Better Aloe – Higher in Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are arguably the most beneficial group of compounds found in aloes. Acemannan is the best known and studied of these polysaccharides, but is only one of countless versions of long-chained (and branching) sugar molecules found in aloe gels. Because of the nature of polysaccharide molecules (their variety, individual effects, and combined effects) understanding the activity and identity of individual polysaccharides is a complicated task. Much has yet to be learned regarding activities and mechanisms of action for polysaccharides. An example of a section of a polysaccharide which includes acetylated mannose (acemannan), a glucose in the chain, and a branched galactose sugar molecule:

Alomac test results average total polysaccharides over 25% (dry wt/wt). Aloe vera products rarely report over 15% total polysaccharides. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC, separates molecules by size; polysaccharides are uniquely large molecules) data comparing to Aloe vera gel show Aloe macroclada has polysaccharide peaks at higher molecular weights (highest quality Aloe vera available was used). Efforts are underway to study these polysaccharides in Aloe macroclada and understand their role in the demonstrated increase in circulating adult stem cells, and the mechanism by which it happens.

During Alomac production, extraction of the gel from the leaves is performed manually. The

gel filet includes lignin molecules which hold the gel together and give the leaf rigidity.

Alomac production blends, homogenizes and mills these lignin molecules into fine particles. Lignins are large molecules not very soluble in water. No enzymatic treatments are used in the production of Alomac.

Many Aloe vera gel producers treat the gel with enzymes to break down lignins chemically, making them water soluble. This allows easier filtration with minimal mechanical homogenization required. Enzymes are added to the gel and allowed to act on the lignins. However, these enzymes also attack polysaccharides, breaking them into smaller chain lengths. Something Alomac production avoids.

Some top selling aloes mechanically extract the entire leaf, smashing out all of the liquids including the aloin-containing sap. They then treat the mixture with enzymes to make it all water soluble, then filter the watery solution through activated charcoal to remove the aloins. Some of these aloe producers then claim that their process intentionally shortens polysaccharide chain lengths to an “optimal” length. They turn a natural product into a highly processed product.

Only citric acid is added to Aloe macroclada gel as a natural inhibitor of bacterial growth. The only heat applied is part of the Refractance Window Drying method used to dry the gel. No enzymes or other chemicals are added to Alomac. The final dry gel is finely milled such that lignin particles cannot be detected when Alomac is mixed in a glass of water.

Do Lemurs Really Eat Aloe?

Lemurs eat a wide range of fruits, plant, insects, and, yes, aloe. While we haven’t conducted any scientific studies, we’re pretty certain that they also enjoy the health benefits of Aloe macroclada. Everyone knows about the adorable lemurs only found on the Red Island, Madagascar. There are also the less-adorable lemurs, like the aye aye, and many varieties in between.

Madagascar is known for its unique flora and fauna. The Rosy Periwinkle flowers found in gardens around the world, and important source of anti-cancer medicines, originated in Madagascar. From baobabs to chameleons to rosewood, lots of unique species can be found in the many different environments on this big red island. Aloe macroclada is one of these unique and special species.

Like lemurs, Aloe macroclada (vahona in Malagasy) is threatened in the wild. Its habitats are disappearing. Our experiences growing vahona tell us young plants cannot handle direct sunlight for the first year or more. They rely on shade until mature and are often found on the edges of forests as well as in and around tall grasses and shrubs. Centuries of (colonial) deforestation followed by massive amounts of charcoal production plus the use of slash-and-burn agriculture has sadly reduced the natural habitat of lemurs, as well as vahona, and adversely affected the number of wild vahona plants.

As a business working with vahona, we make great efforts and take great pride in planting trees of many varieties, as well as many vahona plants, while spreading the message to stop burning. Our efforts are having positive effects in small and humble ways. We hope our efforts and messages spread over time with more an more people being aware of what is being lost and what they should be doing to save it.

I hope to some day to see a lemur sitting in a tree we planted eating vahona.

Giving back to Madagascar

The gift of Aloe macroclada comes from all Malagasy, therefore we operate in a way which benefits as many Malagasy as possible. Our aloe plants are cultivated in villages spread around the central highlands of Madagascar, whom we helped form Associations and taught to manage themselves. We proudly work with them and assist them in all aspects of cultivation and harvesting from seeds to leaf deliveries. All of our Association villages now have schools and teachers and books because of our collaborations and financial assistance.

We teach and practice proper harvest techniques along with land and water conservation. Near the end of each dry season we work to end field and forest burning. Along with tens of thousands of Aloe macroclada plants, we plant significant numbers of indigenous trees every year.

Our collaboration with the University of Antananarivo on research includes sponsoring multiple graduate students and internships. We've learned about Aloe macroclada seed germination, nurseries, transplantation, cultivation and harvesting, which is shared with the University and the Environment Ministry.

In our local community, we assist with waste collection, food distribution (common on holidays here), school teacher salaries, and numerous other small ways. Our employees are paid good wages including social security and insurance. Being a good partner to the people and the country are core to our operations.