Aloe

botanical
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Aloe vera is a short-stemmed succulent that stores water in thick leaves containing clear gel and yellow latex. The gel is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and polysaccharides like acemannan. These components contribute to its soothing and moisturizing properties used in many health products. Historically used for thousands of years, aloe is highly regarded for its therapeutic benefits. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties support topical use for burns, wounds, skin irritation, and dryness. Internally, the gel is consumed for digestive support, helping to soothe the stomach lining and maintain gut health, with potential benefits for nutrient absorption. The latex found near the outer skin contains anthraquinones like aloin, which are potent laxatives used for constipation. This part is often removed during processing for oral use to avoid severe gastrointestinal effects. Research continues into its potential roles in blood sugar regulation and immune modulation, with more robust evidence still being gathered.

Natural sources
Aloe vera plant

Ingredient forms

No public comparison lists found.

Timing & Intake
AnytimeEmpty stomach
Topical application can be used as needed. For digestive benefits, oral consumption of the gel is often recommended on an empty stomach, though it can also be taken with food.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum100 mg
Maximum200 mg
Safety & Toxicity
6 safety notes
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid oral consumption of aloe, especially products containing latex.
  • Individuals with kidney problems or heart conditions should exercise caution with oral use due to potential electrolyte imbalances from laxative effects.
  • Avoid long-term oral consumption of unpurified whole leaf aloe (containing latex) due to potential carcinogenicity and severe laxative effects.
  • Not for use in children under 12 for oral laxative purposes.
  • Discontinue use if allergic reactions occur, whether topical or oral.
  • If you have diabetes, monitor blood sugar closely when taking aloe orally, as it may lower blood glucose levels.
Goals
Digestive Health
Digestive Health
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:50–200 mg

The inner leaf gel of Aloe vera has demulcent properties, creating a soothing, protective coating over mucous membranes. This can provide relief from irritation associated with acid reflux or gastritis. It's critical to use a product purified of aloin, the plant's natural laxative component.

Focuses on
IBS symptom reliefBowel comfortIntestinal lining supportDigestive irritation
Most relevant for
Individuals seeking to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or mild inflammatory bowel issues.

Potential benefits

  • IBS symptom management.Some pooled data suggests aloe may reduce global symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, though individual clinical trials show inconsistent results regarding overall relief.
  • Inflammatory bowel support.Preliminary research indicates that oral aloe gel may help improve clinical response and reduce tissue inflammation in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
  • Soothing mucosal lining.Unconfirmed. Traditionally used for its demulcent properties to coat and soothe the esophagus and stomach, though specific clinical trials for reflux or gastritis are not included in the provided evidence.

Limitations

  • Inconsistent evidence.Large randomized trials have failed to show that aloe is superior to placebo for improving quality of life or consistently relieving symptoms in IBS patients.
  • Limited general applicability.Most research focuses on specific medical conditions like ulcerative colitis; there is no evidence establishing a benefit for general digestive maintenance in healthy individuals.
  • Contextual constraints.Positive results seen with topical aloe ointments for radiation-induced bowel symptoms cannot be assumed to translate to oral supplements for general digestion.
Things to consider

Ensure the product is purified of aloin, a natural component of the aloe leaf that acts as a potent laxative and can cause abdominal pain or cramping.

Study evidence

7 studies

Aloe may ease some symptoms in specific digestive conditions, but evidence for oral products is mixed and does not establish a general digestive benefit. Promising findings from aloe ointments for radiation-related bowel symptoms cannot be assumed to transfer to supplements.

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Studies

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Interactions

Positive Interactions

Vitamin C
Aloe's collagen-boosting properties may be enhanced by Vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis, supporting skin and tissue repair.
Vitamin E
Both Aloe and Vitamin E are known for skin-healing and antioxidant properties. Used together, they can provide enhanced protection against free radical damage and promote skin recovery.
Hyaluronic Acid
Aloe's hydrating properties could be synergistic with Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant, leading to improved skin moisture and plumpness when applied topically.
Turmeric
Both Aloe and Turmeric possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering synergistic benefits in reducing inflammation, whether applied topically or consumed orally.
Ginger
Both Ginger and Aloe are known for digestive soothing properties. They could work together to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and support gut health.
Collagen
Aloe supports wound healing and skin health, which can complement the benefits of Collagen supplementation for overall skin, hair, and nail health.

Negative Interactions

Potassium
Oral consumption of aloe latex (the laxative component) can lead to significant potassium depletion due to excessive fluid loss and diarrhea, potentially interfering with potassium balance.
Chromium
Oral aloe, particularly the gel, may have blood sugar-lowering effects. Combining with Chromium, which also helps regulate blood sugar, could lead to excessively low blood glucose levels in some individuals.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. Prevention of acute radiation-induced Proctitis by Aloe vera: a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial in Pelvic Cancer patients.
    Sahebnasagh A; Ghasemi A; Akbari J; Alipour A; Lashkardoost H; Ala S; Hosseinimehr SJ; Salehifar E · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2020
    Randomized trial42 participantsDigestive Health
  2. Successful Treatment of Acute Radiation Proctitis with Aloe Vera: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
    Sahebnasagh A; Ghasemi A; Akbari J; Alipour A; Lashkardoost H; Ala S; Salehifar E · Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) · 2017
    Randomized trial20 participantsDigestive Health
  3. Aloe vera for Prevention of Acute Radiation Proctitis in Colorectal Cancer a Preliminary Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
    Sahebnasagh A; Saghafi F; Ghasemi A; Akbari J; Alipour A; Habtemariam S; Safdari M; Ghaleno HR; Salehifar E · Journal of gastrointestinal cancer · 2022
    Randomized trial20 participantsDigestive Health
  4. A Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
    Størsrud S; Pontén I; Simrén M · Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD · 2016
    Randomized trial68 participantsDigestive Health
  5. A Randomised, Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Study of Aloe vera in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Effects on Patient Quality of Life.
    Hutchings HA; Wareham K; Baxter JN; Atherton P; Kingham JG; Duane P; Thomas L; Thomas M; Ch'ng CL; Williams JG · ISRN gastroenterology · 2011
    Randomized trial110 participantsDigestive Health