Since ancient Egypt, people have used aloe both topically and orally for a range of ailments. In addition to its traditional uses of treating skin irritations and constipation, aloe is used for conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and colitis. Aloe is being tested as a possible treatment for a type of colitis called ulcerative colitis. As with any herb, consult with your doctor before using aloe medicinally.
About Colitis
Colitis is the name used to describe a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon. Colitis can result from various causes, including infections, inadequate blood supply to your colon, and autoimmune conditions where your immune system turns on itself and attacks good tissue. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcerations in the lining of your colon and rectum. If you have ulcerative colitis, you may experience pain in your abdomen and bloody stools.
How It Works
Aloe contains substances called glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins work to enhance the healing process by blocking pain and inflammation. The polysaccharides help by promoting skin growth and repair. In addition, both glycoproteins and polysaccharides may stimulate the immune system. The National Institutes of Health reports that aloe may accelerate wound healing by increasing blood circulation through the wounded area and preventing cell death around the wound.
Preparations and Dosing
Buy aloe supplements in several forms including capsules, tablets, and juice. According to the NIH, some people take 25 to 50 ml of aloe gel twice a day for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Scientific research studies of ulcerative colitis have tested aloe gel in doses of 100 ml, or 3.5 oz., taken two times daily for four weeks.
Effectiveness
Results from preliminary scientific studies suggest that some people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis may benefit from oral aloe treatment. According to a study published in "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" in 2004, about 47 percent of people taking aloe had partial to complete improvement in symptoms of ulcerative colitis after four weeks of treatment. This response was significantly greater than that for placebo, or inactive medicine, which caused improvement in only 14 percent of people.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Aloe
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Aloe
- WhatIscolitis.org: What Is Colitis
- National Institutes of Health: Ulcerative Colitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis; L Langmead, et al.; Apr 2004
