ALOE VERA RESCUE

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

SignedPeter Ngethe MungaiChairman 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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T ABLE O F C ONTENTS

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 E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

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.

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The initiative intends to capitalize on medicinal plants for their bio-economic benefits

while sustainably exploiting them.

2.0 B ACKGROUNDS A ND R ATIONALE

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 O BJECTIVES

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 I MPLIMENTATION S TRATEGY

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.

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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 S TAKEHOLDERS

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 M ONITORING A ND E VALUATION P LAN

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 A CTIVITIES S CHEDULE

2009 2010

MAIN TASKS 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q

Identification of the plant

species

xxxx

Introduction to Nursery xxxx xxxx

Introduction into demonstration

farms

xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx

Training

Organizing and participating in

farmers field days

xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx

Exhibiting in agricultural

shows

xxxx xxxx xxxx

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Assessment point 1

Assessment point 2

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 C APACITY D EVELOPMENT P LAN

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.

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8.0 B UDGET A ND C OST S CHEDULE

ALOE VERA RESCUE INITIATIVE

BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR THE PERIOD

1 st July 2009 to 30 th 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:

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(Ksh 5,000 per wk x 42wks) 210,000 336,000

Training costs 1,000,000

(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 F INANCING P LAN

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.

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References:

Risper PeteProgram ManagerThe National Council of NGOsP.O. Box 48278 – 00100NAIROBI>Tel: +254-020-3565354Fax: +254-20-2247400Cell: +254-722 487307Email: info@ngocouncil.or.ke/petengocouncil.or.keWebsite: www.ngocouncil.or.ke

The Executive DirectorNGOs Co-ordination BoardCo-op bank Hse Bldg 15th Flr,P.O. Box 44617 – 00100NAIROBITel: 254-020-2214044, 2213938, 2213856, 2214487Email: info@ngobureau.or.keWebsite: www.ngobureau.or.ke

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10.0 R eferences:

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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