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Manapol - Natural Aloe Vera Extract |
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by Kyl L. Smith D.C. |
 The Health Benefits of Aloe vera L.
Clinical studies have shown that the active
components in fresh aloe contain a
critically important complex carbohydrate
fraction called bulk acetylated mannans. This
fraction contains both soluble and insoluble
pectin and cellulose fragments as well as a
biologically active soluble compound called
acemannan, which has been shown to be very
effective as an immunostimulant and immune
system modulator with systemic benefits.
Immunomodulators are compounds that
enhance immune cell function and cytokine
synthesis and have a wide variety of potential
uses in the treatment of human and animal
disease. Acemannan also possesses significant
antiviral qualities which make it potentially
useful in the treatment of infectious diseases as
well as demonstrated anti-inflammatory, cholesterol
regulating and anticancer properties.
Manapol and the Immune System
Manapol® Powder is a patented, scientifically
validated, pharmaceutical-grade natural extract
from the inner leaf of the Aloe vera L. plant. It
consists of 25 percent acetylated mannans, 25
percent pectins, 25 percent methylcellulose
(naturally occurring fiber) and 25 percent
calcium malate. In essence, the acetylated
mannans found in Manapol stimulates specific
white blood cells called macrophages.
Macrophages are cells that patrol throughout
the body. They are considered to be the
“Sherman tanks” of the immune system.
Among their functions they seek out, ingest
and destroy bacteria, viruses, tumor cells and
other foreign material. In addition they present
material to the immune system and in this
way “up-regulate” and stimulate the immune
response to specific invading pathogens.
Macrophages secrete a number of potent chemicals that assist not only in their
scavenger role but also in performing their regulatory
activities. By-products of macrophage
activity include enzymes, growth factors,
coagulation factors, prostaglandins and most
importantly, cytokines. At least two macrophage
derived cytokines are of interest: tumor necrosis
factor (TNF), which destroys tumor cells,
promotes the growth of fibroblasts in wound
healing and stimulates the production of other
molecules involved in the immune response,
and interleukin-1 (IL-1) which enhances the
immune response mounted to infection, increases natural killer cell (NK-cell) activity
and promotes the growth of new blood vessels.
It appears that the mechanism of action
for acetylated mannans occurs when its soluble
carbohydrate fraction is readily absorbed by
macrophages and subsequently triggers the
release of the major macrophage cytokines such
as IL-1, interleukins-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis
factor (TNF).
The release of a mixture of many different
cytokines by activated macrophages can be of
therapeutic benefit in multiple diverse situations.
For example, the release of TNF or nitric
oxide from activated macrophages may result
in significant destruction of nearby cancer
or virus-infected cells. The release of IL-1
and other cytokines in damaged tissues
may enhance the rate of wound healing
and increase resistance to bacterial and viral
infections. Secondary release of cytotoxic
products and interferons may be of benefit
in antiviral immunity since it may result in
inhibition of viral replication and destroy
virus-infected cells. Most importantly, activation
of macrophages may enhance their
antigen processing ability and in doing so,
stimulate the immune responses to specific
antigens associated with them. In other words,
instead of stimulating the immune system in a
general or shotgun fashion, acetylated mannans
stimulation of macrophage cells specifically
enhances the immune system’s response to
specific conditions.
Practical Applications for Manapol
In my own personal experience and in practice,
I have found the daily consumption of
Manapol to be extremely effective in enhancing
the immune system. With children I give
four to eight ounces (160 to 320 milligrams) of
the Manapol Immune Enhancing liquid per
day, mixed with some fresh juice, at the first sign of illness (preferably on an empty
stomach). I have noticed that this application
will cut the duration and immediately reduce
the symptoms of sinus infections and the
common cold. For myself, I consume 150
milligrams of Manapol every day in a tablet
form. If I know I have been exposed to or
begin to get the symptoms of a cold or flu, I
temporarily increase the dosage to 300 or
more milligrams. This immediately alleviates
the symptomatology associated with colds
and the flu or completely prevents their
onset. In addition, I have noticed that the
time required to heal or recover from athletic
injuries such as a bruise, strain or general
muscle soreness is greatly reduced while
consuming Manapol daily. Therefore, I recommend
Manapol to athletes or those who
experience soreness after normal exercise.
It is important to note that the consumption
of 300 milligrams of Manapol daily for an
adult should be the ideal amount to produce
an enhanced immune response. In practice,
other health practitioners and I have had
excellent results with a host of digestive complaints
from food allergy and colon disorder
sufferers as well as those who suffer from
inflammatory bowel conditions. I recommend
Manapol to anyone desiring to enhance the
immune system, especially as an immune
support mechanism in conjunction with the
recommendations of an oncologist in the case
of cancer, and in the case of inflammatory
conditions in conjunction with the guidance
of a qualified physician.
Products containing the ingredient
Manapol are currently manufactured by
Carrington Laboratories and are available
through their AloeCeutical® division.
Carrington also makes its proprietary
Manapol raw material available to other
companies and manufacturers of customized
nutritional products.
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