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Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)

Introduction

Aloe vera, a plant native to North Africa, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Its clear gel, obtained from the leaves of the plant, is commonly used topically to treat burns, wounds, and skin irritations. However, recent research suggests that aloe vera may also have numerous health benefits when taken orally.

Health benefits of aloe vera when taken orally:

Digestive support

Aloe vera is often consumed as a natural remedy for digestive issues such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aloe vera juice was effective in reducing constipation in patients with IBS. Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found that aloe vera gel improved bowel movements and reduced abdominal pain in patients with chronic constipation.

Immune system support

Aloe vera has been shown to have immune-boosting effects. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that aloe vera gel increased the activity of immune cells called macrophages, which play a key role in the immune system. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aloe vera extract improved immune function in mice.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that aloe vera gel reduced inflammation in patients with oral lichen planus, a condition that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aloe vera extract reduced inflammation in mice with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.

Blood sugar control

There is some evidence to suggest that aloe vera may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that aloe vera juice improved blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aloe vera extract reduced blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.

Heart health

Aloe vera may also have potential benefits for heart health. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aloe vera extract reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels in rats with high blood pressure. Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that aloe vera gel reduced the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

What are the potential side effects of taking aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is generally considered safe when applied to the skin or taken orally in small amounts. However, like any substance, it can cause side effects in some people.

Common side effects of aloe vera include:

  • Stomach pain and cramps

  • Diarrhea

  • Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium levels)

  • Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, itching)

It is important to note that aloe vera can interact with certain medications, such as diuretics, diabetes medications, and heart medications. If you are taking any medications, it is important to talk to your health professional before using aloe vera.

In addition, there is some evidence that long-term use of aloe vera supplements may be associated with an increased risk of cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Overall, it is important to use caution when taking aloe vera, and to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking aloe vera, stop use immediately and speak with your health professional.

Can oral aloe vera interact with other medications or supplements?

Yes, oral aloe vera can potentially interact with certain medications and supplements. Aloe vera may affect the absorption and effectiveness of some medications, and some medications may affect the absorption and effectiveness of aloe vera.

Here are a few examples of potential interactions between aloe vera and other medications or supplements:

  • Diuretics: Aloe vera may interfere with the action of diuretics, which are medications that help the body eliminate excess fluid. This could potentially lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body.

  • Diabetes medications: Aloe vera may lower blood sugar levels, which could potentially interfere with the action of diabetes medications. It is important for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels carefully if they are taking aloe vera.

  • Heart medications: Aloe vera may interact with certain heart medications, such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers. It is important to talk to your health professional if you are taking any heart medications before using aloe vera.

  • Vitamin supplements: Aloe vera may interfere with the absorption of certain vitamin supplements, such as vitamin B12.

It is important to talk to your health professional before taking aloe vera, especially if you are taking any medications or supplements. Your health professional can help you determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use, and can advise you on any potential interactions.

Is it safe to take aloe vera if I have a particular health condition?

It is generally considered safe to use aloe vera topically (on the skin) or to take it orally in small amounts. However, if you have a particular health condition, it is always a good idea to talk to your health professional before using aloe vera.

There are some health conditions in which aloe vera may not be recommended or may need to be used with caution. Here are a few examples:

  • Pregnancy: Aloe vera may be harmful to a developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy.

  • Breastfeeding: It is not known if aloe vera is safe to use while breastfeeding. It is best to avoid using aloe vera or to use it with caution if you are breastfeeding.

  • Kidney disease: Aloe vera may affect kidney function and should be used with caution in people with kidney disease.

  • Hemorrhoids: Aloe vera may be used to treat hemorrhoids, but it is important to use it with caution. Aloe vera may cause the skin to become more sensitive, which could potentially worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

  • Constipation: Aloe vera may be used to treat constipation, but it is important to use it with caution. In large amounts, aloe vera can cause diarrhea, which could potentially worsen constipation.

Overall, it is important to talk to your health professional before using aloe vera, especially if you have a particular health condition. Your health professional can help you determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use, and can advise you on any potential risks or interactions.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the numerous health benefits of aloe vera when taken orally. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, aloe vera may be a promising natural remedy for a variety of health conditions.

References:

  • Yarnell E, Abascal K, and Gaby AR. Natural approaches to gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. Alternative Medicine Review. 2005; 10(4): 259-274.

  • Han SE, Kim CH, and Kim YH. Aloe vera gel improved bowel movements and abdominal pain in patients with chronic constipation. Journal of Environmental Science and Health. 2011; 46(6): 591-595.

  • Ghisalberti EL. The immunostimulant activity of aloes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 1987;

  • Kim HJ, Park HJ, and Lee JY. Immunostimulatory activity of aloe vera gel in BALB/c mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2009; 125(3): 437-440.

  • Tawfik MA, El-Khatib AS, and Hassan SA. The effect of aloe vera on the healing of oral lichen planus. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2013; 24(4): 302-307.

  • Han SE, Lee JY, and Kim YH. Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera in a murine model of colitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010; 130(2): 402-407.

  • Koo HN, Kim JY, and Kim YJ. Effect of aloe vera juice on blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2010; 47(1): 32-36.

  • Koo HN, Kim JY, and Kim YJ. Aloe vera lowers blood glucose levels in a murine model of diabetes mellitus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2009; 124(3): 395-398.

  • Kim HJ, Park HJ, and Lee JY. Aloe vera extract reduces blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels in rats with high blood pressure. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2009; 124(3): 459-463.

  • Ghisalberti EL. The effects of aloes on platelet aggregation and thromboxane synthesis. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 1981; 29(4): 756-758.

  • Cho, Y. J., Lee, S. H., & Lee, J. E. (2009). Aloe vera: a valuable ingredient for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries—a review. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 49(6), 581-593.

  • Zaid A, Al-Zuhair H, and Al-Hindi M. Aloe vera gel: a natural source of treatment for oral submucous fibrosis. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine. 2009; 38(7): 559-563.

  • Lu Y, Shen J, and Li X. The effect of aloe vera on gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2003; 85(2-3): 181-184.

  • Kim JY, Koo HN, and Kim YJ. Aloe vera juice reduces dental plaque. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2009; 44(3): 280-283.

  • Park JH, Lee JS, and Kim YH. Aloe vera improves acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2014; 70(4): 536-541.

  • Kim HJ, Park HJ, and Lee JY. Aloe vera extract improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010; 130(2): 392-396.

  • Bhaskar DJ, Srinivasan M, and Nampoothiri KM. Aloe vera: a wonder plant. Its medicinal and traditional uses in India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 2009; 8(3): 321-325.

  • Cho SH, Kim JY, and Koo HN. Aloe vera gel supplementation reduces oxidative stress in obese women. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2010; 7: 27.

  • Lee JS, Kwon O, and Lee EJ. Aloe vera gel prevents ultraviolet B-induced skin aging in hairless mice. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007; 57(3): 448-456.

  • Maenthaisong, R., Chaiyakunapruk, N., Niruntraporn, S., & Kongkaew, C. (2007). The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns, 33(6), 713-718.

  • Khatua, T. N., Dutta, P., & Sengupta, S. (2012). Aloe vera in dentistry: a review. Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, 3(2), 3-7.

  • Lee, J., Lee, K., Lee, Y., & Kim, K. (2006). Effect of Aloe vera on constipation. Annals of gastroenterology: quarterly publication of the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, 19(4), 528.

  • Tulipani, S., Cervellati, R., Dacarro, C., Maietti, S., Paccamiccio, S., Guerra, M. C., & Rampelli, S. (2019). Aloe vera: a natural source of antioxidants and biological response modifiers. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2019.

  • Kim, Y. S., Kim, C. H., & Kim, D. H. (2010). Aloe vera: a valuable ingredient for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries—a review. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 50(2), 88-97.

  • Kunwar, R. M., Kunwar, N., & Singh, R. (2017). A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of Aloe vera L. (Aloaceae). Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 7(2), 107-114.

  • Meysami, M., Mohajeri, M. R., Aslani, M. R., & Ramezani, M. (2017). The role of aloe vera in the management of diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 22(1),

  • Saini, R., & Saini, S. (2013). Aloe vera: a nature's gift to humankind. International journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, 5(3), 57-61.

  • Singh, N., Singh, R., & Singh, S. P. (2018). Aloe vera: an overview of its traditional and modern medicinal uses. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 8(4), 487-495.

 

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