Aloe vera juice is derived from the Aloe barbadensis plant. Historically aloe vera has been used topically for a variety of conditions. Applied to the skin, aloe may help clear infections and irritation. Aloe gel is a substance commonly found in lotion and sunscreens. Aloe is also used as a dietary aid and laxative. Although aloe as a supplement should be used cautiously, the Food and Drug Administration has approved it as a natural food flavoring.
Function
As a dietary aid, the aloe leaf can be dried or extracted into a juice. The dried leaf is called aloe latex. Traditional users of aloe recommend that the leaves be dried before ingestion to maximize effectiveness. The gel can be extracted from the leaf and applied to the skin. To use aloe this way, break apart a leaf and extract the clear gel. The gel is a natural way to treat wounds, skin infections and burns.
Dosing
Laxative dosing to treat constipation is .04 to 0.17 g of dried juice, according to the Mayo Clinic. As a supplement or pre-mixed juice, the dosing is equivalent to 10 to 30 mg of the ingredient hydroxyanthraquinone. As a fiber supplement, aloe may be more effective when combined with 300 mg celandine and 50 mg psyllium. Aloe juice should never injected. Aloe as a laxative should not be used in children under 12 years of age or for longer than eight to 10 days without a doctor's recommendation.
Side Effects
There are very few side effects with aloe vera use, but the risk may increase with oral dosing, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Side effects may include abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Oral intake of aloe is discouraged during pregnancy because of the risk of uterine contractions. Used frequently, aloe can cause dependency. As with any other laxative, aloe may cause electrolyte imbalances.
Theories
Aloe is ingested to treat a variety of conditions. Studies speculate that aloe may assist in the management of diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and osteoarthritis and may even lower the risk of lung cancer. Limited studies have shown aloe to help treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as lichen planus and ulcerative colitis. Topical forms of aloe may be used simultaneously to treat the complications of osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns and psoriasis.
Warnings
Diabetics or those with low blood sugar may need to closely monitor blood sugar levels, as ingesting aloe may lower blood glucose levels. Though side effects appear to be mild, long-term consumption of aloe juice has not been systematically studied. Allergies to aloe can occur.
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