Aloe (Aloe vera)

Clear gel from the pulp of Aloe vera leaves has been used on the skin for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, minor burns, and other skin conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been shown to have laxative effects and may help to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.	Grade*
Constipation (laxative)	B
Genital herpes	B
Psoriasis	B
Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea, dandruff)	B
Cancer prevention	C
Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis)	C
Dental plaqueAny flat, raised patch; for example, a raised patch on the skin, fatty deposit in the inner wall of an artery, or layer over the surface of a tooth.	C
Diabetes	C
Dry skin	C
HIV infectionInvasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites.	C
Lichen planus	C
Skin burns	C
Skin ulcers	C
Ulcerative colitis	C
Mouth sores (mucositis)	D
Pressure ulcers	D
Radiation dermatitis	D
Wound healing	D

*Key to grades:

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Use caution when aloe is taken by mouth.
Use caution when aloe latex is taken by mouth short term or in patients with kidney or heart disease, or electrolyteA solution containing ions (charged atoms such as sodium and potassium), or the ions themselves. abnormalities.
Use caution in patients with impaired liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. function.
Avoid taking aloe latex by mouth long term or in patients with ileus, acuteHas a sudden onset. surgical abdomenThe part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and other organs., bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, or appendicitisInflammation of the appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine..
Avoid using aloe on the skin for wound healing.
Avoid aloe injections.
Taking aloe by mouth is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The dried juice of aloe leaves should not be consumed during breastfeeding.
Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Aloe vera, its constituents, or plants of the Liliaceae family.

Ammonium acid urate stones, constipation (worsened), death, dehydrationWater deficiency in the body., delayed wound healing, dependency on laxatives, dermatitis, diarrhea, dry skin, electrolyteA solution containing ions (charged atoms such as sodium and potassium), or the ions themselves. imbalances, estrogen-like effects, excessive bleeding, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, hepatitis, irregular heartbeat, hives, increased risk of colonThe large intestine. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., itching, low bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. potassium levels, lowered bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar levels, muscleTissue made up of cells that can contract to bring about movement. weakness, photodermatitis, red eyelids, skin effects (redness, stinging, hardness, soreness, fissures), stomach cramping, thyroid dysfunction, uterine contractions.

Absorption of foods and agents taken by mouth, agents for skin conditions, agents that affect bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar levels, anticancer agents, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, antivirals, birth control agents, cardiac glycosides, cardiovascular agents, corticosteroidsA group of hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys., diuretics, estrogens, gastrointestinal agents, hormonal agents, hydrocortisone, laxatives, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), radioprotective agents, sevoflurane, steroids, sunscreen, thyroid agents, vitamin C, vitamin E, water-soluble agents, zidovudine (AZT), and herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Adults (18 years and older):

Aloe has been taken by mouth as aloe latex, aloe extract, and juice.
Aloe has been applied to the skin as cream and gel.
Aloe has been used in preparations to clean the teeth.
Aloe injections may cause death and should be avoided.

Children (younger than 18 years):

Aloe gel has been applied to the skin.

Licensed by Natural Standard.

Copyright © 2012 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com) Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The above monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

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