ALOE VERA RESCUE

P.O. BOX 101309 - 00101 EMAIL: rescuealoevera@yahoo.com

NAIROBI TEL: 0720-612188

11th March, 2009.

Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: PROPOSAL ON ALOE VERA RESCUE INITIATIVE
The accompanying proposal titled Aloe Vera Rescue is submitted for your due
consideration. Aloe Vera Rescue is a national non-governmental organization that is
registered in Kenya mandated to engage and promote conservation of the environment,
through rehabilitation of habitats and species.

On furtherance of this objective, our organization has embarked on an initiative aimed at

conserving the endangered Aloe Barbadensis Miller in Kenya. We plan to engage into
promoting cultivation of the aloes in addition to educating and training farmers, women’s
and persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS on the benefits that can accrue by
growing the aloe plants.

Thus we intend to sustainably exploit this endangered natural resource to empower our
communities combat AIDS with “a pharmacy in a plant” in addition to increasing their
household income. We therefore seek to request for technical and financial support from
your organization and persons of goodwill to enhance our capacity. We promise that any
monies received will be put to the intended use. Your positive gesture will be of much
assistance to the initiative as it will give hope and health to many Kenyans infected with
HIV/AIDS.

We look forward to your favorable response.

Yours Faithfully,

Signed
Peter Ngethe Mungai
Chairman
For Aloe Vera Rescue
 ALOE VERA RESCUE INITIATIVE

(PROPOSAL FOR FUNDING OF CONSERVATION OF ALOE BARBADENISIS MILLER)

PREPARED BY:

ALOE VERA RESCUE

A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

REG. NO. OP.218/051/2006/0127/4373

P.O. BOX 30233-00100

NAIROBI
KENYA.

TEL: 254-720-612188

Email: rescuealoevera@yahoo.com

11th March, 2009.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 Executive Summary……………………………………………..3
2.0 Background and Rationale…………………………….………..4
2.1 What is aloe Vera ……………………….………………..4
2.2 Aloes and HIV/AIDS...……………………………………5
3.0 Objectives…………………………………………………………8
3.1 HIV-Positive women’s and families …………………..…9
4.0 Implementation strategy……………………………………..…10
5.0 Stakeholders…………………………..…………………………11
6.0 Monitoring and evaluation plan………………………..………12
6.1 Activities Schedules………………………………………13
7.0 Capacity development Plan ……………………………….…...14
8.0 Budget and Cost Schedule………………………………..…….14
9.0 Financing plan……………………………………..……………16
10.0 References……….………………………………………………18

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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There is overwhelming anecdotal evidence and promising early research of health
benefits of aloe vera. Perhaps the most remarkable research concerns the effect of aloe
vera on the status of patients with HIV which causes AIDS. McAnalley administered a
polysaccharide, acemennan, fraction of aloe vera orally to 8 patients with HIV/AIDS. All
8 showed an improvement within 90 days of treatment. Fever and night sweats were
eliminated in all patients. Diarrhea was alleviated in 2 of 3 patients. Opportunistic
infections were controlled in 6 out of the 8 patients. Two patients, unemployed because of
their symptoms, were able to return to full employment.

Acemannan, a complex sugar extracted from the aloe Vera plant has been shown to
inhibit HIV replication in the test tube, stimulate macrophages and boost the anti-viral
effects of a combination of AZT and acyclovir in the test tube (McDaniel). Acemennan is
also known by its trade name, Carrisyn.

Ironically, aloe vera plant is among the many species of flora endangered with extinction.
The uncontrolled exploitation of wild species for their medicinal and economic gain has
continuously endangered the same valuable species.

Our project, Aloe Vera Rescue initiative, thus engages in domestication and conservation
for sustainable health and economic exploitation of the endangered Aloe Barbadenisis
Miller. We intend to establish an Aloe Nurseries and demonstration farms to grow and
distribute Aloe Vera plants to rural households. With the plants having many beneficial
compounds that are safe, effective, supportive and restorative to the AIDS patients. We
intend to educate and train persons living with AIDS and the community in general on the
benefits of the aloe plant and on how to grow and manufacture aloe Vera juice from the
plant. We also plan to vertically integrate by moving into the manufacturing of aloe Vera
based products that AIDS patients can have access to at subsidized cost.

The initiative intends to capitalize on medicinal plants for their bio-economic benefits
while sustainably exploiting them.

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2.0 BACKGROUNDS AND RATIONALE
2.1 What is Aloe Vera?
General Description
Plant characteristics:
Fleshy, spear like or triangular leaves rising in a rosette configuration; as many as 30
leaves per plant; saw like leaf margins; leaf is filled with gel from a central, clear
mucilaginous pulp; plant grows to 1.5 to 4 feet high. Of the 200+ species of Aloe vera, 4
have nutritional value, and Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most common.

Part harvested for medicinal effects; leaf

Latex (corrugated lining containing bitter juice): laxative properties
Gel (central perenchymal tissue): other applications.

Chemical Composition
Active compounds
 Saccharides (acetylated mannose): antiviral and immunopotentiating action.
 Anthraquinones (aloin, barbaloin, aloe-emodin): cathartics.
 Prostaglandins and fatty acids (gamma-linoleic acid…..Prostaglandin 1 series:
favorable effects on inflammation, allergy, platelet aggregation, would healing.
 Others: enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals.
Pharmacology
Antiviral: acemannan
 Direct antiviral activity against HIV 1 by inhibiting glycosylation of viral
glycoproteins.
 Acts synergistically with AZT or acyclovir by inhibiting the replication of HIV
and HSV1.
 Also effective against feline leukemia, influenza and measles.

Immune enhancement: acemannan

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  Enhancement of macrophage activity, release of immune system potetiators, T cell
function, interferon production.
 Possible activity in sarcoma and spontaneous tumors.

Dosage
 Juice: no more than one quart/day i.e. 0.94 of litres.
 Acemannan: (HIV/AIDS) 800-1600 mg/day (0.5 – 1 L/day of juice).

2.2 Aloes and HIV/AIDS

The healing uses of aloe vera have also been studied internally. When taken in a capsules
form, aloe vera has proven to be a cure for constipation. Other uses are currently
unproven, but many people still rely on aloe to cure a range of common ailments.

The following DVM and PhD’s presented a paper in Brussels Belgium, in April 1990,
Jasbir B. Kohlon, Maurice C. Kemp, Ni Yawei, Robert H. Carpenter, William M.
Shannon, and Bill H. McAnalley. Research concluded that aloe, or a substance extracted
from it, is a very effective treatment against HIV-1 and other strains of the virus which
causes AIDS.
Research confirms that daily ingestion (20 oz. or more) can act as an immunization
against the HIV infection. In HIV positive or AIDS patients, Aloe:
(1) Keeps infected T-4 cells from reproducing the virus,
(2) Either kills free virus in the blood or it stimulates the individual’s immune system
to kill the virus or both,
(3) It stops the disease AIDS from developing in HIV positive patients and can
completely reverse the disease in those with AIDS, and
(4) Some patients become syro-negative. (The virus or antibody to the virus can no
longer be found in the blood.)

Most aloe vera products contain such low concentrations of juice from the plant that is
doubtful that any of the potentially beneficial substances are present in high enough
concentration to inhibit viruses or kill bacteria. Aloe products using only the juice (the

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water stored in the leaves) are much less potent than those containing the sap (the bitter
yellow resin) and the best extracts of aloe vera are likely to be those which are heat-
processed extracts of the whole leaf.

Purified acemennan is produced by a number of processes; some AIDS treatment

publications have suggested that it may enhance the effectiveness of anti-viral drugs such
as AZT and reduce their toxicities.

Carrington laboratories, a manufacturer of acemennan in the United States, presented

data at the Ninth International AIDS Conference which provided the follow-up
information on participants in a 1986 trial of acemennan. Those who had maintained a
daily intake of 500-800mg of acemennan over six years had an average CD4 count of
346, almost identical to their average CD4 count on entry to the trial in 1986. The
average CD8 count had risen from 359 to 1395. In contrast, those who had not
maintained acemennan intake had died (although the report does not provide clear
information on how many individuals were recruited to the original trial, so we cannot be
certain that everyone who ceased acemennan therapy subsequently died).

The authors suggest that the survival of these patients may be explained by the very high
level of CD8 cells, and that acemennan may activate CD8 cells, as previously
demonstrated in laboratory studies.
The report does not give any details of other treatments received during the six year
follow-up, nor of any symptoms reported during the follow-up period (McDaniel). On the
basis of this report alone it is difficult to be certain whether or not acemennan provides
long term benefit and more rigorous trials are needed.

Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides

Various AIDS studies were completed by researchers such as Dr Terry pulse, M.D., Dr.
Reg McDaniel, M.D., Dr. Terry Watson, D.O., Dr. Clumeck, M.D. (of Belgium) and
others throughout the world using oral mucopolysaccharides. The results were
impressive, demonstrating in many of the studies an average of 70% improvement in

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symptoms and laboratory criteria within 3 to 4 months. Many patients stated that
opportunistic infections had stopped and they were able to return to normal activity.

In one dramatic case, a man with advanced AIDS had 17 liver tumors and after one and a
half years on oral Aloe mucopolysaccharides, his T-cell count was normal and all the
tumors had dissolved (confirmed by x-ray films).

Lab studies showed that helper lymphocytes (CD4) rose three times the pre-treatment
levels. HIV-1 virus could no longer be cultured. P-24 antigen levels for the virus dropped
or became negative.

Researchers at Vanderbilt medical center in Nashville, Tennessee discovered that Aloe

mucopolysaccharides alter synthesis and thus the structure of the AIDS virus envelope
necessary for infecting lymphocytes.

Further studies at the southern research institute found that there is suppression of the
viral messenger RNA in HIV-1 infected leukocytes. Therefore, the reproduction of HIV-1
is inhibited with a natural and non-toxic substance.

Aloe Vera juice proved to be an effective part of a nutritional support program for HIV+
patients according to the journal of Advancement in medicine. For four months, 29
patients were given 100% pure aloe Vera juice (five ounces, four times daily) along with
an essential fatty acid supplement and another supplement containing vitamins, minerals
and amino acids. Patients were told to continue with their normal diet and not to take
other supplements.

After 90 days, all of the patients had fewer occurrences of opportunistic infections,
thrush, fatigue, and diarrhea, as well as increased white blood cell counts (meaning their
immune systems were responding positively). Their assessment of overall quality of
health also improved. In 25% of the patients, aloe apparently knocked out the virus’s
ability to reproduce. Researchers found that aloe (the mannose extract and perhaps other

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compounds) stimulates the body’s immune system, particularly T4 helper cells, white
blood cells that activate the immune response to infection.

It’s no mystery that aloe Mucoplysaccharides disrupts the behavior of the AIDS virus in a
positive way. Furthermore the effect AMP has on the immune system (increasing T-Cell
count) is remarkable to say the least.

Why conserve the Aloe Barbadensis miller

Many natural resources are limited in supply and in danger of being overstretched beyond
their current rate of consumptions. Further, other species are endangered with extinction
from human economic activities. The initiative, thus aims at developing a comprehensive
approach where conservation of Aloe Vera will be linked positively to management of
HIV/AIDS.
In-addition, most of the infected with HIV/AIDS also are from poor rural communities
that can exploit the plant economically to better their household income. The plant can
also be potted and grown in informal settlement.

The Aloe Vera Rescue Initiative targets to conserve Aloe Barbadenisis Miller which has
huge medicinal and economic value yet endangered with extinction due to unplanned and
uncontrolled exploitation. These aloe species among others are classified as endangered
plants species under CITES (convention on international trade in endangered Species)
that prohibit unsustainable trade on the species, yet on the same breath there is no
concerted effort to conserve the species.

3.0 OBJECTIVES
The ability to exploit Aloe Barbadenisis Miller for health and economic gain for the
benefit of people infected with HIV/AIDS without jeopardizing the existence of the same
is the big idea. With sustainable exploitation of the species, health and economic benefits
will be realized in the communities.

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Aloe Vera is extracted from aloe plant and has been credited with the ability to serve a
medicinal purpose. Aloe is a succulent that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Aloe Vera
is used in many forms for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and
antifungal properties that prevent illness. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a home
remedy.

Aloe Vera that comes directly from the plant is a yellowish liquid. It can be obtained by
simply breaking off a piece of the aloe Vera plant. The liquid will run out and can be
applied topically. The leaves can also be crushed and used as a salve.

The healing properties of aloe Vera come from the 18 amino acids it contains. Aloe Vera
contains all the vitamins, except D, that people need on daily basis. It also contains
enzymes, minerals, anti-microbial, amino acids and sugars that are all beneficial to the
human body. All of these ingredients in aloe Vera are why it is used to aid digestion,
reduce inflammation, cleanse and sooth the body. It is used to heal skin that has been
damaged. A common usage is to sooth sunburned skin. Aloe Vera can also be made into
juices, gels, powders and is often added to products. Aloe Vera can be found in cosmetics,
shampoos, lotions and many other common household aloe Vera products. The many
benefits of aloe Vera are not fully researched as of yet.

The aloe gel among others has high demand in Europe and other economies in
transitions, a market that is worth exploring. In-addition the aloe plants can be
commercially exploited as an ornamental shrubs. This can reduce the levels of poverty by
supplementing family income in addition to taking care of their health.

With population explosion the need for agricultural lands has been putting pressure on
world species and risking extinction valuable resources. Medicinal plants are not
exceptional and mainstreaming the endangered species into management and
combating HIV/AIDS will be a great milestone in their conservational efforts.

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3.1 HIV-Positive Women and Families Grow Own Aloe Vera to Improve their Health
Women living with HIV/AIDS and families affected by the scourge will be encouraged to
grow aloe plant to compliment and maintain their nutritional health requirements. In
Kenya, the weather is becoming unpredictable and many families that rely on agriculture
farming for subsistence are experiencing food shortages. The government of Kenya has
already declared famine a national disaster. To this end, HIV infected persons are also
becoming nutritionally challenged as many families cannot afford the cost of escalating
food prices. Prior to full blown AIDS, good nutrition is vital to maintain health and to
forestall, as long as possible, the onset of AIDS. Aloe Vera plant will provide these vital
nutritious elements as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

In management of HIV/AIDS it is critically important to respond to the countless people

who are HIV positive, but not yet at the phase of experiencing fully blown AIDS. Most of
this people have opportunistic infections, the pre-AIDS illnesses that require medication,
though the medicines may not be there. At this moment the aloe juice (whole) is
important as a recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 showed
300% better absorption of Vitamins C & E when taken with Aloe Vera juice.

In Kenya, the number of people the government is giving free ARV treatment has
increased tremendously; equally the number that are dependent on government relief
foods is also on the rise. This was precipitated by post election violence in Kenya and
was made worse by crop failure in many parts of the country. Investing on aloe Vera will
be a smart move as the plant is drought resistant that will help farmers to adapt to the
changing climate. The changing climate in Africa if not well addressed could usher in
chronic hunger and malnutrition across large swaths of the developing world

4.0 IMPLIMENTATION STRATEGY

The Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the plant species that is being targeted for our
conservational farming. Aloe plants species are staggered all over the dry land of Kenya.
Most of these species are extinct in areas where human activities are undertaken. We plan
to introduce aloe barbadensis millers due to its special health and economic benefits.

11
We are implementing our strategy by propagating the suckers, seeds, cuttings and
through tissue culture. Suckers of few available species are also harvested and re-
planting (re-introduction) them in nursery and latter transplanted in farms. This is a faster
method of consolidating the species. Where seeds of the species are available, planting
them on nurseries (introduction) before transplanting them into the demonstration farms.
Thus twin strategy of introduction and re-introduction are explored at the moment. We
intend to scale our strategy to tissue culture propagation in future. We currently lack the
technical capacity to this powerful technology.

On implementation phase, sustainable propagation, cultivation and harvesting practices

that involves the local communities in policy decision making and marketing is critical to
ensure sustainable livelihood. With planned implementation, the acreage under
cultivation will be increased gradually.

The demonstrations farms are the right avenues for training and sensitizing the local
communities in the need to conserve and exploit the species. The communities will also
be trained on how to process the aloe Vera juice for their own use.

5.0 STAKEHOLDERS
 Persons living with HIV/AIDS
 Organizational members
 Government
 Neighboring communities
 Sponsors/Donors
 Employees
(i) Persons living with HIV/AIDS
We equally believe that keeping people alive is a great thing. We in Africa owe it to
people with AIDS to come with innovative way to management of the disease in-addition
to giving them hope and care.

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ii) Organizational members
To actively engage in operation and implementations of Aloe Vera Rescue Initiative.
These like minded persons provide material and financial support before a donor can be
found.

iii) Government.
The government has licensed the organization to undertake the mandated objectives of
conserving the endangered plants species and meets its maiden objective. It has also
provided an enabling environment for the initiative to thrive. The government is in the
process of developing a national policy on these plants. We will work closely with
government ministries and other regulatory agencies.

iv) Neighboring Communities

The positive contribution of the initiative to uplift lives of people with AIDS in our local
communities will give it the “social license to operate.” The locals will volunteers their
farms for demonstrations and extension services in latter stages of the project
implementation. Indigenous knowledge is paramount in natural resource management,
which will be blend with new approaches of conservations for sustainability. Successful
conservation is only feasible through involvement of local communities.

v) Sponsor(s)
The sponsor(s) will support the organization with technical and financial support. In
addition, the organization will also seek to liaise with the donor community/sponsors to
tap into their rich experience in environmental conservation, management of HIV/AIDS
and in community development. We are committed to promoting national and
international collaborations where experiences and best practices are exchanged.

vi) Employees
They are duty bound arising out of respect for the worth and dignity of individuals
infected and affected with HIV/AIDS to devote their time and energy.

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6.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN
Endangered species management
Various species will require species specific management approach to build their viability
and sustainability. This is mainly through introduction and re-introductions strategies.

The project addresses the issue of sustainability of the endangered plants species. The
implementation is gradual phased.
 Year 2009/2010
The benchmark for year 2009/2010 is to consolidate the acreage of various plants
species to one hundred acres (Total 100 Acres) in various demonstration farms. Our
plants will be grown organically, with no pesticide use. It’s the aloe plants from these
farms that will be provided to people with AIDS to plant in their farms. The
community will be trained and educated on how to take care of their aloe Vera plants.
We shall integrate training of local communities to our programme activities through
organizing community events, exhibiting in agricultural shows and farmer’s field day.

6.1 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

2 2
009 010
MAIN TASKS 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
Identification of the plant x
species xxx
Introduction to Nursery x x
xxx xxx
Introduction into demonstration x x x x xxxx
farms xxx xxx xxx xxx

Training
Organizing and participating in x x x x x xxxx
farmers field days xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx
Exhibiting in agricultural x x xxxx
shows xxx xxx
Assessment point 1 •
Assessment point 2 •

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Assessment point 3 •
Assessment point 4 •

The assessment points will gather the Executive Director, Finance Director, the funding
organization during a meeting to discuss ALOE VERA RESCUE evolution and assess its
results.

7.0 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The members of The Aloe Rescue are fairly educated, but training in skills of managing
such a project is paramount. The capacity of the members will gradually be upgraded
with support of the donors to bring the initiative to fruitful takeoff. The current team
members include:

PROJECT TEAM
Chairman; [Peter Ngethe Mungai]
He is a holders both Bachelors of commerce degree and a master’s degree in business
administration from University of Nairobi.
Treasurer; [Florence Wanja]
She holds Bachelors degree in Business Management degree from St Paul University
Limuru.
Secretary; [Robert Muiruri]
He is a qualified teacher. He is a graduate of Kamwenja Teachers Training College.
Managing Director; [Daniel Ngugi]
He is a qualified dentist from Kenya Medical Training College. He is the gentleman who
manages the operation of the organization on a day to day basis.

The capacity of the above team will be upgraded to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
This will be done through elaborate manpower development and collaborations.
8.0 BUDGET AND COST SCHEDULE

ALOE VERA RESCUE INITIATIVE

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 BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR THE PERIOD
1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010
SHS SHS
* Lease
100 acres of land at Kshs. 10,000/= per acre 1,000,000
Rent:
Office space @Kshs. 20,000 per month 240,000

Water tank and Installation:

2 plastic tanks @Kshs 100,000 200,000

Pumps:
Water pumps, sprinklers and pipes 250,000

Motor Vehicle:
1 Toyota Van 800,000
(To ferry volunteers to training venues)

Furniture’s and fittings 200,000

Computers and office stationery:
4pcs@ Ksh 30,000 120,000
2 printers 40,000
Office stationery 120,000 280,000

Fuels:
Water pumps:
(8hrs x 5ltrs x 42wks x Ksh 75) 126,000
Motor vehicle:
(Ksh 5,000 per wk x 42wks) 210,000 336,000

Training costs 1,000,000

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(Cost for logistics for exhibitions and community field days)
Labor cost:
Volunteer workers xxxxxxx
Insurance Services 50,000
Contingencies 100,000
Totals 4,456,000

Kshs 4,456,000/= is equivalent to US$ 57,870at current exchange rate of 1US$ = Ksh 77

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS.

1. To lease one hundred acres. We are exploring to lease KARI land at Thika.
2. The Toyota Van to be used in ferrying farm hands and also ferry species to
demonstration farm.

9.0 FINANCING PLAN

The team is exploring various avenues of raising the finances from donors, organization
and individuals of goodwill. We have been writing to various organizations for assistance,
though we are yet to secure any funding.

We recognize that this initiative will to a great extent supplement and diversify sources of
income for local communities as we conserve the endangered plant species. At the
moment the initiative does not have any financier but we are determined to roll out the
scale of the project gradually. When finances will be secured, we shall turn this project to
a model of a successful conservational health-linked initiative that will be self sustaining.

References:

Risper Pete
Program Manager
The National Council of NGOs

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 P.O. Box 48278 – 00100
NAIROBI>
Tel: +254-020-3565354
Fax: +254-20-2247400
Cell: +254-722 487307
Email: info@ngocouncil.or.ke/petengocouncil.or.ke
Website: www.ngocouncil.or.ke

The Executive Director

NGOs Co-ordination Board
Co-op bank Hse Bldg 15th Flr,
P.O. Box 44617 – 00100
NAIROBI
Tel: 254-020-2214044, 2213938, 2213856, 2214487
Email: info@ngobureau.or.ke
Website: www.ngobureau.or.ke

10.0 References:

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Yagi, A., et al. Isolation and characterization of the glycoprotein fraction with a
proliferation-promoting activity on human and hamster cells in vitro from Aloe Vera gel.
Planta Medica. 63(1): 18-21, 1997 Feb.

Karaka, K., et al. Nitric Oxide production by chicken macrophages activated by

Acemannan, a complex carbohydrate extracted from Aloe Vera. International Journal of
Immunopharmacology. 17(3): 183-8, 1995 March.

McDaniel, H.R. & McAnalley, B.H. Evaluation of Acemannan in the treatment of

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Scientific Poster Presentations,
Texas Society of Pathologists, University of Texas health science Center, Galveston
Texas, 29-31 January 1988.

Castleman, M. The Healing Herbs. Rodale press, Emmaus, PA. 1991. p. 42-44.

Covington, TR, et al. Handbook of nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical

Association, Washington DC. 1996. p. 231,234,643,707-708.

Davis, RH, et al. Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in
Aloe Vera. Journal of the American podiatric medical association. 8492): 77-81, 1994
Feb.

McDaniel HR et al. In vitro studies on polymannoacetate (Carrisyn0 for antiviral effect.

American Society of Clinical Pathologists Scientific assembly, New Orleans, 1987.
Abstract P-121.

Singer J et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of oral acemennan as an adjunctive

to anti-retroviral therapy in advanced HIV disease. Ninth International AIDS conference,
Berlin, abstract B28-2153, 1993.

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