Aloe Vera

Keywords: burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall, laxative, aloin, aloe-emodin, barbaloin, abrasions

On this page:

* Introduction
* What Aloe Vera Is Used For
* How Aloe Vera Is Used
* What the Science Says
* Side Effects and Cautions
* Sources
* For More Information

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Common Names—aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall

Latin Names—Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis


What Aloe Vera Is Used For

* Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
* Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
* Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.


How Aloe Vera Is Used

* Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
* The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.


What the Science Says

* Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
* Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation therapy.
* There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.


Side Effects and Cautions

* Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
* Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
* Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
* People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.


Sources

* Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. June 5, 2007.
* Aloe (Aloe vera). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on June 3, 2007.


For More Information

* Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

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CAM on PubMed®

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NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Web site: ods.od.nih.gov
NIH National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus

Aloe Vera Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-aloe.html



This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

NCCAM Publication No. D333
Created December 2006
Updated April 2008