Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, is a condition in which severe inflammation produces ulceration of the digestive tract, causing attacks of cramps, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The disease remains incurable, and therapy focuses on relieving symptoms and inducing remission, a purpose for which practitioners of herbal medicine claim aloe juice has efficacy. No clinical evidence exists, however, for aloe's effects on Crohn's disease and, for a variety of reasons, Crohn's sufferers should only use the herb under the supervision of a medical professional.
About Aloe
Aloe, a succulent herb, grows to heights of 2 feet and produces clusters of red, orange or yellow flowers. Indigenous to the southern region of Africa and cultivated around the world, aloe vera has two distinct sources of medicinal value. Aloe bitters, a dried yellow sap taken from the base of the leaf, is used internally. The plant's rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves exude a gel commonly used to treat skin conditions as well as aloe juice that is commercially distilled.
Pros
According to Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," aloe juice has anti-inflammatory properties that not only work to effectively treat Crohn's disease but also ensure soft stools. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that aloe contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides, substances that help reduce healing time, diminish pain and inflammation and support skin growth. In theory, when ingested, these compounds should help heal the inner lining of the intestines and digestive tract.
Cons
A British study published in the April 1, 2004, issue of "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics" found that for participants with ulcerative colitis, ingesting aloe vera gel produced higher rates of remission than a placebo. Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease similar to Crohn's disease, is characterized by ulceration. Unlike Crohn's, however, colitis ulcers usually are far more superficial and do not penetrate into the deep layers of the intestinal walls. Since research focused on the effects of aloe gel on ulcerative colitis, questions remain as to the potency and efficacy of aloe juice for the treatment of Crohn's. In any case, the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe juice do not have the potency of scheduled 5-ASA mesazilic drugs used as treatments in conventional medicine. Additionally, aloe juice may actually interfere with the effectiveness of Crohn's medications.
Side Effects
While aloe juice is generally considered safe in low doses, people who suffer from Crohn's disease should not take aloe bitters or laxatives as they can cause gas and painful intestinal cramps. This can be uncomfortable, even dangerous, for Crohn's patients with scarring and strictures from long-term ulceration. Additionally, ingesting aloe juice for more than two consecutive weeks can cause a loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium. People with rectal bleeding, children, women who take birth control pills and others who are pregnant, lactating or menstruating should avoid aloe juice.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- Mayo Clinic: Crohn's Disease
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics"; Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Aloe Vera Gel for Active Ulcerative Colitis; L. Langmead, et al.; April 1, 2004
