This site could easily be a bash Monat site, but that is not the end goal. The desire is to help stylist and consumers walk away informed. Sharing scientific knowledge about haircare will help everyone makes informed decisions on all hair care products and supplements. Let us take the time today to look at one of the ingredients in Monat's S3 Vitamin. It will involve lots of links and science terms, but it will not only let you know about one of the ingredients in Monat's S3 vitamin you will gain knowledge about Aloe and if you want to encourage the taking of Aloe or Aloe leaf as part of a skin, or hair care supplement for your clients.
*I am a STRONG believer that any vitamin even OTC we must encourage our clients to ask their doctor or pharmacist advice. Many vitamin and herbal supplements can interfere with other medications that so clients should always be advised to speak with their doctor.
Now let's learn about Aloe Vera Leaf.
In many of the studies listed below, one must note the differences between the Aloe Vera Gel versus the use of the whole leaf or what is knows as Aloe Vera Latex. In Monat's S3 the leaf is used in their supplement according to their ingredient sheet.
ACTIValoe® (Aloe Vera extract 200:1) (Aloe barbadensis) (leaf)
Blood Sugar
There have been some studies to show that Aloe Vera as a supplement can lower blood sugar. So, as a non-medical person, if a stylist encourages a client to take a vitamin with Aloe. The client should be advised to monitor their blood sugar more closely.
*People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe orally because aloe may lower blood glucose levels. (from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
Laxative
One of Aloe vera latex uses as an OTC laxative. The actual latex of the aloe plant is the yellow residue found just under the skin of the leaf. So, without knowing exactly what part of the leaf, and get Monat or other supplements use we must let our clients know that if they have stomach distress to stop taking the supplement right away. Also, overuse of Aloe Latex can cause Kidney or Liver damage according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cancer research from the National Center for Complementary Integrative Health
A 2-year National Toxicology Program study on oral consumption of nondecolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine. Another study in rats showed that decolorized whole leaf aloe vera did not cause harmful effects. This suggests that a component called aloin, most of which is removed by the decolorization process may be responsible for the tumors seen in rats fed nondecolorized whole leaf aloe vera.
-We must be careful here because 26seconds is in no way saying how Monat process their aloe for use in their supplement. It is, however, a question I would ask before taking any aloe supplement. Most supplements on the market probably are decolorized.
Two important sites on Aloe Research
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