Aloe vera

botanicalAloe emodin

What is it

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent plant whose inner leaf gel and latex have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Topically, it is widely used for skin healing; orally, products vary widely in composition and intended use.

How it works

Aloe vera contains hundreds of biologically active compounds across several categories. The inner leaf gel is rich in acemannan, a polysaccharide with immune-modulating and wound-healing properties. The gel also contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins (A, C, E, B-complex), and minerals. The latex layer (between the rind and gel) contains anthraquinones, primarily aloin (barbaloin), which act as stimulant laxatives by increasing intestinal motility and water content. Aloin and related compounds were historically used for constipation but are now banned in over-the-counter laxatives in the US due to safety concerns including potential carcinogenicity. Topical application of aloe gel supports wound healing through multiple mechanisms including increased fibroblast activity, improved collagen synthesis, and modest anti-inflammatory effects. Oral consumption of purified inner leaf gel has been studied for gastrointestinal conditions, blood glucose, and immune support, with mixed clinical evidence.

Evidence for 5 uses

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

Constipation (short-term)

Grade B

Good evidence

Aloe latex (anthraquinones) reliably relieves constipation as a stimulant laxative. However, long-term use carries safety risks and is no longer recommended.

Topical wound and burn healing

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Multiple trials suggest topical aloe gel speeds healing of minor burns, abrasions, and surgical wounds. Effects are generally modest but consistent.

Ulcerative colitis

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Small trials suggest oral aloe vera gel may improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis as adjunctive therapy. Evidence is preliminary.

Oral health (lichen planus, plaque)

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Topical aloe in the mouth has shown benefit for oral lichen planus and may reduce dental plaque comparably to chlorhexidine in some trials.

Blood glucose

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Some trials suggest oral aloe may modestly reduce fasting glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes, but evidence is mixed and effect sizes are small.

4 commercial forms

Inner leaf gel (topical)

Applied directly to skin; absorption to systemic circulation is minimal.

Most widely used form. Look for products with high aloe content and minimal added ingredients.

Decolorized inner leaf juice (oral)

Anthraquinones largely removed; reduces laxative effect and safety concerns.

The preferred oral form. Look for 'decolorized' or 'IASC certified' labels.

Acemannan extract

Concentrated polysaccharide fraction studied for immune effects.

Used in some specialized supplements and topical wound products.

Whole leaf juice (not recommended for oral use)

Contains anthraquinones with significant safety concerns.

Avoid for oral consumption; risk of diarrhea, electrolyte loss, and possible carcinogenicity with long-term use.

Dosage

For topical use, apply gel liberally to affected skin. For oral use, doses range from 30-100 mL of purified inner leaf juice per day, or 100-300 mg of concentrated extract. Aloe latex (anthraquinone-containing) is not recommended due to safety concerns. There is no established RDA.

When and how to take it

Topical aloe gel can be applied anytime to affected skin. Oral inner leaf juice is typically taken on an empty stomach or between meals, often 1-3 times per day. If using aloe to support digestion, taking it 20-30 minutes before meals may be most useful. Avoid combining oral aloe with other medications taken at the same time.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Inner aloe leaf gel (1 tbsp fresh)	approx 14 grams gel	—
Decolorized aloe juice (1 oz)	approx 30 mL	—

Safety

Topical aloe gel is generally very safe. Oral aloe products vary significantly in safety. Decolorized (low-anthraquinone) inner leaf juice is generally well tolerated. Whole leaf or non-decolorized products containing aloin can cause severe diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, and have been associated with intestinal cancer in animal studies. Long-term use of anthraquinone-containing aloe is discouraged.

Who should be cautious

Avoid oral aloe latex (whole leaf, non-decolorized products) entirely. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take oral aloe due to laxative effects and uterine stimulation concerns. People with inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, or those taking cardiac medications, diuretics, or diabetes drugs should consult a clinician. Children should not take oral aloe supplements.

Interactions

Oral aloe (anthraquinone-containing) may cause potassium depletion, potentially enhancing the toxicity of cardiac glycosides like digoxin and the effects of diuretics. Aloe may lower blood glucose, with potential to enhance the effects of diabetes medications. Aloe may also reduce absorption of oral medications taken simultaneously due to its laxative effects.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drink aloe vera juice?⌄

Decolorized inner leaf juice (with anthraquinones removed) is generally safe. Whole leaf or non-decolorized juice can cause diarrhea and has safety concerns; avoid it for ongoing consumption.

Does aloe help heal burns?⌄

Yes. Topical aloe gel has reasonable evidence for accelerating healing of minor burns and minor wounds, and provides cooling relief.

Can aloe help with constipation?⌄

Aloe latex (containing anthraquinones) is a strong stimulant laxative. However, long-term use is no longer recommended due to safety concerns including potential carcinogenicity in animal studies.

Is aloe safe during pregnancy?⌄

Topical use is generally considered safe. Oral aloe should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating and laxative effects.

What is the difference between whole leaf and inner leaf aloe?⌄

Whole leaf includes the latex layer with anthraquinones, which act as harsh laxatives. Inner leaf excludes the latex and is gentler and safer for oral consumption.

References

NCCIH: Aloe Vera — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health link
Wikidata: Aloe vera — Wikidata link

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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.