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Aloe vera extract

Also known as: Aloe vera, burn plant, lily of the desert, botanical supplement, herbal extract, Aloe barbadensis Miller

Overview

Aloe vera extract is derived from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis Miller plant, a succulent known for its medicinal properties. This extract is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (like acemannan), glycoproteins, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It is widely used both topically for skin conditions, wound healing, and burns, and orally as a supplement for metabolic and gastrointestinal health. Available in various forms such as gels, creams, capsules, and juices, Aloe vera has been the subject of numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses. While research quality varies, there is a moderately mature body of evidence supporting several of its traditional uses, particularly for dermatological applications.

Benefits

Aloe vera extract offers several evidence-based benefits. For **wound healing**, particularly second-degree burns, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that topical Aloe vera significantly accelerated healing time by an average of 4.44 days compared to controls (p=0.004), indicating strong evidence for this application. In the realm of **glycemic control**, a 2022 meta-analysis involving prediabetes and type 2 diabetes patients found that oral Aloe vera supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels (mean difference approximately -1.04 mmol/L, p<0.001), though this finding had high heterogeneity among studies, suggesting moderate evidence. An umbrella review of systematic reviews provided highly suggestive evidence that Aloe vera can reduce the incidence and severity of **chemotherapy-induced and infusion phlebitis** (risk ratios and odds ratios between 0.10 and 0.18, p-values < 10^-9), pointing to a promising, though less robust, benefit. Lastly, for **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)**, a meta-analysis of three RCTs indicated improved symptom response rates with Aloe vera compared to placebo, but the limited sample size means this benefit requires further confirmation.

How it works

Aloe vera's therapeutic effects stem from its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides, especially acemannan, are key players, modulating inflammatory pathways, promoting fibroblast proliferation, and enhancing collagen synthesis, which collectively facilitate wound repair. Its antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress, contributing to cellular protection. When applied topically, Aloe vera creates a moist environment conducive to healing. For glycemic control, proposed mechanisms include improved insulin sensitivity and reduced glucose absorption in the gut, although the precise molecular targets and pathways are still under investigation. The synergistic action of its various components contributes to its broad range of effects.

Side effects

Aloe vera is generally considered safe when used topically or orally within recommended dosages. The most common side effects are mild and include localized skin irritation or contact dermatitis with topical application, and gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal cramps or diarrhea with oral ingestion. Rare allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur in sensitive individuals. It is crucial to note that oral ingestion of non-decolorized whole leaf extract, which contains anthraquinones like aloin, has been linked to potential toxicity and carcinogenicity in animal studies and is classified as a laxative. However, purified inner leaf gel extracts, which have had these compounds removed, are generally regarded as safe for oral consumption. Drug interactions are minimal, but caution is advised when combining oral Aloe vera with hypoglycemic agents (e.g., insulin, oral antidiabetic drugs) due to potential additive effects that could lead to hypoglycemia. Contraindications include a known allergy to Aloe species or other plants in the Liliaceae family. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children should consult a healthcare professional before using Aloe vera.

Dosage

For **topical application**, Aloe vera gel or cream should be applied directly to the affected skin area, such as wounds or burns, typically 2-3 times daily. For **oral supplementation**, clinical trials investigating glycemic control have used a wide range of doses, from 100 mg to 3000 mg daily of Aloe vera extract, often standardized to its polysaccharide content. Due to the heterogeneity in study designs and preparations, an optimal oral dosage is not firmly established. For wound healing, benefits can be observed within days of consistent application. For metabolic effects, such as glycemic control, supplementation typically requires several weeks to show noticeable effects. The absorption and efficacy of oral Aloe vera can be influenced by the formulation, with those preserving polysaccharide integrity often preferred. Co-administration with food may also affect bioavailability, though specific recommendations are often product-dependent. It is important to adhere to product-specific instructions and consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosing advice, especially for chronic conditions.

FAQs

Is Aloe vera effective for wound healing?

Yes, especially for second-degree burns, with strong evidence from meta-analyses showing it significantly accelerates healing times compared to controls.

Is oral Aloe vera safe for diabetes?

Oral Aloe vera appears to reduce fasting blood glucose levels, but it should be used cautiously and under medical supervision, especially if you are taking other diabetes medications, due to potential additive effects.

Can Aloe vera cause side effects?

Side effects are generally mild, including skin irritation topically or gastrointestinal discomfort orally. Serious adverse effects are rare with purified inner leaf products, but whole leaf extracts can be problematic.

How soon will I see benefits from Aloe vera?

For topical wound healing, benefits can often be observed within days. For systemic effects like glycemic control, consistent oral supplementation typically requires several weeks to show noticeable changes.

What is the difference between whole leaf and inner leaf Aloe vera?

Whole leaf Aloe vera contains the outer rind and latex, which includes aloin, a laxative that can be toxic. Inner leaf gel is purified to remove these components, making it safer for oral consumption.

Research Sources

  • https://jppres.com/jppres/pdf/vol10/jppres22.1378_10.4.737.pdf – This meta-analysis by Budiastutik et al. (2022) investigated the effect of Aloe vera on glycemic control in prediabetic and type 2 diabetes patients. It found a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels (mean difference ~ -1.04 mmol/L, p<0.001) but noted high heterogeneity among the included studies, suggesting variability in results due to different preparations and dosages.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36264753/ – Sharma et al.'s 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs focused on Aloe vera's efficacy in treating second-degree burns. The study concluded that Aloe vera significantly reduced healing time by an average of 4.44 days compared to controls (p=0.004), despite including only four RCTs with relatively small sample sizes, indicating a high quality of evidence for this specific application.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32924222/ – Sadoyu et al.'s 2021 umbrella review of systematic reviews explored various applications of Aloe vera. It provided highly suggestive evidence for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced and infusion phlebitis, with significant risk reductions. However, the review also highlighted that while Aloe vera showed overall favorable outcomes for many conditions, the evidence quality for some was weak due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations in primary studies.
  • https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5056%2Fjnm18077 – This meta-analysis by Hong et al. (2018) examined the effects of Aloe vera on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Based on three RCTs, it indicated higher symptom response rates in patients receiving Aloe vera compared to placebo. The authors noted that while the findings were consistent, the small number of studies and limited sample sizes warrant further research to confirm these benefits.

Supplements Containing Aloe vera extract

Liquid Multi Vitamin-Mineral by Trace Minerals Research
83

Liquid Multi Vitamin-Mineral

Trace Minerals Research

Score: 83/100
Aloe Vera Gels by Vitabase
70

Aloe Vera Gels

Vitabase

Score: 70/100
Advanced Ambrose by Mannatech
63

Advanced Ambrose

Mannatech

Score: 63/100
Advanced Ambrotose Complex Powder by Mannatech
68

Advanced Ambrotose Complex Powder

Mannatech

Score: 68/100
Ambrotose Complex Powder by Mannatech
53

Ambrotose Complex Powder

Mannatech

Score: 53/100
Ambrotose Complex Capsules by Mannatech
78

Ambrotose Complex Capsules

Mannatech

Score: 78/100
Phyt Aloe by Mannatech
83

Phyt Aloe

Mannatech

Score: 83/100
Phyt Aloe by Mannatech
65

Phyt Aloe

Mannatech

Score: 65/100
Liquid Multi Vitamin-Mineral Orange Mango by Trace Minerals Research
68

Liquid Multi Vitamin-Mineral Orange Mango

Trace Minerals Research

Score: 68/100
Hearturn Out Natural Wild Cherry Flavor by Renew Life
67

Hearturn Out Natural Wild Cherry Flavor

Renew Life

Score: 67/100

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