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 Aloe (Aloe vera) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain aloe. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacists or health care providers before starting. Scientists have studied aloe for the following health problems:
Aloe has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before taking aloe for any unproven use.
Allergies People with allergies to aloe or plants in the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, tulips) should avoid using aloe. Skin rashes have been reported with long-term use of aloe gel. Aloe injections have caused severe reactions and should be avoided. Side Effects At recommended doses, aloe taken by mouth may cause cramping and diarrhea. Because of its laxative effects, aloe should be avoided by people with diarrhea or intestinal conditions, such as bowel obstruction. Hepatitis, increased risk of bleeding, blood in the stool and altered thyroid function have been associated with aloe use by mouth. Laboratory and animal studies show that aloe taken by mouth may lower blood sugar or potassium levels. Therefore, people with diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, heart disease or electrolyte abnormalities should use oral aloe only under medical supervision. Using any laxative, including aloe, for more than seven days in a row may make constipation worse or cause dependency. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Taking aloe by mouth should be avoided during pregnancy, because of the possibility of causing uterine contractions. Traditionally, it is believed that oral use of aloe leaves during breast-feeding should be avoided, although there is not enough scientific information in this area. Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs A survey showed 30 percent of surgical patients reported using aloe as an herbal medicine within 2 years before surgery. Awareness of the increasing use of herbals is important to prevent, recognize, and treat potential health problems that may arise due to interactions. Surgeons need to be aware of the use of herbal medication in their patients to prevent possible harmful effects and perioperative complications. Taking aloe by mouth should be avoided by people taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin. Aloe should be used cautiously by people taking thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide; oral corticosteroids; or digoxin (Lanoxin). Taking aloe latex by mouth at the same time as laxatives may increase diarrhea, dehydration or electrolyte imbalances in the blood. When taken by mouth, aloe gel may interfere with the absorption of other drugs. Drugs used for cancer or the heart may interact with aloe. Hormones, birth control pills and antivirals may also interact. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements When taken by mouth, aloe may increase the laxative properties of agents such as senna and may cause diarrhea. Aloe may also add to the effects of herbs that lower blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Aloe latex may increase the potassium-lowering effects of other herbs such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Herbs and supplements used for cancer or the heart may interact with aloe. Phytoestrogens like soy and antivirals may also interact. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. The appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. For Minor Skin Burns Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Aloe gel: The gel has been used liberally on the skin three to four times per day. Severe burns should be treated by a health care provider immediately. Children (Younger Than 18) Aloe gel: The gel has been used on children's skin. Severe burns should be treated by a health care provider immediately. For Constipation Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules: A dose of 40 to 170 milligrams of aloe latex (dried inner lining of the leaf) per day, for no longer than seven days, has been taken by mouth. Combination products containing aloe latex and other laxative herbs or supplements are available. A dose of 150 milligrams of the dried juice per day of aloe has been found effective as a laxative. Children (Younger Than 18) Aloe taken by mouth has not been studied in children and theoretically may have harmful effects, such as lowering blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is not recommended. For Genital Herpes Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Cream has been applied to lesions for five consecutive days per week, for up to two weeks. For Psoriasis Vulgaris Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Cream has been applied to skin three times daily for five consecutive days per week, for up to four weeks. For Diabetes (Type 2) Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) A dose of 5 to 15 milliliters of aloe juice twice daily has been used. Efficacy and safety are inconclusive. For HIV Infection Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) A dose of 1,000 to 1,600 milligrams has been taken by mouth in four equal doses, although it has not been proven safe or effective. Aloe vera is widely used in food supplements, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. . It seems to be generally well tolerated when applied to the skin. Aloe has been suggested for many conditions. Chemicals in aloe latex have been shown to have laxative effects as well as a potential therapeutic effect in irritable bowel syndrome. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Aloe Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated May 08, 2008 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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