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Nosespray vaccine using aloe vera has exciting potential, researcher says
September 26, 2007Researchers at Texas A&M University are participating in developing a medicine that is worth sneezing about: a treatment for influenza that forms a jelly when sprayed into the nose.
Even though trial treatments are being used to treat bird flu in humans, technically termed the H5N1 virus, the vaccine has the potential for numerous other uses, such as for the common flu shot, says Dr. Ian Tizard, professor of pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
The project is funded in part by a $6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health awarded to DelSite Biotechnologies in conjunction with the Texas A&M teams. DelSite, an Irving-based company, has a facility in College Station.
Tizard says the method in which the vaccine gets delivered into the body is the key to the new treatment.
"We take Aloe vera leaves and put them through a series of complex extraction steps to produce a chemically pure powder, and then we combine the flu vaccine with it," he explains.
"When this powder vaccine is puffed into the nose, it forms a jelly-like substance that clings to the inside of the nose and is absorbed into the body much more effectively. It stays longer and it has more time to do its work."
Tizard says one or two puffs into the nose is all that's needed in most cases to get good results. "This powder form is more effective than a liquid spray because the nose tends to clear liquid sprays out, while the powder turns into a sticky gel and can be a much more potent vaccine.
"Also, in this powder form, it can be stored for a long period of time, which is great news if thousands or even millions of doses should be needed in the case of an emergency." Aloe vera plants are native to North Africa but can be found worldwide. There are more than 100 species of Aloe vera.
Tizard, who has conducted research using Aloe vera plants for many years, says the special carbohydrate in Aloe vera leaves is perfect for forming the gel-like substance needed to act as a carrier for the vaccine.
Tests using the new vaccine have been successful in animal trials, Tizard says, and tests on humans will begin next year.
"The plan was to try this first as a vaccine for bird flu in humans because there was an immediate concern there, and there still is the possibility that a widespread bird flu epidemic could break out somewhere in the world," Tizard adds.
"But there is no reason to think this method of vaccine treatment would not work for many other diseases, too. We think it's an exciting breakthrough that has great potential."
Texas A&M University
Tizard says the method in which the vaccine gets delivered into the body is the key to the new treatment.
"We take Aloe vera leaves and put them through a series of complex extraction steps to produce a chemically pure powder, and then we combine the flu vaccine with it," he explains.
"When this powder vaccine is puffed into the nose, it forms a jelly-like substance that clings to the inside of the nose and is absorbed into the body much more effectively. It stays longer and it has more time to do its work."
Tizard says one or two puffs into the nose is all that's needed in most cases to get good results. "This powder form is more effective than a liquid spray because the nose tends to clear liquid sprays out, while the powder turns into a sticky gel and can be a much more potent vaccine.
"Also, in this powder form, it can be stored for a long period of time, which is great news if thousands or even millions of doses should be needed in the case of an emergency." Aloe vera plants are native to North Africa but can be found worldwide. There are more than 100 species of Aloe vera.
Tizard, who has conducted research using Aloe vera plants for many years, says the special carbohydrate in Aloe vera leaves is perfect for forming the gel-like substance needed to act as a carrier for the vaccine.
Tests using the new vaccine have been successful in animal trials, Tizard says, and tests on humans will begin next year.
"The plan was to try this first as a vaccine for bird flu in humans because there was an immediate concern there, and there still is the possibility that a widespread bird flu epidemic could break out somewhere in the world," Tizard adds.
"But there is no reason to think this method of vaccine treatment would not work for many other diseases, too. We think it's an exciting breakthrough that has great potential."
Texas A&M University
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Healing power of aloe vera proves beneficial for teeth and gums, too
The aloe vera plant has a long history of healing power. Its ability to heal burns and cuts and soothe pain has been documented as far back as the 10th century.
Aloe vera coating may prolong freshness, safety of fruits and vegetables
Aloe vera gel is best known for its therapeutic effect on burned or irritated skin, but in the future you could be eating the gel as a healthful additive to your fruits and veggies.
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Aubrey Organics - 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel, 4 fl oz gel by Aubrey Organics One of nature's most effective skin soothers, aloe conditions and hydrates dry, rough or sun-exposed skin on contact. Extracted from the leaf of certified organic plants, our aloe vera does not resemble processed aloe. All we add is a little of Aubrey's natural preservative. Because it does not contain artificial thickeners, its consistency and clarity may vary. Vegan. No animal testing. Biodegradable. Recyclable container. A Swanson Web Exclusive! |
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Nature's Bounty Natural Whole Herb Aloe Vera, 470 mg, 100 Capsules (Pack of 3) by Nature's Bounty Herbal Supplement. Promotes Healthy Digestion. Since ancient times, Aloe Vera has been recognized for its calming and restorative properties. Aloe Vera contains amino acids, polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, which contribute to the well-being of the |
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Lily Of The Desert - Aloe Vera Juice Whole Leaf, 1 Gallon liquid by Lily Of The Desert |
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Lily Of The Desert - Aloe Vera Gel, 16 fl oz gel by Lily Of The Desert Lily of the Desert products are made with certified organic leaves. Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice contains a full range of valuable aloe polysaccharides. Taking aloe vera juice with other supplements helps increase absorption. It also helps maintain stomach pH balance while supporting digestion and regularity. |
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Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera Crystal Clear Aloe Gel 20 oz (567 g) by Fruit Of The Earth, Inc. Contains No Alcohol Healing Therapy Frag |
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Aloe Vera Handbook: The Acient Egyption Medicine Plant by Max B. Skousen (Author) This little book presents fascinating information about this amazing plant: a brief history, how it heals, external and internal uses, and tips on how to grow aloe vera and plant care. Includes concise information on ways to use aloe vera to treat many common health ailments. |
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Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gel, Inner Fillet, 32-Ounces (Pack of 4) by Lily Of The Desert Lily of the Desert fillet aloe vera products meet National Organic standards, and are made with 100% Certified Organic aloe vera leaves. Recent studies show that taking supplements with aloe vera will increase the absorption of these supplements by up to 200% versus taking them with water. |
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Aloe Vera Capsules 470 Mg, by Natures Bounty - 100 Capsules by LEE PHARMACEUTICAL CO. INDICATIONS: Aloe Vera contains amino acids, polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, which contribute to the well-being of the body. |
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Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera 12 oz. Gel by Fruit of the Earth Contains No Alcohol |
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Fruit Of The Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel (Bottle) 24 oz by Fruit Of The Earth Concentrated amount fresh Aloe Vera leaves on the market, this cooling gel forms a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and promote healing. |
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