Aloe Ferox - Supply Chain Challenges & the Use of Rhubarb as an Alternative by Dr. Shankar Katekhaye, director of Quality & Research at Nature's Laboratory

 Properties and Use of Aloe ferox

Aloe ferox, also known as Cape Aloe, is native to South Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for its health benefits related to digestive health and skin care. Key biological uses are

1. Digestive Health: Aloin and anthraquinones in Aloe ferox have strong laxative properties, therefore, it is often used to treat constipation.
2. Weight Loss and Detox: Aloe ferox has the ability to clear toxins from the digestive tract, therefore, it is sometimes used in detoxification regimens and to support weight loss efforts.
3. Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and irritation, internally for digestive issues.
4. Skin Care: The gel from Aloe ferox is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it beneficial for healing burns, wounds, and treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Cultivation and supply chain concerns

Aloe ferox is not currently considered endangered, but it is classified as a species of concern due to habitat loss and unsustainable harvesting practices in some areas. The plant is listed on CITES Appendix II (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This means that while it is not immediately threatened with extinction, its trade should be controlled to avoid over-exploitation that could lead to such a status. Wild harvesting, especially of its leaves, needs to be done sustainably to prevent populations from declining.

Nature’s Laboratory uses Aloe ferox in some multicomponent formulae (practitioners use for laxative applications). Lately, we experienced disruption in the supply chain of this ingredient, but being a responsible manufacturer of natural medicine, our expert internal research and development team has embarked on finding a credible alternative to Aloe ferox, particularly for laxative formulae. Although, we will continue to stock this item and use for other purposes (skin care, weight loss and detox), also using an alternative will reduce the dependence on this herb of concern.

Alternative: Rhubarb

Rhubarb, particularly the root of rhubarb (Rheum palmatum or Rheum officinale), pictured above, is also rich in anthraquinones and acts as a laxative. Rhubarb's root is more commonly used for treating constipation, inflammation, and liver-related issues.

Rhubarb and Aloe ferox are both plants with medicinal properties. They share laxative properties due to similar compounds (anthraquinones) and can be typically used as direct alternatives to one another for laxative purposes.