Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnti-Inflammatory EffectsNutrients and AntioxidantsInflammatory Bowel DiseaseBlood SugarFat LossGERDSkin HealthMinor BurnsMouth SoresHow Much Aloe Vera Is Good for Me?Precautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Nutrients and Antioxidants
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Blood Sugar
Fat Loss
GERD
Skin Health
Minor Burns
Mouth Sores
How Much Aloe Vera Is Good for Me?
Precautions
For centuries, people have used aloe vera, both topically and orally, to treat various conditions such as acne, rashes, burns, weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, and digestive issues.
Aloe vera benefits likely stem from the bioactive compounds—vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and proteins—found mainly in its leaves and inner gel.
Aloe barbadensisis the most commonly used and researched aloe species.This perennial plant, which belongs to theXanthorrhoeaceaefamily, thrives in hot, dry climates.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
Darya Komarova / Getty Images
It Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects
It Contains Nutrients and Antioxidants
Aloe vera is a rich source of important nutrients. Over 75 different nutrients, including enzymes, fatty acids, mono- andpolysaccharides, antioxidants, and variousphytonutrients(plant substances with perceived health benefits), have been identified in aloe vera.
Aloe vera contains vitamins and minerals such as the following:
Antioxidants in aloe vera, such as vitamins A, C, and E, prevent or reduce unstable molecules calledfree radicals. Other antioxidants present in aloe vera include carotenoids andpolyphenols.The antioxidants present in aloe vera may protect human cells from damage. One human study concluded that supplementing with aloe vera gel extract increased total antioxidant activity in the body.
Aloe vera contains additional bioactive compounds, includingsalicylicacid, proteins, and amino acids.Salicylic acid is touted as a natural skin remedy with antifungal and exfoliant properties.
Of note, aloe also containsanthraquinoneswith laxative effects and potential toxicity concerns.
It May Help Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Due to its known anti-inflammatory effects, research and interest inaloe vera for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)has grown.
IBD is a chronic condition in which parts of the digestive tract become inflamed and, in some cases, damaged. The two most common types of IBD areCrohn’sdiseaseandulcerative colitis(UC).
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties of aloe vera may be responsible for the plant’s potential role as a complementary treatment for IBD.In an animal study, aloe vera gel had protective effects against UC. The gel also promoted healing and reduced inflammation, ulcers, and damage in the colon.
More research in humans is necessary to determine whether aloe vera will help people with IBD.
It May Lower Blood Sugar
Evidence suggests that aloe vera supplements may work as a natural remedy for high blood sugar.
According to limited research, oral aloe vera may improve blood sugar control in people with prediabetes ortype 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that aloe vera may reduce the absorption of glucose (sugar) after a meal, leading to lower blood sugar. Aloe vera may also increase the breakdown of glucose.
It significantly reduced fasting blood sugar andhemoglobin A1C (HbA1C)in people with untreated diabetes compared to a placebo.However, more extensive human research is necessary to better understand aloe vera’s effectiveness on blood sugar.
It May Promote Fat Loss
Herbs and supplements are popular approaches to weight management. Aloe vera gel may have lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects that may help people lose weight.Much of the research on aloe vera for fat loss is dated or mostly only in animals.
In an animal study, a fermented aloe vera gel beverage reduced weight gain and fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The aloe vera’s high content of polyphenols andflavonoidsmay be responsible. In other studies, these antioxidants have been linked to decreased fat accumulation.
A similar study found that aloe vera gel supplementation reduced body fat accumulation in rats. Researchers found the gel correcteddyslipidemiaandoxidative stress, two factors that may contribute toobesity.
Though we can learn from animal studies, more human research is necessary.
It May Help GERD
Aloe vera gel may improve symptoms ofgastroesophagealreflux disease (GERD), a chronic digestive disease. People with GERD often experienceheartburn,indigestion, and trouble swallowing that must be continuously treated with medication or lifestyle changes. However, some research shows that aloe vera gel contains natural anti-ulcer, wound-healing, andantimicrobialproperties that may benefit people with GERD.
A small study compared the effectiveness of aloe vera gel syrup to two common GERD medications:omeprazoleandranitidine.At the end of the four-week trial, the aloe vera gel syrup was comparable to the two medications in reducing GERD symptoms.
However, it did have less effect on reducing the frequency of both heartburn and flatulence than omeprazole and ranitidine.Few other studies have been conducted on the effects of aloe vera on GERD symptoms. More research is necessary.
It May Promote Skin Health
Topical aloe vera has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions for centuries.
Bioactive substances in aloe vera, includingaloe emodinand salicylic acid, have known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and immunity-enhancing properties that may be useful for treatingpsoriasis.These substances may improve redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. However, few studies have been conducted.
Aloe vera combined with other herbs or substances may also benefit acne treatment. However, more research is necessary to determine if aloe vera alone can treat acne.
It May Soothe Minor Burns
For some people, aloe vera is a go-to treatment for certain types of burns, including first- and second-degree burns. Research suggests aloe vera may reduce recovery time, help prevent infection, and reduce itching.An analysis of scientific studies concluded that topical aloe vera is an effective treatment forsecond-degree burnscompared to standard treatments.
Though researchers are unsure exactly how aloe vera works to heal burns, some evidence suggests that it increases the production of skin-healing cells and proteins.Another analysis found similar results regarding burn healing and examined aloe vera’s effects on pain and infection associated with burns.
Though researchers could not determine how aloe vera affects burn-related pain, they found that topical aloe vera doesn’t increase the risk of infection.
Avoid aloe vera for severe burns, like third-degree burns, and seek immediate medical care.
It May Help Mouth Sores
Compared to other treatments, topical aloe vera applied directly to mouth sores (sometimes called mouth ulcers) is thought to shorten healing time.Aloe vera gel is also thought to be similar to other treatments for pain management. Similarly, aloe vera mouthwash reduced the severity of oralmucositis, a condition that causes ulcers and inflammation inside the mouth.
In one small study, aloe vera mouthwash was compared to benzydamine mouthwash as a treatment for radiation-induced mucositis in people with cancer.Aloe vera mouthwash was as effective asbenzydaminemouthwash at treating mucositis.
There is no standard or recommended dosage of aloe vera in any form. As a rule of thumb, start with the lowest dose and increase gradually if necessary. Avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended dose.
Although aloe vera is considered safe for most people. However, some may need to take specific precautions, such as the following:
Oral aloe vera latex may improve constipation symptoms. However, in 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of aloe vera latex as an ingredient in nonprescription laxatives due to safety concerns.Prolonged use of aloe vera latex has been linked to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, and changes in the anatomy of the colon.
Oral aloe vera latex may improve constipation symptoms. However, in 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of aloe vera latex as an ingredient in nonprescription laxatives due to safety concerns.
Prolonged use of aloe vera latex has been linked to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, and changes in the anatomy of the colon.
Summary
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant used for centuries for various health conditions.
Some evidence suggests that aloe vera may help with inflammation, high blood sugar, obesity, GERD, certain skin conditions, burns, and mouth sores.
For most people, aloe vera is safe to use. However, aloe vera may cause side effects, allergic reactions, or drug interactions in some people.
Speak with your healthcare provider to learn if aloe vera suits you.
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