Native to southern Africa, the aloe vera plant is steeped in folklore and has a long history of use in the healing arts, according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.” Rumored to be Cleopatra’s secret ingredient for younger-looking skin, aloe vera, with the ability to grow indoors in a pot, became a household remedy for minor burns in the 1900s. Today, juice from the succulent leaves of the aloe plant sells in health food stores for treating other medical conditions. Unfortunately, in some cases, taking aloe vera juice can trigger intestinal gas and diarrhea.
Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis is the scientific name for the aloe plant. Inside the leaves is a thick clear gel. The inner lining of the leaves is a type of latex that contains aloin, barbaloin and aloe-emodin, according to the National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health. While the gel, itself, is typically safe, the latex is responsible for triggering intestinal upset, according to the “Gale Encyclopedia.”
Effect on Gastrointestinal System
Aloin and barbaloin are classified as anthraquinones, which are laxative in nature, reports the “Gale Encyclopedia.” The laxative effect of these anthraquinones is so strong that the FDA called for the removal of over-the-counter laxatives that contained aloe latex in 2002. Today, most of the intestinal distress triggered by drinking aloe vera juice is associated with growing and producing homemade aloe juice or purchasing juice from a small supplier that does not remove all of the aloe latex.
Method and Use
Look for the designation of “latex free” on bottles of commercial aloe vera juice. To prepare your own aloe juice, pick a fresh leaf and cut lengthwise, scooping out the gel, without touching the inner layer of the leaf. Do not save leftover aloe gel, since it will begin to break down quickly once harvested.
Considerations
Contamination of internal aloe vera products with the latex lining of the leaves is common, reports the “Gale Encyclopedia,” despite the label of “latex free.” Do not use aloe vera or take the juice internally if you have an allergy to latex. In addition to gas and diarrhea, aloe that contains latex can cause abortion and can pass from mother to infant through breastfeeding. Do not use aloe vera if you have liver, kidney or gastrointestinal disorders. Some people may develop red urine or experience severe abdominal cramping after taking aloe.
References
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- NCCAM; Herbs at a Glance, Aloe Vera; April 2011
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