Is Aloe Vera Juice Healthy To Drink?

Aloe vera has been acclaimed as a remedy for a wide array of conditions. As a topical agent, it is reputed to moisturize dry skin, heal superficial and partial thickness burns, cure boils, and alleviate genital herpes and psoriasis. Internal use purportedly improves blood sugar control in diabetics, reduces elevated lipid levels and decreases the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. There is insufficient evidence to support most of these claims, but aloe remains a popular alternative remedy.

Benefits vs. Risks

Over a decade ago, a review in "The British Journal of General Practice" concluded that aloe vera offered therapeutic promise, but the clinical effectiveness of oral or topical aloe was "insufficiently defined" to recommend its widespread use. Even though more recent studies suggest that aloe may have beneficial effects in skin disorders, diabetes, lipid abnormalities and inflammatory bowel diseases, the consensus of the scientific community remains essentially unchanged. And, while most studies show that aloe is reasonably safe, its use has been associated with some potentially serious side effects. Therefore, before you use aloe for any condition, you must weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

Potentially Harmful Constituents

Aloe contains anthracene derivatives that confer some of its clinical actions, such as its laxative, antimicrobial and anti-psoriasis effects. However, prolonged exposure to anthracenes has been shown to increase the relative risk of some cancers. And a 1997 article in "Toxicon" demonstrated that aloe-emodin and aloin, two compounds found in aloe leaf, are toxic to living cells.

Potential Adverse Reactions

The "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" states that aloe is approved by the German Commission E, a series of monographs evaluating the efficacy and safety of alternative therapies, for treating constipation. The same cathartic effects that make aloe useful for constipation can be quite pronounced in some people, leading to cramping and diarrhea. Furthermore, long-term use can lead to the loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium. The use of any botanical product can cause allergic reactions, and aloe is no different in this respect. Finally, the long-term use of aloe has been associated with toxic hepatitis, or liver inflammation, which usually resolves when aloe is discontinued.

Drug Interactions

When taken internally, aloe vera can interact with a variety of drugs and other herbs. Much of this interaction is due to aloe's tendency to alter serum electrolyte concentrations. Aloe can increase the activity of heart medications, including digitalis and anti-arrhythmic drugs, licorice root, diuretics and corticosteroids such as prednisone.

Considerations

Aloe vera is generally safe when used for short periods of time. However, it should not be administered to children under 12 years of age, and you should not take aloe vera juice if you are pregnant. Aloe should not be used by anyone who has undiagnosed abdominal pain, acute inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, or any signs of intestinal obstruction such as severe vomiting. If you are taking prescription medications or other supplements, or if you have underlying medical conditions, check with your doctor before you take aloe vera.