For thousands of years, people have used the aloe vera plant medicinally. While aloe gel often treats burns and skin irritations, strong scientific evidence points to another product from the aloe plant, called aloe latex, as a powerful laxative. However, there are many drawbacks and potential dangers to using aloe latex to relieve constipation.
Aloe Gel Versus Aloe Latex
Most people are familiar with aloe vera gel, a clear, jelly-like substance found inside the leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe gel is commonly used for skin irritations and is added to many skin care products. Aloe gel itself does not have significant laxative properties. The laxative actions of aloe come from aloe latex, a yellow liquid part of the plant derived from under the skin. Many aloe supplements intended for use as laxatives contain whole aloe leaf and therefore have both gel and latex components.
Aloe Latex For Constipation
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that aloe latex contains natural laxative compounds such as aloin, aloe-emodin and barbaloin. When used orally, it takes about 10 hours for the laxative properties of aloe latex to set in. With continued use, however, aloe latex becomes less effective as a laxative, as it causes cells lining the intestines to lose potassium. This essentially paralyzes the cells of the intestine and makes having a bowel movement more and more difficult with repeated use. If aloe latex is overused for a prolonged period of time, it can even block bowel movements -- a very dangerous condition. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of laxatives containing components of aloe latex in 2002. While aloe latex products labeled as laxatives are no longer available in the United States, the generalized aloe supplements sold in health-food stores still contain aloe latex.
Dangers of Aloe Latex
MedlinePlus warns that aloe latex may not be the best choice of natural laxative. Aloe latex can be very harsh on the kidneys, and a 1-g dosage taken for several days may lead to death. As aloe latex depletes potassium from your intestinal cells, it can cause intestinal cramping and distress. Some of the chemicals in aloe latex may promote cancer.
Natural Laxative Recommendations
Aloe latex as a laxative has no benefits over other natural laxatives. Furthermore, the many potential dangers of aloe latex make it unattractive for any condition, particularly constipation. If you are considering taking a natural laxative for a prolonged duration, first consult a health professional. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends laxatives made from plants such as cascara and senna. These plants are related to aloe but are not as harsh on your digestive system, cause less intestinal cramping and are generally less dangerous.
