Aloe

Scientific Name(s): Aloe barbadensis Miller, Aloe ferox Miller (Cape aloe), Aloe perryi Baker (Zanzibar or Socotrine aloe), Aloe vera L., Aloe vera Miller, Aloe vera Tournefort ex Linne, Aloe vulgaris Lamark (Curacao or Barbados aloe)
Common Name(s): Aloe vera, Aloes, Barbados, Cape, Curacao, Socotrine, Zanzibar

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 19, 2024.

Clinical Overview

Use

Topical aloe appears to inhibit infection and promote healing of minor burns and wounds, frostbite, striae gravidum, and skin affected by diseases such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, although studies have had conflicting results. Dried aloe latex should be ingested with caution as a drastic cathartic, but its use is not recommended. In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration required all over-the-counter aloe laxative products to be removed from the US market or reformulated because manufacturers have not provided the necessary safety data. Limited data with commercial preparations of leaf gel powder and extracts suggest benefits in glycemic and lipid control in metabolic syndrome.

Dosing

As a gel, A. vera may be applied externally. The resin product is cathartic and not recommended for internal use. Metabolic syndrome: 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks.

Contraindications

Ingestion is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, children younger than 12 years of age, and elderly patients with suspected intestinal obstruction.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented adverse effects with ingestion; do not use. Cathartic, reputed abortifacient.

Interactions

See Drug Interactions section.

Adverse Reactions

There has been 1 report that aloe gel as standard wound therapy delayed healing. The gel may cause burning sensations in dermabraded skin, and redness and itching also can occur. Use caution with cosmetic products containing A. vera gel. A case of small bowel obstruction from aloe bezoars, as well as acute hepatitis induced by aloe vera ingestion, has been reported.

Toxicology

The resin product is cathartic at doses of 250 mg and is not recommended for internal use.

Scientific Family

• Liliaceae

Botany

Aloes, of which there are approximately 500 species, belong to the Liliaceae family.1 The name, meaning "bitter and shiny substance," derives from the Arabic word alloeh. Indigenous to the Cape of Good Hope, these perennial succulents grow throughout most of Africa, southern Arabia and Madagascar, and are cultivated in Japan, North and South America, and in the Caribbean and Mediterranean regions. Often attractive ornamental plants, their fleshy leaves are stiff and spiny along the edges and grow in a rosette. Each plant has 15 to 30 tapering leaves, each up to 0.5 m long and 8 to 10 cm wide. Beneath the thick cuticle of the epidermis lies the chlorenchyma. Between this layer and the colorless mucilaginous pulp containing the aloe gel are numerous vascular bundles and inner bundle sheath cells from which a bitter yellow sap exudes when the leaves are cut.2

History

Drawings of aloe have been found in the wall carvings of Egyptian temples erected in the 4th millennium BC. Called the "Plant of Immortality," it was a traditional funerary gift for the pharaohs. The Egyptian Book of Remedies (ca. 1500 BC) notes the use of aloe in curing infections, treating the skin, and preparing drugs that were chiefly used as laxatives. In the Bible, Nicodemus provided a mixture of myrrh and aloes for the preparation of Christ's body. Alexander the Great (356 to 323 BC) is said to have conquered the island of Socotra to obtain control of aloe. In 74 AD, the Greek physician Dioscorides recorded its use to heal wounds, stop hair loss, treat genital ulcers, and eliminate hemorrhoids. In the 6th century AD, Arab traders carried it to Asia. From the Mediterranean region, it was carried to the New World in the 16th century by Spanish explorers and missionaries. In the modern era, its clinical use began in the 1930s as a treatment for radiation-induced dermatitis.2

Chemistry

The aloe plant yields 2 commercially important products. Aloe resin is the solid residue obtained by evaporating the latex from the pericyclic cells beneath the skin.3 The bitter yellow latex contains the anthraquinone barbaloin (a glucoside of aloe-emodin) and iso-barbaloin, as well as a series of O-glycosides of barbaloin (called aloinosides), chrysophanic acid, and up to 63% resin. The filtering of resins from the exudate and concentrating the remaining anthraglycoside material, which is up to 25% barbaloin, into crystalline form produces aloin, a mixture of water-soluble glycosides.

A second product, aloe gel, is a clear, thin, gelatinous material obtained by crushing the mucilaginous cells found in the inner tissue of the leaf. The gel is the product used most frequently in the cosmetic and health food industries. It is generally devoid of anthraquinone glycosides. The gel contains a polysaccharide glucomannan, similar to guar gum, which is believed to contribute mostly to the emollient effect. Aloe vera gel "extract" is not actually an extract, but rather the pulverized whole leaves of the plant.

Allantoin is a primary mucilaginous substance in aloe and an important proliferating agent.

Other compounds, such as tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, enzymes, vitamins, and steroids, have been identified.4 Aloe contains bradykininase, which relieves pain and decreases swelling and redness. Magnesium lactate may contribute to the antipruritic effect of aloe by blocking histamine production. An antiprostaglandin that reduces inflammation has also been isolated. Anthraquinones are local irritants in the GI tract but have been used in treating certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis.

Chemical composition differs among the species of aloe. For example, A. barbadensis Miller may contain 2.5 times the aloe-emodin of A. ferox Miller; the time of harvest also factors into the composition.

Uses and Pharmacology

Aloe latex has been used internally for centuries as a potent cathartic. The aloinosides exert strong purgative effects by irritating the large intestine. In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration required all over-the-counter aloe laxative products to be removed from the US market or reformulated because manufacturers have not provided the necessary safety data.(5)

Antibacterial/Anti-infective effects

Animal data

Studies of the antibacterial activity of aloe have yielded conflicting results. Tests found that Aloe chinensis inhibited growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but that A. vera was inactive.(40) Furthermore, these extracts lost their in vitro activity when mixed with blood. The latex has shown some activity against pathogenic strains.(41)

The in vitro effects of aloe vera leaf extract against axenic amastigotes of the parasite Leishmania were studied. The aloe vera leaf extract had a direct parasiticidal effect on promastigotes and was effective against Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes. The extract also modulated the immune function of murine peritoneal macrophages by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Activation of the macrophage is the primary mechanism for elimination of the Leishmania parasite that is possibly accelerated by toxic metabolites of oxygen (eg, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide). However, the parasite is able to deactivate these functions of the macrophage, thus allowing itself to survive. Activation of macrophages can be viewed as a de novo therapeutic strategy in leishmaniasis.(42)

Effective growth inhibition for up to 24 hours was achieved with a concentration of aloe vera gel more than 100 mg/mL for Shigella flexeri and aloe vera 25 mg/mL for Streptococus pyogenes. The reduction in the amount of aloe vera needed to suppress the growth of the gram-positive bacterium was attributed to the structural differences between the 2 organisms.(43)

A hydroalcoholic plant extract obtained from fresh aloe vera leaves had antifungal activity against the myceial growth of Botrytus gladiolorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Heterosporium pruneti, and Penicillium gladioli. The minimum fungicidal concentration varied between 80 and 100 mcg/mL, depending on the fungal species.(44)

Aloe is more effective than sulfadiazine and salicylic acid creams in promoting wound healing and as effective as silver sulfadiazine in reducing wound bacterial counts.(45)

Clinical data

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of aloe as an antibacterial.

In 2013, a 10-week randomized controlled field study in Madagascar documented rapid and significant improvements in tungiasis outcome measures in subjects treated twice daily with a coconut oil-based herbal repellent that includes jojoba oil and aloe vera. Tungiasis is a parasitic sand flea skin disease that can cause significant morbidity in many resource-poor tropical communities. At 2 weeks, the sand flea attack rate was zero and the intensity of infestation as well as the severity scores for acute and chronic tungiasis were significantly decreased. Within 10 weeks, the degree of tungiasis-associated morbidity approached zero.(78)

In a double blind, randomized controlled trial (N = 300), a significant decrease in dental plaque was observed in healthy adults with a gingival index less than 1 who used aloe vera mouthwash compared with placebo (P = 0.001). For 4 days, participants rinsed for 60 seconds with 10 mL twice daily of one of the following: 100% aloe vera juice, chlorhexidine, or placebo mouthwash. No significant difference was observed between aloe vera and chlorhexidine. Staining of the teeth was observed with chlorhexidine but not with aloe vera.(82)

A placebo-controlled study of A. vera extract 0.5% in a hydrophilic cream shortened time to healing in men with first episodes of genital herpes.(55)

Anticancer effects

Animal data

Aloe emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone in aloe vera leaves. Studies revealed that aloe emodin selectively inhibits human neuroectodermal tumor cell growth in tissue cultures and in animal models(35) and is antileukemic in vitro.(36)

Aloe emodin displayed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on neuroblastoma and Ewing sarcoma cells, whereas malignant human cells from epithelial and blood-derived tumors, as well as human hemopoietic progenitors and normal fibroblasts, were not sensitive to this compound.(35)

In Merkel cell carcinoma, a striking inhibitory effect of aloe emodin on viable cell numbers after 72 hours of treatment was demonstrated. The results were statistically significant (P < 0.02) for 10 mcmol aloe emodin and with higher drug concentrations (P < 0.001). Aloin, the glycosidic derivative of aloe emodin, has no effect.(37)

Other studies showed A. vera gel to be less cytotoxic(38) than indomethacin or prednisolone in tissue cultures. The National Cancer Institute concluded that A. vera latex was not worthy of further study as a cancer treatment. However, in 2000 the US Department of Agriculture approved A. vera as an adjunctive treatment for fibrosarcoma in animals.(39)

Clinical data

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of aloe for the treatment of cancer.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Animal data

Arthritic mice were injected subcutaneously with a 150 mg/kg suspension of anthraquinones once a day for 13 days. This aloe extract resulted in a 48% inhibition of inflammation, caused by anthraquinone and cinnamic acid, and a 72% inhibition of arthritis, caused by anthranilic acid, which also had an anti-inflammatory effect. A. vera extracts have bradykininase activity in vitro.(29)

A study evaluating the modulation of Salmonella OmpR-medicated inflammation by aloe vera was also conducted in mice. Aloe vera applied topically, administered intraperitoneally, or a combination of the two routes modulated the inflammatory response. The maximum effect was seen with the combined routes, indicating modulation at local as well as systemic levels. This modulation could be due to the potential of aloe vera to decrease perioxidative damage via a decrease in the levels of monokines (tissue necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6) and an increase in the level of superoxide dismutase. No change in catalase activity was observed by aloe vera treatment.(30)

Topical administration of aloe extracts reduced swelling in an animal model 29%.(31) Investigations have established that certain components of aloe inhibit the complement system, thereby reducing inflammatory responses.(32, 33)

Alprogen, a single inhibitory component in aloe vera, strongly inhibited histamine and leukotriene releases during the activation of mast cells by specific antigen-antibody reactions.

Alprogen also appeared to inhibit multiple signals as well as block calcium ion influx, and protein kinase C and phospholipase D activities were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Alprogen also inhibited mass 1,2-diacylglycerol formation and phospholipase A₂ activity during mast cell activation.(34)

Clinical data

Research reveals some clinical data regarding the use of aloe for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as treatment of radiation-induced dermatitis, oral mucositis, phlebitis, and inflammatory bowel disease as detailed in relevant sections.

Burns/Skin irritation

Animal data

A. barbadensis extracts in a murine model prevented ultraviolet radiation-induced suppression of contact and delayed hypersensitivity by reducing the production of interleukin-10.(7, 8) However, a small study in 10 healthy volunteers did not support this observation.(9) Subsequent reports of the use of topical aloe in treating human and animal radiation burns suggested that although healing occurred, a clear advantage over aggressive wound care was not established.

Clinical data

A 2005 systematic literature review identified 5 published and 2 unpublished randomized controlled trials (N = 645)evaluating the effectiveness of aloe vera for the prevention and/or minimization of radiation-induced skin reactions in cancer patients. From the trials reviewed, there was no evidence to suggest that aloe vera gel is effective for the prevention and/or treatment of radiation-induced skin reactions in either adults or children. Furthermore, in 2 of the studies, aloe vera gel was shown to be less effective than other creams (aqueous cream and anionic phospholipid-based cream).(11) Although no serious adverse effects were reported in the literature, 5 patients had an allergic reaction to aloe vera gel. In contrast, a 2022 multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in patients with head and neck cancer who were undergoing high dose radiotherapy concurrently with chemotherapy observed some benefit with aloe gel after a median treatment time of approximately 52 days. Aloe or placebo gel were applied twice daily starting on the first day of radiation and continued for 2 weeks after treatment completion. Significantly less subjective grade 3 to 4 burning sensation at week 7 in the aloe gel group (0% vs 11.9%; P=0.016) occurred. However, the aloe group experienced significantly more grade 3 to 4 itching at week 4 than placebo (10% vs 0%; P=0.028). No differences were observed between groups in subjective pain or pain-related daily living. Objective assessments by the radiation oncologists identified less erythematous skin at weeks 4 and 6 (P=0.018 and 0.038, respectively) and less moist desquamation at week 7 (P=0.001) in the aloe group compared to placebo, but no difference between groups in terms of dry desquamation.(101)

Two additional unblinded studies have been published that involved oncology patients receiving radiation therapy. One prophylactic use study (n = 60) included patients with various types of cancers, and participants were instructed to begin self-application of aloe vera lotion to only one half of the site being radiated starting on the first day of radiation. Investigators concluded that dermatitis was less severe on the portion of the sites that were treated with aloe vera lotion.(75) Another study (n = 100) conducted in breast cancer patients randomized patients to 1 of 5 topical therapies. Treatments were betaglucan with sodium hyaluronate (Neoviderm); vitis vinifera A. s-I-M.t-O.dij (Ixoderm); alga atlantica and ethylbisiminomethylguaicolo manganese cloruro (Radioskin) plus metal esculetina, ginko biloba, and aloe vera (Radioskin 2); natural triglycerides-fitosterols (Xderit); and selectiose, thermal water of Avene (Trixera+). Patients were instructed to begin application of topical products 2 or 3 times daily 15 days prior to the start of radiation, during radiation, and for 1 month after the end of radiation. The study product was not to be applied within 3 hours of radiation. Skin toxicity was rated using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scale (grade 0 = no change, grade 4 = most severe). All 5 topical preparations were deemed valid options for prevention of radiation dermatitis, and the study was not powered to discern differences between groups. A grade 1 RTOG score was given to 72 study patients, and 20 patients had a grade 2 score. Five patients were rated as grade 3.(76) A phase 3 trial (n = 248) evaluated the efficacy of a moist aloe cream intervention compared with a dry powder regimen in reducing acute radiation-induced skin injury in women during breast cancer radiation therapy. Neither the aloe nor placebo cream interventions improved incidence or severity of skin reactions compared with the nonmetallic dry baby powder or cornstarch, and resulted in a worse skin reaction and pain scores.(87)

In 2018, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) endorsed the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) evidence-based guideline for the use of integrative therapies after breast cancer treatment, stating that aloe vera should not be recommended for improving acute radiation skin reaction (Grade D).(96, 103)

In contrast, overall clinical presentation of radiation-induced proctitis was found to be significantly improved (P=0.0087) in an Iranian double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n=20). Compared to placebo, adults who rectally applied 3% aloe vera gel for 4 weeks (1 g twice daily) experienced significantly less diarrhea (P=0.008) and fecal urgency (P=0.027) as well as total radiation-induced toxicity scores (P=0.0016). The lifestyle score also improved with aloe vera treatment compared to placebo (P=0.004), which remained mostly unchanged.(94) The same authors also demonstrated significant preventative effects of rectally administered aloe vera ointment for some of the symptoms of acute radiation-induced proctitis in a second double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (N=42). In patients with pelvic cancer undergoing radiation therapy, rectally administered aloe vera 3% ointment (1 g twice daily × 6 weeks) significantly improved diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fecal urgency, and total clinical symptoms (P≤0.001 for each) compared to placebo. However, proctitis, cystitis, rectal pain, and constipation were not significantly affected. Quality of life (P<0.001) and depression (P=0.049) but not anxiety (P=0.053) improved with aloe, as did C-reactive protein (P=0.009).(100)

Another systematic review was carried out in 2007 to determine the efficacy of aloe vera in burn wound healing. Only 4 studies (n = 371) of burns were identified in humans. Two of these studies used time to wound healing as an outcome measure. Based on a meta-analysis of these 2 studies, the summary-weighted mean difference in healing time of the aloe vera group was 8.79 days shorter than of those in the control group (P = 0.006). The other 2 studies showed that treatment in the aloe vera group was better than that of the control group. One study reported a success rate with aloe vera of 95% compared with 83% with silver sulfadiazine. The other showed that the epithelialization rate measured by the healing size of the aloe wound was higher than that of the Vaseline gauze group on both day 5 and day 8 following skin grafting. The findings also suggest that aloe vera products are safe for topical use. There were no withdrawal or serious adverse reactions, and only irritation, itching, discomfort, and minimal transient pain were reported. However, these events were common signs and symptoms in burns and were present in both the aloe vera and control groups. None of the included studies standardized the amount of active ingredients of aloe vera in the products used.(12) In a study of 27 patients, aloe vera gel-treated, partial thickness burn wounds healed in an average of 12 days as opposed to the Vaseline-gauze-treated area of the same burn, which healed in an average of 18 days.(10)

The activity of aloe in treating burns may stem from its moisturizing effect, which prevents air from drying the wound.(13) One study used skin bioengineering techniques to evaluate the effects of cosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of freeze-dried aloe vera extract on skin hydration. After a single application, formulations containing 0.25% and 0.5% of aloe vera extract increased the water content of the stratum corneum, while after a 2-week period of application, all 3 formulations (0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%) had the same effect. It was proposed that freeze-dried aloe vera extract improved skin moisture by a humectant mechanism.(14) Its activity has also been ascribed to its chlorophyll content and that of other minor components, but this has not been adequately substantiated. Current theory suggests that healing is stimulated by mucopolysaccharides in combination with sulfur derivatives and nitrogen compounds. Topical aloe treatment for burns has not been adequately documented. Two FDA advisory panels found insufficient evidence to show that A. vera is useful in the treatment of minor burns, cuts, or vaginal irritations.

Contraceptive use

Lyophilized A. barbadensis combined with zinc acetate has been studied in rabbits for use as a vaginal contraceptive.(57)

Diabetes/Hyperglycemia

Animal data

A study in rats examined the effects of 2 minor phytosterols of aloe vera gel, lophenol (Lo) and cycloartanol (Cy), in an obese animal model of type 2 diabetes. Consecutive treatment with phytosterols suppressed hyperglycemia and random blood glucose levels 39.6% and 37.2% lower than control in Lo and Cy treatment groups, respectively, after 35 days of treatment. Glycosolated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) values were also lower in phytosterol-treated rats than in the control group. In addition, the weights of total abdominal fat tissues were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group in rats treated with phytosterols.(27)

Clinical data

Aloe gel contains glucomannan, a hydrosoluble fiber that may, in part, account for its hypoglycemic effects. A double-blind randomized clinical trial (n = 121) found small but significant effects on obesity-related and diabetes-related biomarkers in subjects with prediabetes or nonmedicated early diabetes. Aloe vera gel 294 mg twice daily after a meal produced significantly lower serum insulin levels and Homeostasis Model of Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA) at 4 weeks, and significantly lower body weight and body fat mass at 8 weeks. The observed changes in biomarkers suggest metabolic benefits.(77) Two nonrandomized clinical trials (N = 40 and N = 76) reported improved blood glucose levels with 6 weeks of juice made from aloe gel. Case reports of 5 patients with type 2 diabetes reported decreases in fasting blood glucose as well as in HbA_1c. No adverse effects were reported in these trials. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study assessed the effect of 2 inner leaf gel powder aloe vera products (UP780 and AC952) on glycemic, lipid, and oxidative stress biomarkers in 45 adults with metabolic syndrome. After twice daily supplementation for 8 weeks, UP780 (500 mg, standardized to 2% aloesin) produced significant reductions in HbA_1c, fructosamine, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA compared with placebo, whereas AC952 (500 mg) supplementation resulted in significant reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and fructosamine. UP780 also significantly decreased urinary F2-isoprostanes, a biomarker of whole-body lipid oxidation. No side effects were observed.(85) The preliminary data suggest a potential effect of aloe vera in glycemic control; however, further information is needed.(28) A meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (N = 498) assessed the effect of aloe vera on glycemic control in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Of the 8 studies, 3 were of low quality. Preparations varied widely and included raw crushed aloe leaves (30 g/day), freshly extracted juice (150 mL/day), gel powder capsule (600 mg/day), and extract (600 mg/day to 2.8 g/day); durations of treatment ranged from 2 to 3 months. Aloe vera reduced mean fasting plasma glucose significantly in prediabetics (−0.22 mmol/L) and marginally in type 2 diabetics (−1.17 mmol/L); whereas HbA_1c was decreased significantly only in type 2 diabetics (−11 mmol/mol).(89)

The American Diabetes Association's updated guidelines on the standards of medical care in diabetes (2021) recommends an individualized medical nutrition therapy program as needed to achieve treatment goals for all people with type 1 or 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes (level A). However, they generally recommend against the use of dietary supplementation with herbs or spices, including aloe vera, for glycemic control based on no clear evidence that it can improve outcomes in diabetics who do not already have underlying deficiencies (level C).(102)

Gastrointestinal/Inflammatory bowel disease

Animal data

A study assessed the antioxidant activity of aloe vera gel on colorectal mucosal biopsies. Aloe vera had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen metabolite production, and it also inhibited the production of prostaglandin E₂ by 30% at a 1 in 50 dilution (P = 0.03). No effect was seen on thromboxane B₂ production. The anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera gel demonstrated in vitro support the proposal that it may have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease.(46) Additionally, pretreatment with an A. vera extract reduced aspirin-induced injury in a study with rats.(49)

Clinical data

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 44 hospital outpatients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis was performed. Patients were randomly given oral aloe vera gel or placebo 100 mL twice daily for 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures were clinical remission (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index 2 or less), sigmoidoscopic remission (Baron score 1 or less), and histological remission (Saverymuttu score 1 or less). Secondary outcome measures included changes in the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (improvement was defined as a decrease of 3 or more points; response was defined as remission or improvement), Baron score, and histology score. The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index and histological scores decreased significantly during treatment with aloe vera (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), but not with placebo. Sigmoidoscopic scores and laboratory variables showed no statistically significant differences. Although clinical remission, improvement, and response occurred more frequently in aloe vera-treated patients, the differences did not reach statistical significance.(47) In a separate double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 68 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (43 IBS mixed, 20 IBS-diarrhea, 5 IBS-constipation) were given aloe vera extract (AVH200 250 mg) or placebo twice daily for 4 weeks. The primary end point was not met, which was defined as either a reduction in IBS Symptom Severity Score of at least 50 points or adequate relief for at least 50% of the treatment duration. However, the improvement in the severity scores was significantly greater in the aloe group compared to placebo (P=0.03) and significantly more symptoms were reduced with aloe (P=0.003) over placebo. Additionally, significant improvements in the subscales of pain severity, pain frequency, and bloating (P=0.011, P=0.010, P=0.032, respectively) were observed with aloe but not placebo. No adverse events or clinically significant effects on routine labs were observed.(90)

A meta-analysis identified 7 placebo-controlled clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of herbal medicines in inflammatory bowel disease. One study (n = 44) assessed aloe vera in patients with ulcerative colitis and found a significant result for induction of a clinical response (relative risk, 3.27), such as remission or improvement, but not endoscopic remission/response or histologic remission/response.(81)

An emulsion of the gel was reported to cure 17 of 18 patients with peptic ulcers, but no control agent was used in this study.(48)

Hepatoprotectant

The hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extracts of A. babadensis against the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been reported. A. babadensis shortened the hexobarbitone sleeptime and zoxazolamine "paralysis time" as compared with CCl4-treated animals, possibly due to the ability of A. babadensis to protect hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes.(51)

A small study found that parenteral administration of aloe extract protects the liver from chemical injury and has been shown to dramatically ameliorate ALT levels in patients with chronic hepatitis.(52)

Mucosal therapy

Clinical data

Aloe vera gel was applied buccally to the mucosa, palate, retromolar region, and floor of the mouth twice daily for up to 6 months as adjunctive therapy in patients treated medicinally (hylauronidase/dexamethasone) or surgically for oral submucous fibrosis. Patients using aloe vera in the medicinal as well as surgical groups experienced significant improvements in most symptoms (P < 0.01), including mouth burning sensations and mouth opening.(80) The effect of pure aloe vera mouthwash was found to be statistically similar to standard of care (benzydamine mouthwash 0.15%) in managing mean time between radiation therapy and onset as well as severity of oral mucositis in adult head and neck cancer patients (n = 26) with radiation-induced oral mucositis. Mean changes of mucositis over time were also similar between groups in this triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.(88) A total of 40 patients with precancerous oral submucous fibrosis were randomly assigned to receive physiotherapy plus either aloe vera gel (Forever Living Gel) or a commercially available antioxidant supplement (Antioxid). The majority of patients (67%) had a history of chewing gutka for the past 5 to 10 years as their major risk factor. Topical aloe vera gel was applied to the oral mucosa 3 times daily for 3 months while the antioxidant was taken orally twice daily. Burning sensation (P=0.001), mouth opening (P=0.004), and tongue protrusion (P=0.001) were improved significantly in the topical aloe group compared to the oral antioxidant. The authors define homeopathy, however it was unclear if the products used in the study were homeopathic preparations as no details were given regarding product formulation.(93)

A Cochrane review of interventions for preventing oral mucositis found 1 study that compared aloe vera with placebo for mild versus moderate/severe mucositis (0 to 1 vs 2+) dichotomy. Because no statistically significant difference was found, it was concluded that aloe vera was neither more nor less effective than placebo.(50) The effect of aloe vera on pain and/or clinical improvement of patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus was assessed in a systematic review of controlled clinical trials and case reports published through May 2016. Among the 5 studies and 2 case reports that met inclusion criteria, heterogeneity was significant for study design, formulation of both the intervention (gel, ointment, mouthwash, juice) and control (placebo gel, triamcinolone gel and paste), duration of therapy (range, 8 days to 9 months), types of oral lichen planus (erosive, atrophic, reticular, and papular), as well as clinical outcomes. Risk of bias was moderate in 4 of the 5 trials, and high in the 5th. However, data sets from 3 studies allowed meta-analyses of burning sensation as measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and clinical improvement score that showed aloe vera was significantly inferior to the control (weighted heavily by triamcinolone control) with regards to VAS (P=0.01) and clinical score (P=0.006), respectively. Heterogeneity for both meta-analyses was moderate. Weak evidence from the included studies indicate that aloe vera was more effective than placebo and comparable to triamcinolone acetonide. Aloe was well tolerated with no adverse events reported compared with the various side effects of the gold standard, corticosteroids.(92)

A gel containing A. vera extract 0.125%, allantoin 0.35%, and silicon dioxide was found effective in decreasing the duration of lesions associated with aphthous stomatitis.(56)

Myocardial ischemia

In a study of rats (N = 16), the administration of an intravenous infusion of drag-reducing polymers extracted from aloe vera preserved mean arterial pressure and tissue perfusion, and resulted in improved acid-base status after acute myocardial ischemia by ligation of the left anterior coronary artery. All rats in the drag-reducing polymers infusion group survived, while half of the control group died from congestive heart failure within 60 minutes.(54)

Seborrheic dermatitis/Psoriasis

Animal data

Research reveals no animal data regarding the use of aloe for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Clinical data

In double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, aloe vera in a hydrophilic cream base was applied 3 times daily for 4 weeks to 60 patients with slight to moderate psoriasis (psoriasis area sensitivity index [PASI] score 4.8 to 16.7). Compared with the placebo group, the aloe vera group had more patients with a positive response (83.3% vs 6.6%, P < 0.001). The mean PASI score decreased from 9.7 to 2.2 in the aloe vera group compared with 8.9 to 8.2 among the placebo-treated group.(24)

Another study of 41 patients investigated the application of aloe vera gel twice daily for 4 weeks. In an as-treated analysis, a score sum of erythema, infiltration, and desquamation decreased in 72.5% of aloe vera-treated patients compared with 82.5% of placebo-treated patients (P = 0.0197). The magnitude of change was moderate in most patients, with only 10% to 15% of patients in the aloe vera and placebo groups, respectively, achieving a 50% reduction from baseline scores.(25) A 2013 systematic review and meta-analysis identified 3 randomized controlled trials evaluating aloe vera preparations and found limited support for topical management of plaque psoriasis. Preparations included 0.5% aloe vera extract, 70% aloe mucilage cream, and 98% aloe vera leaf gel with less than 100 ppm; applications were administered 2 to 3 times daily for up to 8 weeks. In one of the reviewed trials, aloe was shown to be at least as effective as triamcinolone acetonide cream.(79)

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of an aloe vera crude extract emulsion in reducing scaliness and pruritus, as well as the number of involved sites in 44 patients with seborrheic dermatitis.(26)

The joint American Academy of Dermatology and National Psoriasis Foundation (AAD-NPF) guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures (2020) states that the use of topical aloe vera may have efficacy in treating mild psoriasis in patients who are not allergic. No evidence-based recommendations were made.(99) The American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (2009) discusses conflicting data regarding aloe vera evaluated in 2 controlled trials for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. No strength of recommendation is provided due to conflicting results.(74)

Wound healing

Some studies have found preparations containing aloe to accelerate wound healing.

Animal data

A number of animal studies provide evidence that aloe vera, or one or more of its constituents, promotes wound healing in animal models.

A study in mice found that acemannan, the major carbohydrate fraction isolated from aloe vera gel, stimulates macrophage cytokine production, nitric oxide release, and morphologic cellular changes that varied proportionally with increasing dosages. Another study in Sprague-Dawley rats showed that the combination of hypochlorite and aloe increased wound contraction when compared with controls, indicating that this combination stimulated collagen activity and strengthened the collagen matrix of the wound, enhancing its tensile strength. In a laboratory experiment, rats injected subcutaneously with doses of A. vera 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg/day without anthraquinones for 7 days showed improved circulation and wound healing.(53)

Another study in mice identified the glycoprotein fraction (G1G1M1D12) that was thought to provide the wound healing effects of aloe vera. In addition, mannose 6-phosphate, the primary sugar in aloe vera, has been identified as an active wound healing component.

Aloe vera also blocked the suppressive effects of hydrocortisone on wound healing in animal studies.(15)

When used to treat frostbite in a study with rabbits, the addition of oral pentoxifylline showed additional improvement in tissue survival.(16)

Clinical data

In patients who underwent dermabrasion, aloe accelerated skin healing by approximately 72 hours compared with polyethylene oxide gel dressing(17) and aloe has been found to accelerate wound healing in patients with frostbite.(18) Aloe vera applied to debrided white or clear blisters and to intact hemorrhagic blisters every 6 hours has been part of the treatment protocol for frostbite.(19, 20)

Topical application of aloe vera cream (2 g every 12 hours) to the abdomen of nulliparous women from week 16 to delivery significantly reduced the extension of striae gravidum compared to controls in a double-blind, clinical trial (N=149). Extension across all abdominal zones was 8% for aloe vera cream, 9.5% for sweet almond oil cream, 18.5% for the base cream, and 65.5% for no treatment controls. Similarly, the average diameter and number of striae were significantly reduced with the almond oil, aloe vera, and base creams compared to no treatment controls (P<0.001 for all), with the 2 active treatment groups also significantly reducing erythema and itching of striae (P<0.001).(98)

A study of 133 patients with pressure ulcers higher than grade 1 compared Vulnopur spray (a saline spray with aloe vera, silver chloride, and decyl glucoside) with isotonic saline for cleaning wounds. The Vulnopur spray was found to improve pressure score status tool scores when used to cleanse pressure ulcers, compared with wounds that were cleansed with isotonic saline. The mean percentage change from baseline to day 14 in the control group was −20.5% while the mean percentage change for Vulnopur spray was −27.8%.(21) Compared with standard treatment with phenytoin cream, topical application of an aloe vera/olive oil (3:2) cream for 30 days was found to improve wound healing and pain severity significantly better in Iranian adults (N = 60) with pressure ulcers, diabetic wounds, and venous ulcers who were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, comparator-controlled, parallel-group trial. No adverse events were reported by participants.(86)

A small study compared the mean healing times of surgical wounds treated with aloe vera gel plus traditional wet-to-dry treatment to traditional wet-to-dry treatment alone. The mean time to healing was reported as greater in the aloe vera group; however, the results were flawed by differential loss to follow up.(22) A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 90 Iranian women found that the application of aloe vera gel to cesarean wound dressings significantly improved wound healing within the first 24 hours (P = 0.003) after the operation, but not after 8 days.(83)

Controlled clinical trials in humans demonstrated no benefit when aloe vera was incorporated into topical therapy(15) and at least 1 study found that aloe applied as standard wound therapy delayed wound healing (83 vs 53 days).(23)

A Cochrane review analyzed data from 43 randomized clinical trials and quasi-randomized clinical trials (N = 7,465) to assess the effects of A. vera (or A. vera-derived products) applied externally for the prevention and treatment of infusion phlebitis. Most studies were of low quality. Occurrence of second and third degree phlebitis were significantly prevented with A. vera compared with no treatment (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.00001, respectively) and aloe significantly reduced second degree phlebitis compared to magnesium sulfate 50% (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the total incidence of phlebitis was significantly reduced with aloe compared to alcohol 75% or magnesium sulfate 33% alone (P = 0.004 and P = 0.005, respectively) but not when compared to magnesium sulfate 50% or 75%. As for treatment of infusion phlebitis, aloe was more effective than magnesium sulfate 33% and 50%, with regards to any improvement and marked improvement (P < 0.0001 for all). Recovery rates were significantly improved with aloe compared to magnesium sulfate 50% (P < 0.0001) and other routine external treatments (ie, hirudoid, sulphonic acid mucopolysaccharide, dexamethasone) (P = 0.001), but no obvious advantage when compared to external application of a potato slice. Alone or in combination with routine treatment, aloe improved duration of pain at the location of the infusion vein, duration of red swelling elimination, and time of phlebitis resolution compared with routine treatment alone. A. vera intervention durations varied widely with application of a fresh aloe slice ranging from 1 to 15 days (eg, up to 5 times daily, every 3 hours, for 48 to 72 hours, continuously and changed every 2 hours, for 1 hour 4 times a day, for 20 minutes). Data were unavailable to assess adverse reactions.(84)

Other

Of 31 complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) remedies, aloe was recommended by 33% of German dentists and maxillofacial surgeons according to a prospective, cross-sectional survey (N=250). As one might expect, perceived effectiveness was rated higher among CAM proponents than opponents.(97)

Dosing

As a gel, A. vera may be applied externally. The resin product is cathartic and is not recommended for internal use.58 Metabolic syndrome: 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks.85

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, lidocaine topical, vancomycin, gentamicin, Dupixent, tobramycin, Silvadene, albumin human, benzocaine topical, Temovate

Pregnancy / Lactation

Documented adverse effects with ingestion; do not use. Cathartic, reputed abortifacient.59

Interactions

Hypoglycemic-associated agents: Herbs (hypoglycemic properties) may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of hypoglycemic-associated agents. Monitor therapy.73

Adverse Reactions

Because aloe has been used extensively as a folk medicine, its adverse effects are well documented. Except for dried latex, aloe is not approved as an internal medication. The external use of aloe has not been associated with severe adverse reactions; the majority are relatively mild and reversible upon cessation.62 Reports of burning sensations following topical application of aloe gel to dermabraded skin have been described.63 Contact dermatitis from the related Aloe arborescens has been reported.1 Erythema, edema, urticaria, and eczematous rash have also been reported following A. vera application.64, 65

In one report, the use of aloe gel as standard wound therapy delayed healing. Cosmetic products containing A. vera gel should be used cautiously.66

Prolonged ingestion of aloe has resulted in adverse effects such as bloody diarrhea, potassium depletion, albuminuria, hematuria, muscle weakness, weight loss, and cardiac effects. Prolonged use of high-dose aloe, greater than 1 g/day, has reportedly caused hemorrhagic gastritis, nephritis, and acute renal failure61 in some patients. A case of small bowel obstruction caused by A. vera bezoars (concretions) was reported in a 74-year-old male with an 11-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus after consuming excessive amounts of A. vera for 10 days for dyspepsia. The patient recovered without complications after surgical removal of the bezoars.95

A case of acute hepatitis induced by aloe vera ingestion has been reported.67 Data collected between 2004 and 2013 from 8 US centers in the Drug-induced Liver Injury Network revealed that 15.5% (130) of hepatotoxicity cases were caused by herbals and dietary supplements, whereas 85% (709) of cases were related to prescription medications. Of the 130 cases of liver injury related to supplements, 65% were from non-bodybuilding supplements and occurred most often in Hispanics/Latinos compared with non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks. Liver transplant was also more frequent with toxicity from non-bodybuilding supplements (13%) than with conventional medications (3%) (P<0.001). Overall, the proportion of severe liver injury cases was significantly higher for supplements than for conventional medications (P=0.02). Of the 217 supplement products implicated in liver injury, 175 had identifiable ingredients, of which aloewas among the 32 (18%) single-ingredient products.91