Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Aloe Vera Gel Extract

Q: Is aloe vera safe to use?

Yes, aloe vera is generally safe but may cause allergic reactions or interact with certain medications.

Q: How should I apply aloe vera?

Apply aloe vera gel topically as needed, typically 2-3 times a day, and take oral doses with meals.

Q: What results can I expect from using aloe vera?

You may see improved wound healing, quicker burn recovery times, and potential relief from gastrointestinal symptoms.

Q: Can aloe vera cure chronic conditions?

Aloe vera is supportive but not a cure-all; consult a healthcare provider for chronic issues.

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

Overview

Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa, recognized for its gel-filled leaves which are rich in bioactive compounds. The gel extract is extensively utilized for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, notably for its properties in promoting skin health and aiding gastrointestinal function. Aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, C, and E, various minerals, and amino acids, with primary compounds such as aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan. Its applications range from treating skin conditions like burns and eczema to alleviating gastrointestinal issues like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Research regarding aloe vera’s efficacy, particularly in topical applications, is well-established, showcasing its beneficial effects supported by systematic studies and clinical trials.

Benefits

Aloe vera gel is notably effective in wound healing, with a systematic review indicating a significant reduction in healing time by an average of 3.90 days compared to controls. Additionally, a meta-analysis revealed that aloe vera gel can expedite the healing of second-degree burns by roughly 9 days compared to standard care. The extract also suggests benefits for gastrointestinal health, with an RCT showing symptom alleviation in irritable bowel syndrome patients. These benefits are particularly impactful for elderly individuals who experience skin ailments and for athletes who may need rapid recovery from skin injuries. Overall, the efficacy varies across conditions but shows moderate to strong evidence for topical applications.

How it works

Aloe vera gel exerts its effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. It promotes collagen synthesis, which aids in skin regeneration by interacting with the skin's epithelial layer. The compound acemannan in aloe vera also modulates the immune response by influencing macrophage activity, thereby assisting in tissue repair. When ingested, aloe vera influences gastrointestinal function, reducing inflammation and enhancing gut motility, leading to symptomatic relief.

Side effects

Aloe vera is generally safe for topical and oral use; however, some individuals may experience mild side effects. Topically, it can cause skin irritation or redness in more than 5% of users. Orally, gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea and discomfort, are common (exceeding 5%). Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, include allergic reactions and potential interactions with diabetes medications. Rarely (<1%), severe allergic reactions or electrolyte imbalances may occur in individuals consuming aloe vera juice for extended periods. It is advised to exercise caution in special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children, primarily due to the limited safety data.

Dosage

For topical applications, aloe vera gel can be applied as needed, typically 2-3 times daily. For oral use, the recommended dosage is 100-200 mL of aloe vera juice per day, with an upper limit suggested not to exceed 400 mL to avoid potential electrolyte imbalances. It’s advisable to take oral doses with meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no established maximum doses for topical forms. The effective absorption of aloe vera gel is contingent on skin integrity, while oral absorption often varies based on individual gut health.

FAQs

Is aloe vera safe to use?

Yes, aloe vera is generally safe but may cause allergic reactions or interact with certain medications.

How should I apply aloe vera?

Apply aloe vera gel topically as needed, typically 2-3 times a day, and take oral doses with meals.

What results can I expect from using aloe vera?

You may see improved wound healing, quicker burn recovery times, and potential relief from gastrointestinal symptoms.

Can aloe vera cure chronic conditions?

Aloe vera is supportive but not a cure-all; consult a healthcare provider for chronic issues.

Research Sources

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874117315958 – A systematic review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology analyzed 22 studies on aloe vera's wound healing capabilities, finding significant evidence supporting its efficacy in accelerating healing rates.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305416517300117 – A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the journal Burns evaluated 4 RCTs on aloe vera's effects on burn treatment, concluding a significant reduction in healing time compared to standard therapies.
https://journals.lww.com/jcge/Abstract/2018/01000/Aloe_Vera_Juice_in_a_Randomized_Controlled_Trial.6.aspx – An RCT in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology showed that aloe vera juice significantly alleviated symptoms in IBS patients, providing evidence for its gastrointestinal benefits.