Aloe vera juice has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including constipation, peptic ulcers, bowel disorders and kidney stones. Traditionally, it is the form in which the aloe herb has been prescribed for oral intake by mouth. However, even though it is a natural product, drinking aloe vera juice may have a number of side effects, some of which can be dangerous.
Laxative Properties
According to the National Institutes of Health, strong scientific evidence indicates that aloe vera juice has potent laxative properties. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center attributes these properties to an active chemical compound called anthraquinone. While these laxative properties make it an effective treatment for constipation, aloe vera juice may cause diarrhea and cramping in some people. Furthermore, the use of aloe vera juice as a laxative for more than seven days may not only lead to a dependency on the remedy, but may result in a worsening of the constipation once its use is stopped.
Hypoglycemic Properties
Aloe vera juice may lower blood sugar to dangerous levels. The NIH cites a number of scientific studies have shown that aloe vera juice has hypoglycemic properties that can result in a reduction in blood glucose levels. It notes that this can be harmful to people who suffer from diabetes if it lowers blood sugar too far. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises caution in taking aloe vera juice if you are diabetic and use glucose-lowering medication.
Electrolyte Imbalances
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that toxicity may result from ingesting aloe vera, which may result in dangerously low blood potassium levels as well as electrolyte abnormalities. According to the NIH, prolonged intake of aloe vera juice may result in electrolyte imbalances in the blood, which can be dangerous for people who suffer from diabetes, heart conditions or kidney diseases, because they are more susceptible to these imbalances. It recommends that individuals who drink aloe vera for more than a few days should be monitored for any electrolyte imbalances that may result. Low levels of potassium can result in muscle fatigue and abnormal heart rhythms.
Other Dangers
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that the use of aloe vera injections in cancer therapy has resulted in the death of several cancer patients. It also cautions against ingesting aloe vera juice if you are also taking medications such as digoxin, glyburide or diuretics. The NIH reports that drinking aloe vera juice may be harmful to individuals who suffer from appendicitis, a temporary blockage or paralysis of the bowel, severe abdominal pain or sporadic bowel movements. It also notes that there have been reports of hepatitis--or liver inflammation--resulting from the oral intake of aloe vera. Taking aloe vera juice for periods of more than a year may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
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