Aloe Vera & Blood Pressure

The doctor measures your blood pressure with two numbers, written one over the other. The top number is the systolic reading, and it signifies how much pressure your blood exerts against the inner walls of your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic reading, represented by the bottom number, indicates the pressure of your blood in between beats. Together, these two readings let your doctor know if your blood pressure is too high, which increases your risk of stroke, heart attack and other medical conditions. There is no evidence that aloe vera elevates or reduces blood pressure. See your doctor for regular blood pressure checks.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a perennial plant when grown in semi-tropical climates and is native to Africa, although it's cultivated indoors in many parts of the world. The gel harvested from the succulent leaves of the plant contains flavonoids, resins and anthracene derivatives, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Aloe produces laxative effects in addition to being antibacterial and antiviral. The "PDR" does not list aloe as having any potential effect on blood pressure.

Aloe and Blood Pressure

In a 2010 study conducted at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, researchers set out to determine if aloe vera had an effect on blood pressure and heart rhythm. Test subjects took aloe vera or a placebo, and researchers monitored their blood pressure. The study concluded that a single dose of aloe did not alter blood pressure. Further testing, including tests on long-term effects of taking aloe, are necessary to verify that aloe has no effect on blood pressure.

Dosage and Method

Aloe vera, usually in gel or juice form, is available in health food stores. NYU Langone Medical Center suggests an internal dosage of 1 tbsp. of aloe juice, taken twice a day for the treatment of diabetes, but there is no established dosage for treating other conditions. Aloe vera is also available in freeze-dried capsules. Ask your doctor if it's OK to take aloe vera internally. Follow dosage directions on the package if you're taking aloe in capsule form.

Considerations

The inside lining of the aloe leaf contains latex, which can trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to latex, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Look for products labeled "latex free" to reduce the risk of side effects, which include abortion in pregnant women, red urine, abdominal pain and cramping, potassium depletion and the stimulation of menstruation, advises the "Gale Encyclopedia."

Do not take aloe vera if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have heart, liver or kidney disease or a gastrointestinal disorder. Although aloe vera might not affect your blood pressure, check with your doctor to determine if the herb is safe for you before taking it for therapeutic reasons.