Doctor's Best Manapol® is a pharmaceutical-grade, patented product from the inner leaf gel of the Aloe vera L. plant that enhances the immune system and provides nutritional benefit for digestion. The name derives from the mannose polysaccharides found in fresh Aloe gel. Manapol® is produced only from the beneficial inner gel of the Aloe plant to maximize the amount of polysaccharides present in the final product. The unique manufacturing process of Manapol® preserves the glyconutrients, or polymeric polysaccharides, in their freshest, most natural state. Manapol® contains a high level of these polysaccharides, ensuring a product that has significant supportive effects for the body’s immune system. Studies suggest that the glyconutrients contained in Manapol® enhance immune function and promote digestive health.

Manapol® Supports Immune System Function

A number of studies on the immune stimulating effects of polymeric acetylated mannans have focused on their effects on a primary cell of the immune system known as the macrophage. Macrophages are specific cells of the immune system that can take in and digest foreign material, such as bacteria, as well as dead and dying cells. The macrophage interacts with other cells of the immune system and plays a vital role in the body’s defense mechanism and ultimate wellness. The complex chained polysaccharides of the inner Aloe gel stimulate these macrophage cells. When tissue in the body is damaged or injured, the immune system is activated. Aloe vera gel possesses immune-supportive activity in part by decreasing the production of nitric oxide by macrophages. This prevents the release of inflammatory chemicals and balances immune function.

Another mechanism by which Aloe vera supports the immune system is via its free radical scavenging abilities. Various polysaccharide fractions from Aloe vera gel have been found in animal and in vitro studies to possess antioxidant properties. For instance, mannose-containing polysaccharides of Aloe vera gel are effective scavengers of superoxide free radicals and limit the production of lipid peroxides, thus preventing oxidative stress-induced cell damage that typically occurs with aging.

Acemannan is the generic name given to Aloe-derived mannan polysaccharides (aceylated mannans). These polysaccharides are contained in Manapol® along with other polysaccharides now known to also have immune-stimulating properties. Many of the clinical studies investigating the effects of Aloe gel on the immune system and wound healing have used acemannan and have found it to be an immune stimulant. For instance, acemannan has been found in animal studies to significantly increase fibroblast replication (responsible for healing) and macrophage phagocytosis (responsible for enhancing immune defenses). It has also been found to stimulate the synthesis of important immune system chemicals called cytokines. In vitro, acemannan can induce the maturation of immature dendritic cells, which are the most important accessory cells for the initiation of primary immune responses.

In humans, acemannan has been found to increase the population of white blood cells called monocytes in the blood. Monocytes eventually differentiate into various types of macrophages once they leave the blood and enter the body’s tissues. In a multiple-dose, parallel group tolerance study of acemannan by its manufacturer, Carrington, blood samples of twenty-four healthy male volunteers reportedly showed an increase in the monocyte population and in the monocyte HLA-DR gene expression after six days of acemannan supplementation at varying dosages, indicating potential immune benefits of this polysaccharide. More extensive human clinical trials with acemannan and/or other Aloe extracts are needed to clarify their specific immune-enhancing properties in humans.

Manapol® Aids in Digestion

Aloe vera is traditionally used to control occasional abdominal discomfort. Most human studies examining the effects of Aloe on gastrointestinal function have utilized Aloe juice rather than a dried form such as Manapol®. Preliminary research found that Aloe juice helped regulate the pH of the stomach, increased ability to digest protein, and enhanced softening or bulking of the stool without causing diarrhea. In rats, Aloe has been found to have significant healing effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Aloe vera gel may be of therapeutic value for people experiencing occasional bowel distress. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Aloe vera gel significantly helped individuals with bowel discomfort. Forty-four participants were randomly assigned to receive Aloe vera gel (100 ml twice a day) or placebo for four weeks. Individuals were advised to start with 25 to 50 ml twice a day for up to three days, to insure tolerability. Complete clinical improvement occurred in 30% of those taking Aloe vera and 7% of those taking placebo (p = 0.09). Clinical response (complete or partial) occurred in 47% of patients taking Aloe vera and 14% of those taking placebo (p < 0.05). Sigmoidoscopic scores and laboratory parameters did not differ significantly between groups. Adverse events were minor and were similar in the two groups.19 Another recent study found that Aloe vera juice consumption lead to improvements in measures of bowel comfort and bowel habit satisfaction scores in individuals with digestive discomfort characterized primarily by diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation. These effects were evident while the participants were on the Aloe vera juice, but were not sustained once the patients stopped taking the Aloe vera, suggesting its therapeutic effect.

Manapol® is a concentrate of polysaccharide components from the inner gel of Aloe vera and supplementation with this product may have similar benefits for overall digestive health.

Aloe vera L. (Aloe barbadensis) has been used as a healing medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is now known that the inner gel is made up of natural compounds, consisting primarily of acetylated mannans, which are contained in Manapol®. While some common methods of processing Aloe can destroy or have more damaging effects on these healing polysaccharides, Manapol®’s patented processing technique preserves them. This gives Manapol® the consistent power to both stimulate the immune system and aid in digestion.