Aloe vera, a subtropical plant originally from North Africa, has been used medicinally throughout history. Though primarily known for its topical healing effects, aloe vera may also be taken orally for conditions such as constipation and multiple sclerosis. Although believed beneficial, the oral administration of aloe vera in extended high doses may have some potentially dangerous side effects. Consult your doctor before taking aloe vera for the treatment of any ailment.
Aloe Vera
As long as 6,000 years ago, the Egyptians used aloe vera and called it the "plant of immortality." This relative of the cactus plant is still utilized today in the treatment of many ailments and also as an ingredient in various skin care products. The aloe vera plant produces a medicinal gel and latex -- derived from parts of the aloe leaf.
Benefits
Insufficient scientific evidence exists to conclusively support the use of oral aloe vera in the treatment of any condition. However, aloe vera may have benefits for your health. When taken orally aloe vera may improve a number of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, diabetes, asthma and epilepsy. Oral intake of aloe vera is commonly known for its constipation relief; however, it may help fevers, inflammation, itching, stomach ulcers, colds and several other ailments, as well. The recommended dosage of aloe vera for constipation is 100 mg to 200 mg of aloe or 50 mg of aloe vera extract, taken once in the evening, according to MedlinePlus.
Osteoarthritis
Taking oral aloe vera may decrease the pain of osteoarthritis. The report of a paper by D. Cowan, published in the June 15, 2010 edition of the British Journal of Community Nursing, suggests that oral aloe vera might be a potential treatment for non-cancerous chronic pain -- especially caused by osteoarthritis. The report also states that oral aloe vera may act as an anti-inflammatory to benefit pain and as a prophylactic, or protecting agent, against the irritating effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the gastrointestinal tract, as well. However, the benefits of oral aloe vera have mostly been perceived, and evidence is lacking to fully support the use of oral aloe vera for chronic pain.
Multiple Sclerosis
The autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis may benefit from the intake of aloe vera. A study published in the September 2010 edition of the journal Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol, by a team led by A. Mirshafiey, observed the effects of aloe vera on multiple sclerosis in mice. Researchers discovered that aloe vera significantly reduced the severity of the disease and stated that their findings indicated that aloe vera can attenuate, or reduce, the progression of multiple sclerosis in an experimental model. However, scientific research on humans is needed to prove the use of oral aloe vera as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Precautions
Although the topical use of aloe vera is considered safe, taking doses over the recommended amount for an extended time may result in several side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea and lower blood glucose levels. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in 2002, the FDA required the removal or reformulation of aloe-containing laxatives, due to concerns regarding overuse. Additionally, taking high doses of aloe vera orally may increase your risk of cancer, kidney disease and death.
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