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Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens) in the therapy and prophylaxis of upper respiratory tract infections: traditional use and recent research results

Baumaloe(Aloe arborescens) in der Therapie und Prophylaxe von Infekten der oberen Atemwege: Traditionelle Verwendung und aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse

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Summary

Aloe arborescens (Candelabra Aloe) has been used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in Central and Eastern European countries for many decades. Originally introduced to support the healing and recovery in cornea transplant patients, aqueous A. arborescens extracts soon became popular in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections with a focus on toddlers and children. Recent preclinical and clinical data show that immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, and antiviral effects contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Based on its well documented, longstanding traditional use and its excellent safety and tolerability, A. arborescens may be considered a valuable addition to the spectrum of herbal medicinal products for the treatment and prophylaxis of upper respiratory tract infections, in particular common cold, in adults and children.

Zusammenfassung

Aloe arborescens, die Baumaloe, wird in Mittel- und Osteuropa seit vielen Jahrzehnten bei Erkrankungen der oberen Atemwege eingesetzt. Wurden Zubereitungen aus Baumaloe in den 1930er Jahren zunächst zur Unterstützung der Heilung und Rekonvaleszenz bei Cornea-Transplantationen eingesetzt, spielte schon bald ihre Anwendung bei Atemwegserkrankungen von Kleinkindern und Kindern eine wichtigere Rolle. Neuere präklinische und klinische Daten zeigen, dass immunmodulatorische, entzündungshemmende und antivirale Effekte zur Wirksamkeit von Aloe arborescens beitragen. Aufgrund ihrer jahrzehntelangen gut dokumentierten Anwendung und ihrer sehr guten Verträglichkeit können Zubereitungen aus Aloe arborescens eine wertvolle Ergänzung des Spektrums pflanzlicher Arzneimittel für die symptomatische Behandlung und Rezidivprophylaxe von Erkältungskrankheiten bei Erwachsenen und Kindern darstellen.

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Notes

  1. At this stage, Bioaron C® did not contain Vitamin C, while in all other studies, it also contained Vitamin C.

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Conflict of interest

Financial support for studies reported in references no. 2, 18–21, 24, 25, 28, 31, 32, 34–41 and 43 was provided by Phytopharm Kleka S.A., Kleka, Poland. The sponsor had influence on the planning and conduct of the studies and provided the study medication/test substances. Jerzy Jambor and Anna Michalak and Natalia Walas-Marcinek are employees of Phytopharm Kleka and (co)-authors of some of the above mentioned publications.

Andrzej Fal has served as a consultant for Phytopharm Klęka S.A.

Petra Bastian, Britta Noster, Hartwig Sievers and Anke Steuber are employees of PhytoLab, which is a pharmaceutical contract laboratory for Phytopharm Kleka. They provided services on a contract basis related to several of the cited studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. PhytoLab GmbH & Co. KG, Vestenbergsgreuth, Germany

    Petra Bastian, Britta Noster,  Hartwig Sievers & Anke Steuber

  2. Chair Institute of Public Health, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland

    Andrzej M. Fal

  3. Phytopharm Klęka S.A., Kleka, Poland

    Jerzy Jambor,  Anna Michalak & Natalia Walas-Marcinek

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  1. Petra Bastian
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  2. Andrzej M. Fal
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Correspondence to Hartwig Sievers.

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Bastian, P., Fal, A., Jambor, J. et al. Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens) in the therapy and prophylaxis of upper respiratory tract infections: traditional use and recent research results. Wien Med Wochenschr 163, 73–79 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-012-0171-3

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