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Aloe Extract

Also known as: Aloe vera, Aloe extract, Aloe gel, Aloe latex, Aloe barbadensis Miller

Overview

Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to arid climates, widely recognized for its therapeutic properties. The plant's gel and latex are extracted for various applications, primarily topical treatments for wound healing, burns, and skin conditions. Oral applications are also explored for digestive health and blood glucose management. Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (like acemannan) and anthraquinones (like aloin and emodin), which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects. While numerous clinical trials and reviews exist, the quality of evidence varies, with some studies showing strong support for specific uses like phlebitis prevention and wound healing, while others provide weaker evidence for broader health outcomes. It is available in various forms, including gels, creams, capsules, and juices.

Benefits

Aloe vera demonstrates notable benefits in wound healing, particularly for second-degree burns, where it significantly accelerates the healing process. Research indicates a mean reduction in healing time by approximately 3.76 days. Furthermore, there is highly suggestive evidence supporting its efficacy in preventing infusion-related and chemotherapy-induced phlebitis. Short-term oral use of Aloe vera has shown improvements in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptom scores. While some studies suggest potential benefits for blood glucose management in individuals with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, the evidence is less conclusive. The most robust evidence supports its use in patients with burns, phlebitis, and IBS, with moderate effect sizes observed for wound healing and phlebitis prevention, and small to moderate effects for IBS symptom relief. Benefits are typically observed within days to weeks, depending on the application method.

How it works

Aloe vera's therapeutic effects stem from its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, primarily mediated through the modulation of cytokines, growth factors, and the immune response. Topical application directly impacts skin and wound repair processes. Oral consumption can influence gastrointestinal and metabolic systems. Polysaccharides, such as acemannan, play a role in modulating immune function, while anthraquinones may exert laxative and antimicrobial effects. While topical absorption is well-documented, the absorption and bioavailability of oral Aloe vera are not as well-characterized.

Side effects

Aloe vera is generally considered safe for topical and short-term oral use, but long-term oral safety is less established. Common side effects associated with oral use may include diarrhea and abdominal cramps, though these are rare with topical application. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1–5% of users, include allergic reactions with topical use and mild gastrointestinal upset with oral use. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, may involve severe allergic reactions and, with chronic oral use of latex, potential hepatotoxicity. Aloe vera may interact with hypoglycemic and diuretic drugs, though evidence is limited. It is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to Aloe and should be avoided during pregnancy and in children. Caution is advised for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or those taking blood glucose-lowering medications.

Dosage

For topical applications, Aloe vera gel can be applied as needed to the affected area. Oral dosages typically range from 100 to 300 mg per day of extract for managing IBS symptoms. Higher doses, up to 1,000 mg per day, have been studied for blood glucose management, but the evidence supporting this is limited. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, and high doses of latex should be avoided due to potential toxicity. Topical applications can be applied as needed, while oral doses are typically taken once or twice daily. For topical use, gel formulations are recommended, while standardized extracts are preferred for oral consumption. The absorption factors for oral Aloe vera are not well-characterized.

FAQs

Is Aloe vera safe to use?

Topical use is generally very safe. Oral use should be short-term and monitored for side effects like diarrhea. Consult a healthcare provider for long-term oral use.

How should I use Aloe vera?

For topical use, apply to clean, dry skin. For oral use, take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Follow product-specific instructions.

What results can I expect from using Aloe vera?

Expect accelerated wound healing and reduced phlebitis risk with topical use. Short-term oral use may improve IBS symptoms. It is not a cure-all.

Are there any misconceptions about Aloe vera?

Aloe vera is not a cure-all. Evidence is strongest for specific uses like wound healing and phlebitis prevention, not for general health improvement.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32924222/ – This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses examined the effects of Aloe vera on various health outcomes. The review found highly suggestive evidence for phlebitis prevention but noted that most outcomes were supported by weak evidence due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations across the included studies. The review highlights the need for more robust research to validate the broader health claims associated with Aloe vera.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38605441/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the impact of Aloe vera on burn injuries. The analysis revealed that Aloe vera significantly accelerates wound healing in second-degree burns without increasing the risk of infection. However, the study noted limited data on pain and infection outcomes, suggesting areas for further research.
https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5056%2Fjnm18077 – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of Aloe vera on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The study found that short-term use of Aloe vera led to a significant improvement in IBS symptom scores compared to placebo. The authors noted that the findings are limited by the short-term nature of the data and high dropout rates in some studies, suggesting the need for longer-term investigations.
https://jppres.com/jppres/meta-analysis-of-aloe-vera-on-blood-glucose/ – This meta-analysis explores the effects of Aloe vera on blood glucose levels. While the specific findings require further examination of the source, meta-analyses in this area typically assess the impact of Aloe vera supplementation on glycemic control in individuals with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, considering factors like fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6833 – This article is an umbrella review of Aloe vera and health outcomes. It assesses the evidence from multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of Aloe vera's effects on various health conditions. The review evaluates the strength and consistency of evidence, highlighting areas where Aloe vera shows promise and where further research is needed.