Cape Aloe

BotanicalBest before bed

What is it

Cape aloe (Aloe ferox) is a succulent plant native to southern Africa. The bitter yellow latex from the leaves is used as a stimulant laxative, and the inner gel is used for skin and digestive applications.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Occasional constipation

Good Evidence

Anthraquinone laxatives, including cape aloe latex, are well-documented short-term stimulant laxatives. Long-term safety is uncertain and chronic use is discouraged.

How it works

Cape aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosides, particularly aloin (barbaloin). These compounds are converted by gut bacteria into active metabolites that stimulate colonic motility and water secretion, producing a laxative effect typically 6-12 hours after ingestion. The inner leaf gel contains polysaccharides (acemannans), enzymes, and minerals. Most commercial cape aloe products are processed to reduce the latex (aloin) content to minimize side effects.

Dosage

There is no formal RDA. For aloin-containing latex products, doses are typically 10-30 mg of aloin equivalents, taken short-term (not more than 1-2 weeks). Inner-leaf juice products are dosed as a few ounces daily.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Stimulant laxatives are typically taken at bedtime for next-morning effect. HOW: Take with a full glass of water. Do not exceed labeled duration.

2 commercial forms

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

Cape aloe latex (bitter)

Dried yellow latex from the leaf, the source of stimulant laxative effects.

Activated by colonic bacteria; effects in 6-12 hours.

Inner leaf gel/juice

Filtered, decolorized gel without significant aloin content.

Polysaccharide-rich; minimal laxative effect when properly processed.

Safety

Stimulant laxative use can cause abdominal cramping, electrolyte imbalance, and dependence with prolonged use. The US FDA in 2002 ruled aloin-containing laxative products no longer GRAS due to insufficient safety data. Whole-leaf aloe latex has been classified as 'possibly carcinogenic' in rat studies; whether this applies to humans is debated.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, intestinal obstruction, IBD, and electrolyte imbalances. Do not use for more than 1-2 weeks without medical guidance. Discuss with clinician if you take digoxin, diuretics, or have heart or kidney conditions.

Interactions

May increase potassium loss when combined with diuretics or corticosteroids, potentiating cardiac glycoside (digoxin) toxicity. Can reduce absorption of orally administered drugs taken near the same time.

Frequently asked questions

Is cape aloe safe for daily use?⌄

No. Stimulant laxatives should not be used long-term because of risk of dependence, electrolyte disturbances, and theoretical cancer concerns from aloin.

Is the laxative effect from the gel or the latex?⌄

From the bitter yellow latex (aloin), not the clear inner gel. Decolorized gel products generally do not produce a strong laxative effect.

References

Cape Aloe on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Cape Aloe (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.