Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Acemannan, Aloe africana, Aloe arborescens Miller, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe barbadesis, Aloe capensis, aloe-coated gloves, Aloe ferox, aloe latex, aloe mucilage, Aloe perfoliata, Aloe perryi Baker, Aloe spicata, Aloe vulgari, babosa (Spanish), Barbados aloe, bitter aloe, burn plant, Cape aloe, Carrisyn®, Curaçao aloe, elephant's gall, first-aid plant, ghai kunwar (Indian), ghikumar (India), hirukattali, hsiang-dan (Chinese), jelly leek, kumari, lahoi, laloi, lily of the desert, Lu-Hui, medicine plant, Mediterranean aloe, miracle plant, mocha aloes, musabbar, natal aloes, nohwa, plant of immortality, plant of life, rokai, sabilla (Spanish), Savila, Socotrine aloe, subr, true aloe, Venezuela aloe, za'bila (Swahili), Zanzibar aloe.
• Combination product examples: Mepentol Leche (an emulsion based on hyperoxygenated fatty acids, Aloe barbadensis, and Mimosa tenuiflora).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has been used traditionally as an oral laxative.
• There is good scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthraquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). However, aloe's therapeutic value compared with other approaches to constipation remains unclear. A case report reported hepatotoxicity from oral aloe ingestion for constipation, raising a question of safety (1).
• There is promising preliminary support from in vitro, animal, and human studies that topical aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties that may improve skin inflammation. Aloe has also been used for genital herpes, psoriasis vulgaris, and seborrheic dermatitis, with evidence of benefit. Aloe has been used for aphthous stomatitis, cancer prevention, dental plaque, diabetes, dry skin, HIV infection, lichen planus, skin burns, skin ulcers, and ulcerative colitis, although further research is needed. Aloe has been studied for effectiveness in mucositis, pressure ulcers, radiation dermatitis, and wound healing, although there is a lack of evidence of benefit for these conditions.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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