns received accidentally by this monkey should have been fatal, but the animal was not only saved but quickly returned to good health by treatment, the primary part of which was by Aloe vera.

Chaudhary, G. (2011). Inhibition of dimethylebenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)/croton oil induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice by Aloe vera treatment. International Journal of Biological and Medical Research, 2(3), 671-678.

Abstract: The present study, anti-cancer property of Aloe vera was evaluated against 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. A single topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (100 g/100 l of acetone), followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone three times a week) for 16 weeks exhibited 100 percent tumor incidence (group III). In contrast, animals treated topically with Aloe gel (group IV) or orally with Aloe extract (group V) and topical with Aloe gel plus orally with extract (group VI) exhibited 40, 50 and 20 per cent tumor incidence, which significantly higher than 100% tumor incidence in the group III (control). The cumulative number of papillomas during the observation period of 16 weeks was significantly decreased in the Aloe treated groups IV, V and VI (4, 5 and 2 in Aloe gel, Aloe extract, and Aloe gel plus Aloe extract treated animals respectively) in compare to 36 cumulative number of papillomas in carcinogen control group. The average latent period significantly increased from 4.9 weeks in the control group to 5.3, 6.4 and 6.5 weeks in all Aloe treated groups. The tumor burden and tumor yield were significantly lesser (1.33, 1.25 and 1.0 and 0.4, 0.5 and 0.2) as compared to DMBA/croton oil treated control (3.6 and 3.6). Furthermore, the level of lipid peroxidation was significantly lesser than in the control animals (group III) in skin. In addition, depleted levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), DNA, catalase and protein were restored in Aloe-treated groups. The study has revealed the inhibition of dimethylebenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)/croton oil induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice by Aloe vera treatment.

Gehlot, P., and Goyal, P. K. (2007). Rectification of radiation-induced damage in Swiss albino mice by aloe vera leaf extracts (AVE). Iran. J. Radiat, 5(2), 71-78.

Abstract: From the time immemorial man has been exposed to ionizing radiation from the environment in which he lives. Radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. Materials and Methods: The radio protective effect of Aloe vera leaf extract (1000 mg/kg b.wt. orally for 15 consecutive days) has been studied against 6 Gy of gamma radiation in the intestine of Swiss albino mice at various post-irradiation intervals viz. 12 hrs, 24 hrs. and 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 days. Results: Crypt survival, villus length, apoptic cells, mitotic figures and goblet cells in jejunum were studied after irradiation. Irradiation produced a significant decrease in crypt survival, mitotic figures and villus length; whereas goblet and apoptic cells showed a significant increase from sham irradiated animals. The major changes were observed on day 3 after irradiation. AVE pre-treated irradiated animals resulted in a significant increase in the number of crypt cells, mitotic figures and villus length; whereas the counts of apoptic and goblet cells showed a significant decrease from respective control group at all the autopsy intervals. Irradiated animals resulted in the elevation in lipid peroxidation and a reduction in glutathione activity. On contrary, AVE treatment before irradiation caused a significant depletion in lipid peroxidation and elevation in glutathione activity. Conclusion: The present study suggests the possible radio protective ability of Aloe vera leaf extract.

Steve Marsden, DVM ND MSOM LAc DiplCH AHG, Shawn Messonnier, DVM and Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH (2009). Biological Response Modifiers. FIV.

Abstract: There are receptors coating the surface of every cell with a nucleus that help to facilitate communication between cells. Biological response modifiers are large sugar molecules (immune polysaccharides), or sugar and protein molecules (glycoproteins) that interact with receptors on the surface of immune system cells.

Morthway, R. B. (1975, January). Experimental use of Aloe vera extract in clinical practice. Veterinary Medicine/Small Animal Clinician,70, 89.

Abstract: Animal medication: ringworm, allergy, abscess, otitis externa, hot spots, fungal infections, lacerations, lip fold dermatitis, inflamed cyst and stphyloma treated by Aloe vera.

Green, P. (1996, September). Aloe vera extracts in equine clinical practice. Veterinary Times,26(9).

Abstract: The medicinal properties of the Aloe plants have long been attested. The Egyptians and ancient Greeks used extracts in the treatment of various conditions and the products from the plants have been included in reputable oriental and western herbal texts for centuries. Two formulations of Aloe extract have been used on equine clinical cases: an oral gel that is mixed with feed, and a topical gel used as a skin lotion.

Sheets, M. A., Unger, B, A., Giggleman, G. F. Jr., and Tizzard, I. R. (BVMS, PhD). (1991, March). Studies on the effect of acemannan on retrovirus infections: Clinical stabilization of feline leukemia virus-infected cats. Molecular Biotherapy, 3, 41-45.

Abstract: Feline leukemia is a disease induced by an oncornavirus infection that inevitably causes clinically affected cats to die. It has been estimated that 40% of cats are dead within 4 weeks and 70% within 8 weeks of the onset of clinical symptoms. Acemannan is a complex carbohydrate with both immuno-stimulatory and direct antiviral properties. Administration of acemannan for 6 weeks intraperitoneally to clinically symptomatic cats significantly improved both the quality of life and the survival rate. Twelve weeks after initiation of treatment, 71% of treated cats were alive and in good health.

Ward, M. (2001, September 1). The role of nutritional therapy in the treatment of Equine Cushing’s syndrome and laminitis. Alternative Medicine Review.

Abstract: Discusses the use of nutrition and supplementation in the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome in horses.

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