Aloin

PhytochemicalAnthraquinone glycoside

What is it

Aloin is a yellow bitter anthraquinone glycoside concentrated in the latex (just under the skin) of aloe vera leaves. It is the active laxative compound responsible for the strong stool-stimulating effects of unprocessed aloe latex.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Constipation (historical use)

Limited Evidence

Aloin acts as a strong stimulant laxative. Routine use is not recommended, and the FDA does not permit aloin-based stimulant laxatives OTC in the US.

How it works

Aloin is hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria to aloe-emodin and related anthrones, which stimulate intestinal motility and water secretion. This produces a strong laxative effect. Properly decolorized or filtered aloe gel and juice contain very little aloin and are used for milder digestive and skin support. The FDA banned aloe-derived stimulant laxatives from over-the-counter use in 2002 due to lack of safety and efficacy data, leaving aloin-rich aloe products outside US OTC laxative monograph.

Dosage

There is no recommended dose. Decolorized aloe products typically contain less than 10 ppm aloin. The DSLD does not list a standardized aloin dose.

When and how to take it

Not recommended for routine internal use. Decolorized aloe juice or gel can be taken with or between meals at modest amounts.

2 commercial forms

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

Aloe latex (whole leaf, non-decolorized)

Not recommended for routine use; safety concerns include possible colon carcinogenicity.

Contains high aloin and aloe-emodin

Decolorized aloe gel or juice

Standard form for digestive and topical use.

Very low aloin content

Safety

Aloin causes cramping and diarrhea. Animal studies of aloe whole leaf extract containing aloin have shown evidence of carcinogenic activity in the colon. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies non-decolorized aloe whole leaf extract as a possible human carcinogen. Decolorized aloe gel does not raise the same concern.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulation), breastfeeding, in children, and in anyone with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, or appendicitis. Use only decolorized aloe products for routine internal use.

Interactions

Aloin-rich aloe can deplete potassium and increase the toxicity of cardiac glycosides like digoxin. It also interacts with diuretics and corticosteroids.

Frequently asked questions

Is aloin in regular aloe drinks?⌄

Most commercial aloe drinks are decolorized and contain only trace aloin. Whole leaf or non-decolorized products may contain more.

Is aloin a carcinogen?⌄

The IARC classifies non-decolorized aloe whole leaf extract (which contains aloin) as possibly carcinogenic. Decolorized products are not in this category.

References

Aloin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Aloin (PubChem CID 313325) — PubChem link

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

Research on Aloin (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.