Botanical names: Aloe vera, Aloe
barbadensis
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
The aloe plant originally came from Africa. The leaves, which are long, green, fleshy, and
have spikes along the edges, are used medicinally. The fresh leaf gel and latex are used for
many purposes. Aloe latex is the sticky residue left over after the liquid from cut aloe
leaves has evaporated.
Aloe has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Aloe has been historically used for many of the same conditions for which it is used
today—particularly constipation and
minor cuts and burns. In India, it has been used by herbalists to
treat intestinal infections, suppressed
menses, and colic.
Active constituents
The constituents of aloe latex responsible for its laxative effects are known as
anthraquinone glycosides. These molecules are split by the normal bacteria in the large
intestines to form other molecules (aglycones), which exert the laxative action. Since aloe is
such a powerful laxative, other plant laxatives such as senna or
cascara are often recommended first.
Topically, it is not yet clear which constituents are responsible for the wound healing properties of aloe.1 Test
tube studies suggest polysaccharides, such as acemannon, help promote skin healing by
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating actions. Aloe’s effects on the
skin may also be enhanced by its high concentration of amino acids, as well as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and essential fatty acids.
Aloe has been used to treat minor
burns.2 Stabilized aloe gel is applied to the affected area of skin three to
five times per day. Older case studies reported that aloe gel applied topically could help
heal radiation burns,3 and a small clinical trial found it more effective than a
topical petroleum jelly in treating burns.4 However, a large, modern,
placebo-controlled trial did not find aloe effective for treating minor burns.5
Two small controlled human trials have found that aloe, either alone or in combination with
the oral hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide, effectively lowers blood sugar in people with type
2 (non-insulin-dependent)
diabetes.6 7
An aloe extract in a cream has been shown effective in a double-blind, controlled trial in
people with psoriasis.8
How much is usually taken?
For constipation, a single 50–200 mg
capsule of aloe latex can be taken each day for a maximum of ten days.
For minor burns, the stabilized aloe gel is
applied topically to the affected area of skin three to five times per day. Treatment of more
serious burns should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For
internal use of aloe gel, two tablespoons (30 ml) three times per day is used by some people
for inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (see precautions below). For type 2
diabetes, clinical trials have used one
tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe juice, twice daily. Treatment of diabetes with aloe should only be
done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Except in the rare person who is allergic to aloe, topical application of the gel is
generally safe. For any burn that blisters
significantly or is otherwise severe, medical attention is absolutely essential. In some
severe burns and wounds, aloe gel may actually
impede healing.9
The latex form of aloe should not be used by anyone with inflammatory intestinal diseases,
such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or appendicitis. It should also
not be used by children, or by women during
pregnancy or
breast-feeding.10
In people with constipation, aloe latex should not be used for more than ten consecutive
days as it may lead to dependency and fluid loss. Extensive fluid loss may lead to depletion
of important electrolytes in the body such as
potassium.11
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with aloe. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References:1. Penneys NS. Inhibition of arachidonic acid oxidation in vitro by
vehicle components. Acta Derm Venerol Stockh 1981;62:59–61.
2. Visuthikosol V, Chowchuen B, Sukwanarat Y, et al. Effect of Aloe vera
to healing of burn wound: A clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai
1995;78:403–9.
3. Loveman AB. Leaf of Aloe vera in treatment of Roentgen ray ulcers.
Arch Derm Syph 1937;36:838–43.
4. Visuthikosol V, Chowchuen B, Sukwanarat Y, et al. Effect of aloe vera
gel in the healing of burn wound: a clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai
1995;78:403–9.
5. Williams MS, Burk M, Loprinzi CL, et al. Phase III double-blind
evaluation of an Aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity.
Int J Rad Oncol Biol Phys 1996;36:345–9.
6. Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangs V, Bunyapraphatsara N,
Chokechaijaroenporn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice. I. Clinical trial
in new cases of diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine 1996;3:241–3.
7. Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V,
Chokechaijaroenporn O. Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L juice. II. Clinical trial
in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Phytomedicine
1996;3:245–8.
8. Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, et al. Management of psoriasis with
Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study.
Trop Med Int Health 1996;1:505–9.
9. Schmidt JM, Greenspoon JS. Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated
with a delay in wound healing. Obstet Gynecol 1991;78:115–7.
10. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 80–1.
11. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 80–1.