Aloe vera: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
aloe, aloes, Barbary aloe, aloes
Scientific name(s)
Aloe barbadensis, Aloe indica, Aloe africana
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Anthraquinones
Aloeride
Acemannan
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
According to clinical research, a topical application morning and evening of a 50% aloe gel, combined with a topical application of a 0.025% tretinoin gel, in addition to daily cleansing, improves acne lesions by approximately 35% compared with tretinoin gel and cleansing alone.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
Adolescents
gel
Burns ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research has shown that topical application of aloe gel or cream twice a day reduces healing time compared with silver sulfadiazine, framycetin, petrolatum gauze, and placebo.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
gel
The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing:nnA systematic review
Aloe vera.
Effect of aloe vera gel on healing of burn wounds: a clinical and histologic study.
Aloe versus silver sulfadiazine creams for second-degree burns: a randomized controlled study.
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Aloe vera is used for occasional constipation in people aged over 12 years. nnThe hydroxyanthracene derivatives (DHA), responsible for the laxative effect, are the cause of multiple well-documented adverse effects. EFSA indicates that these DHA are also likely to damage DNA and to be carcinogenic. The available data did not allow EFSA to establish a daily dose for DHA without deleterious effects on health. nnMoreover, EMA specifies that the recommended daily dose in standardized herbal preparations in liquid or solid form is equivalent to 10 - 30 mg of hydroxyanthracene derivatives expressed as aloin.nnDuration of use should not exceed one week. If symptoms persist, consult a physician. nn
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
10 - 30 mg
1 - weeks
Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
standardized preparation
European Union herbal monograph on Aloe barbadensisnnMill. and on Aloe (various species, mainly Aloe ferox Mill.nnand its hybrids), dried leaf juice
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Scientific and technical support note of the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES)nnregarding the safety of fresh Aloe vera leaves intended for human consumption
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Most clinical research shows that oral intake of aloe vera can reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) in adults with diabetes and in the pre-diabetes stage. An analysis of 92 patients shows that aloe vera is associated with a greater overall reduction in fasting blood glucose among patients whose fasting blood glucose level was greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL. Another analysis including 206 patients shows that aloe vera increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduces triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) compared with placebo in pre-diabetic and untreated diabetic adults. The most effective dose and formulation of aloe for treating diabetes are not clear. Aloe vera gel powder, raw crushed aloe leaves, and aloe vera juice have been used for 4 to 14 weeks. Solid aloe formulations ranging from 100 to 1,000 mg per day have been used. Aloe juice ranging from 15 to 150 mL per day has been used.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
15 - 150 mL
Adults
concentrated juice
Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide.
Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness.
Reduction of Fasting Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Using Oral Aloe Vera: A Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus.
Effect of Aloe vera on glycemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Psoriasis ✪✪✪✪✪
The topical application of a 0.5% aloe extract cream three times a day for 4 weeks improves the resolution of psoriatic plaques compared with placebo. It appears to reduce scaling, erythema, and infiltration.
Posologie
Topical: leaf
4 - weeks
Adults
aloe extract cream
Obesity ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research suggests that taking a specific aloe gel complex containing 147 mg of treated aloe gel, administered twice daily for 8 weeks, reduces weight by 0.6 kg and fat mass by 1.0 kg compared with placebo in overweight or obese patients, diabetic or prediabetic.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
294 mg
8 - weeks
Adults
gel
Metabolic syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
According to one study, a specific aloe gel complex may reduce body weight, fat mass index, and insulin resistance in prediabetic individuals or in early type 2 diabetes.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
294 mg
8 - weeks
Adults
gel
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Studies suggest that taking aloe extract 10 - 20 mL/day orally for 12 weeks may reduce total cholesterol by about 15%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18%, and triglycerides by about 25% to 30% in patients with hyperlipidemia.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
10 - 20 mL
12 - weeks
Adults
concentrated juice
Aphthous ulcers ✪✪✪✪✪
One study showed that applying an aloe vera gel three times a day for minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis was associated with an increased healing rate and decreased pain compared with placebo gel. Other clinical evidence suggests that using a dressing containing acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera, reduces the average healing time of aphthous ulcers compared with an oral analgesic.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
gel
Properties
Laxative
The outer part of the Aloe vera leaf secretes a yellow-colored liquid (called latex, or sap) rich in hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HAD), molecules that have a very strong laxative effect. There are two different mechanisms of action: 1. Stimulation of colonic motility leading to an acceleration of intestinal transit. 2. Inhibition of the absorption of water and electrolytes (Na+, Cl-) by the epithelial cells of the colon and an increase in the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
It has been shown in vivo that aloe gel reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and increases the water content of the stratum corneum. In addition, it increases skin elasticity and dermal collagen content, and reduces transepidermal water loss, thereby improving signs of skin fatigue. On the other hand, when applied to psoriatic plaques, aloe extract cream appears to reduce cellular scaling, erythema, and infiltration. This results in a reduction or resolution of the plaques.
Usages associés
Wound healing
Aloe gel may inhibit the synthesis of thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor, which helps improve microcirculation. This can accelerate the healing of burns and chilblains. The anti-inflammatory properties of topical aloe do not appear to interfere with healing, but they decrease wound tension, probably by stimulating fibroblasts and increasing collagen formation, which accelerates wound healing.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In vitro, aloe gel has an anti-inflammatory effect by lowering levels of prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-8 in the colorectal mucosa. In addition, the carboxypeptidase and salicylate components of aloe gel have been shown to inhibit bradykinin (a hormone with a potent vasodilatory effect, involved in the mechanism of pain). Locally, salicylic acid and other anti-prostaglandin components contained in aloe may be responsible for aloe's local anti-inflammatory activity; this is likely related to an inhibitory effect on the arachidonic acid pathway via cyclooxygenase.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
Animal studies suggest that aloe gel may have hypoglycemic effects. The possible mechanism of action is stimulation of beta cells (investigated in diabetic mice), leading to a decrease in blood glucose levels. However, the results of human studies in diabetic patients remain contradictory.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Studies in animal models have shown that the antioxidant effects of aloe pulp are due to aloe derivatives and the glycoproteins contained in aloe. These antioxidant effects may play a role in the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects of aloe.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 12 years and older: 10 mg - 30 mg (standardized preparation)
Aloe vera is safe when used topically in the form of aloe gel.nnOrally, aloe gel can be used safely. It has been used safely at a dose of 15 ml per day for up to 42 days. nnHowever, aloe latex, used for constipation, contains hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) which are responsible for numerous well-documented adverse effects. The EFSA indicates that these HADs are likely to damage DNA and to be carcinogenic and that the available data did not allow EFSA to establish a daily dose for HADs without adverse effects on health. nnFurthermore, the EMA specifies that the recommended daily dose in standardized herbal preparations in liquid or solid form is equivalent to 10 - 30 mg of hydroxyanthracene derivatives expressed as aloin, and this is for subjects over 12 years of age and should not exceed one week of treatment. nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction
Aloe vera appears to inhibit thromboxane A2 and prostaglandins, and thus may reduce platelet aggregation. Theoretically, concomitant use of aloe and other antiplatelet drugs may reduce platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding.
Antidiabetic drugs: moderate interaction
Clinical research suggests that aloe gel may lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetic drugs.
Digoxin: strong interaction
Theoretically, aloe latex increases the risk of adverse effects and the toxicity of cardiac glycoside medications due to potassium loss.
Diuretics: moderate interaction
Excessive use of aloe latex can worsen diuretic-induced potassium loss and increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Laxatives: moderate interaction
Because of the laxative effects of aloe latex, concomitant use with other laxatives may worsen water and electrolyte loss.
Precautions
Type 2 diabetes: use with caution
Research suggests that aloe gel has a hypoglycemic effect. Blood glucose should be monitored closely.nn
Contraindications
Pregnant women: contraindicated
Aloe vera is contraindicated in pregnant women because of the potentially mutagenic effect of the anthraquinones present in aloe leaf extracts and aloe latex.nn
Breastfeeding women: contraindicated
Aloe vera is contraindicated in breastfeeding women because anthraquinones present in the aloe leaf extract and latex can pass into breast milk.nn
Digestive disorders: contraindicated
Because of the irritating effect of anthranoids, aloe latex is contraindicated in people with acute intestinal inflammation (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), ulcers, or those suffering from undiagnosed abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.nn
Renal insufficiency: contraindicated
Theoretically, oral intake of aloe latex may cause an electrolyte imbalance and worsen renal disorders.
Hemorrhoids: contraindicated
Aloe latex is contraindicated in hemorrhoids because of the risk of stenosis, thrombosis, and prolapse.
