Aloe macroclada

BotanicalBest before bed

What is it

Aloe macroclada is an aloe species native to Madagascar. It contains the typical aloe polysaccharides and anthraquinone constituents found across the genus, but is much less studied than Aloe vera.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Acute constipation (latex)

Mixed Evidence

Class effect inferred from anthraquinone-containing aloes; species-specific human trials are absent.

How it works

Like other aloes, its leaf gel contains acemannan-type polysaccharides, while the latex layer contains anthraquinones such as aloin. Polysaccharide fractions show wound-healing and immunomodulatory activity in laboratory and animal models. Anthraquinone constituents act as stimulant laxatives in the colon when ingested. Human clinical evidence specifically on Aloe macroclada is essentially absent; most aloe research focuses on Aloe vera.

Dosage

There is no established evidence-based dose. Where appearance is for laxative use, aloe latex products have been restricted in several jurisdictions. DSLD does not provide a usable median for this species.

When and how to take it

If used as a stimulant laxative, traditional dosing is at bedtime. Not for routine daily use.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Aloe macroclada leaf gel or latex

Less commercially common than Aloe vera.

Anthraquinone constituents act in colon; polysaccharides poorly absorbed.

Safety

Aloe latex of any species can cause cramping, diarrhea, electrolyte loss, and dependence with chronic use. Gel preparations (with anthraquinones removed) are better tolerated. Pregnancy use of aloe latex is contraindicated.

Who should be cautious

Avoid latex preparations in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and people with inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, or unexplained abdominal pain.

Interactions

Anthraquinone-containing latex may deplete potassium (increasing digoxin toxicity risk) and reduce absorption of co-administered oral medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aloe macroclada the same as Aloe vera?⌄

They are related species in the same genus but are not identical. Most aloe clinical data refers to Aloe vera, not Aloe macroclada.

Is it safe to take daily?⌄

Aloe latex products are not recommended for chronic daily use due to side effects of stimulant laxatives.

References

Aloe macroclada on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Aloe macroclada on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Aloe macroclada (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.