Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) Research

Latin Name: Aloe barbadensis

Family: Lillaceae

The leaves of an aloe plant contain a mucilaginous gel used topically to soothe burns and wounds, and can be taken internally to alleviate various digestive complaints such as constipation and irritable bowels.  Aloe is a laxative related to its aloin constituent.  It may also help reduce blood sugar levels.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• ACHS (2017).  Course Material: Herb502: Aloe Monograph.  Retrieved in February, 2017.  Retrieved from www.achs.edu
• Radha, M. H., & Laxmipriya, N. P. (2015). Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 5(1), 21-26.
• ​Natural Standard.  (2016).  Aloe Monograph.  Retreived in February, 2017.  Retrieved from www.naturalstadard.com
• ​WebMD (n.d.).  Aloe Monograph.  Retrieved in February, 2017.  Retrieved from:  http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-607-ALOE.aspx?activeIngredientId=607&activeIngredientName=ALOE
• A scientific review of the therapeutic uses of aloe vera is provided. It has shown immunomodulatory, wound and burn healing, blood sugar lowering, anticancer, gastro-protective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. From: Maan, A. A., Nazir, A., Khan, M. K. I., Ahmad, T., Zia, R., Murid, M., & Abrar, M. (2018). The therapeutic properties and applications of aloe vera: a review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 12, 1-10.
• In a review of industrial and ethno-medical information, aloe vera has been useful in treating wounds, burns, frost bite damage, x-ray skin damage, lung cancer, intestinal problems, high cholesterol, high blood sugar in diabetics, and fighting AIDS symptoms. From: Pandey, A., & Singh, S. (2016). Aloe Vera: A Systematic Review of its Industrial and Ethno-Medicinal Efficacy. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Allied Sciences, 5(1).

SAFETY

• Not for use during pregnancy or lactation (www.NaturalStandard.com, & www.achs.edu)
• Do not overuse – can cause digestive or kidney damange.  Do not use with abdominal pain or diarrhea (www.NaturalStandard.com, & www.achs.edu).
• Possible drug interactions with aloe taken orally: anticoagulants / antiplatelet drugs, drugs to treat diabetes, digoxin/lanoxin , diuretic drugs, sevoflurane (ultane), warfarin (www.Natural Standard.com)
• Aloe taken orally may interfere with absorption of drugs taken orally (www.Natural Standard.com)
• Excessive use of aloe can reduce potassium levels in the body (www.WebMD.com).
• Based on research with mice, it was calculated that 24 mg for a 60-kg adult per day was estimated to be the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of aloe for a month.  From:  Kwack, S. J., Kim, K. B., & Lee, B. M. (2009). Estimation of tolerable upper intake level (UL) of active aloe. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 72(21-22), 1455-1462.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIVIRAL

• Aloe plant extracts showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of tested pathogenic bacteria and fungi.  From:  Arunkumar, S., & Muthuselvam, M. (2009). Analysis of phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activities of Aloe vera L. against clinical pathogens. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 5(5), 572-576.
• Anthraquinones from the following plants inactivated the Herpes I virus:  Rheum officinale (rhubarb), Aloe barbadensis (aloe), Rhamnus frangula (alder buckthorn), Rhamnus purshianus (cascara buckthorn), and Cassia angustifolia (senna).  Other virus species were also affected by these plants in varying amounts.  From:  Sydiskis, R. J., Owen, D. G., Lohr, J. L., Rosler, K. H., & Blomster, R. N. (1991). Inactivation of enveloped viruses by anthraquinones extracted from plants. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35(12), 2463-2466.
• Aloe gel was active against S. flexneri and S. pyogenes. From:  Ferro, V. A., Bradbury, F., Cameron, P., Shakir, E., Rahman, S. R., & Stimson, W. H. (2003). In vitro susceptibilities of Shigella flexneri and Streptococcus pyogenes to inner gel of Aloe barbadensis Miller. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 47(3), 1137-1139.
• Aloe gel showed antimicrobial activity, especially against gram-negative bacteria and resistant strains of A. niger.  From:  Cock, I. E. (2008). Antimicrobial activity of Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf gel components. The Internet Journal of Microbiology, 4(2), 17.
• Aloe-emodin was effective in vitro against the human influenza infection virus.  From:  Li, S. W., Yang, T. C., Lai, C. C., Huang, S. H., Liao, J. M., Wan, L., … & Lin, C. W. (2014). Antiviral activity of aloe-emodin against influenza A virus via galectin-3 up-regulation. European journal of pharmacology, 738, 125-132.
• A protein isolated from aloe showed antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities.  From:  Das, S., Mishra, B., Gill, K., Ashraf, M. S., Singh, A. K., Sinha, M., … & Dey, S. (2011). Isolation and characterization of novel protein with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties from Aloe vera leaf gel. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 48(1), 38-43.
• Female patients with HIV had improved weight gain and CD4 counts with the use of aloe vera gruel.  From:  Olatunya, O. S., Olatunya, A. M., Anyabolu, H. C., Adejuyigbe, E. A., & Oyelami, O. A. (2012). Preliminary trial of aloe vera gruel on HIV infection. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(9), 850-853.
• Aloe was effective in curing the first episodes of herpes in men.  From:  Syed, T. A., Afzal, M., Ahmad, S. A., Holt, A. H., Ahmad, S. A., & Ahmad, S. H. (1997). Management of genital herpes in men with 0.5% Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 8(2), 99-102.

SKIN HEALING / BURNS

• This article provided a review of research on aloe and wound healing.  From:  Vera, A. (1989). Wound healing, oral & topical activity of Aloe vera. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 79, 559-562.
• Aloe vera extract 0.5% in a hydrophilic cream was safe and effective in treating psoriasis.  From:  Syed, T. A., Ahmad, S. A., Holt, A. H., Ahmad, S. A., Ahmad, S. H., & Afzal, M. (1996). Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 1(4), 505-509.
• This study showed aloesin derivatives as active components in the wound healing capabilities of aloe.  From:  Yagi, A., Kabash, A., Okamura, N., Haraguchi, H., Moustafa, S. M., & Khalifa, T. I. (2002). Antioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects of aloesin derivatives in Aloe vera. Planta medica, 68(11), 957-960.
• In this mega review, studies point towards aloe being effective in treating burns; more research is needed.  From:  Maenthaisong, R., Chaiyakunapruk, N., Niruntraporn, S., & Kongkaew, C. (2007). The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. burns, 33(6), 713-718.
• In a burn wound clinic, burns treated with aloe healed faster than those treated with vasoline.  From:  Visuthikosol, V., Chowchuen, B., Sukwanarat, Y., Sriurairatana, S., & Boonpucknavig, V. (1995). Effect of aloe vera gel to healing of burn wound a clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai, 78(8), 403-9.
• Burn wounds treated with aloe healed better than those treated with silver sulphadiazine.  From:  Shahzad, M. N., & Ahmed, N. (2013). Effectiveness of Aloe vera gel compared with 1% silver sulphadiazine cream as burn wound dressing in second degree burns. J Pak Med Assoc, 63(2), 225-30.
• Aloe gel had a noticeable wound healing effect in rats.  From:  Tarameshloo, M., Norouzian, M., Zarein-Dolab, S., Dadpay, M., Mohsenifar, J., & Gazor, R. (2012). Aloe vera gel and thyroid hormone cream may improve wound healing in Wistar rats. Anatomy & cell biology, 45(3), 170-177.
• Aloe applied topically significantly reduced wound healing time in rabbits.  From:  Subramanian, S., Kumar, D. S., & Arulselvan, P. (2006). Wound healing potential of Aloe vera leaf gel studied in experimental rabbits. Asian J Biochem, 1(2), 178-85.
• Aloe improved wound healing in vitro.  From:  Liu, L. Y., Chen, X. D., Wu, B. Y., & Jiang, Q. (2010). Influence of Aloe polysaccharide on proliferation and hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline secretion of human fibroblasts in vitro. Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao= Journal of Chinese integrative medicine, 8(3), 256-262.
• A major sugar in aloe: mannose-6-phosphate, improved wound healing in rats.   From:  Davis, R. H., Donato, J. J., Hartman, G. M., & Haas, R. C. (1994). Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in Aloe vera. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 84(2), 77.
• Aloe gel improve the healing of thick wounds in diabetic rats and could be due to a hypoglycemic effect.  From:  Chithra, P., Sajithlal, G. B., & Chandrakasan, G. (1998). Influence of Aloe vera on the healing of dermal wounds in diabetic rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 59(3), 195-201.
• Topical application of aloe gel reduced pain and inflammation in sunburned mice via antioxidant components.  From:  Saini, D. K., & Saini, M. R. (2011). Evaluation of radioprotective efficacy and possible mechanism of action of Aloe gel. environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 31(3), 427-435.
• A randomized comparative trial of 60 infants showed that a treatment with aloe vera and calendula was safe and effective in treating diaper rash.  From:  Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A, et al. A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:810234.
• This was a review of research on botanicals and natural extracts for wound repair. Significant research was found for propolis, Aloe vera, Achillea millefolium, Salvia officinalis, Malva sylvestris, and Casearia sylvestris. From: Medellin-Luna, M. F., Castaneda-Delgado, J. E., Martínez-Balderas, V. Y., & Cervantes-Villagrana, A. R. (2019). Medicinal plant extracts and their use as wound closure inducing agents. Journal of medicinal food, 22(5), 435-443.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.
• In this review of human studies on herbs for wound healing, the following plants were discussed: Aloe vera, Salvia miltiorrhizia, Alchemilla vulgaris, Angelica sinensis, Origanum vulgare, Lavandula stoechas, Radix astragalis, Rehmanniae radix, Ageratina pichinchensis, Calendula officianalis, and Mimosa tenaiflora. From: Lordani, T. V. A., de Lara, C. E., Ferreira, F. B. P., de Souza Terron Monich, M., Mesquita da Silva, C., Lordani, F., … & Lonardoni, M. V. C. (2018). Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants on cutaneous wound healing in humans: A systematic review. Mediators of inflammation, 2018.

ORAL HEALTH

• A product containing aloe vera and peppermint was taken for 5 days by patients in intensive care. It relieved mouth dryness, prevented dental plaque formation, and improved oral health compared to the placebo.  Atashi, V., Yazdannik, A., Mahjobipoor, H., Ghafari, S., Bekhradi, R., & Yousefi, H. (2018). The effects of Aloe vera-Peppermint (Veramin) moisturizing gel on mouth dryness and oral health among patients hospitalized in intensive care units: A triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of research in pharmacy practice, 7(2), 104.
• In this review of research, the author concludes: pomegranate, aloe, green tea, and miswak have a large amount of evidence supporting their effectiveness against gingivitis. From:  Safiaghdam, H., Oveissi, V., Bahramsoltani, R., Farzaei, M. H., & Rahimi, R. (2018). Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 21(10), 978.
• Research was reviewed on the following plants for treating recurrent apthous (mouth) ulcers: Satureja khuzistanica, Aloe vera, Myrrh, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alchemilla vulgaris, Myrtus communis, Melissa officinalis, Rhizophora mangle, Chamomile, Rosa damascena, Nicotiana tabacum, Punica granatum, Ageratina pichinchensis, Norwegian LongoVital, Lavendula angustifolia oil, and Perilla frutescens oil. From: Heydarpour, F., Abasabadi, M., Shahpiri, Z., Vaziri, S., Nazari, H. A., Najafi, F., … & Farzaei, M. H. (2018). Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 27.

ACNE

• In a 30 day study of 60 patients with acne, a cream containing propolis (a product of honey bees), tea tree oil, and aloe vera was better than erythromycin cream in reducing scars, lessions, and acne severity.  From:  Mazzarello, V., Donadu, M. G., Ferrari, M., Piga, G., Usai, D., Zanetti, S., & Sotgiu, M. A. (2018). Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clinical pharmacology: advances and applications, 10, 175.
• In this clinical study of 84 subjects with acne, a blend of aloe gel and basil oil reduced acne.  From:  Orafidiya, L. O., Agbani, E. O., Oyedele, A. O., Babalola, O. O., Onayemi, O., & Aiyedun, F. F. (2004). The effect of aloe vera gel on the anti-acne properties of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn leaf–a preliminary clinical investigation. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 14(1), 15-21.
• Skin redness in those having acne was reduced with the topical use of aloe vera and tretinoin.  From:  Hajheydari, Z., Saeedi, M., Morteza-Semnani, K., & Soltani, A. (2014). Effect of Aloe vera topical gel combined with tretinoin in treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 25(2), 123-129.  Link:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09546634.2013.768328

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• Studying aloe components in vitro, antioxidant activity was correlated with phenolic content and anti-inflammatory activity was associated with catechin tannins compounds.  From:  Kammoun, M., Miladi, S., Ali, Y. B., Damak, M., Gargouri, Y., & Bezzine, S. (2011). In vitro study of the PLA2 inhibition and antioxidant activities of Aloe vera leaf skin extracts. Lipids in health and disease, 10(1), 30.

ENHANCED ABSORPTION

• Aloe may increase the digestive absorption of drugs that are efflux transporters.  From:  Carien, B., Alvaro, V., & Josias, H. (2013). Modulation of drug efflux by aloe materials: An in vitro investigation across rat intestinal tissue. Pharmacognosy magazine, 9(36), 44.

​ANTIDIABETIC

• Glucose tolerance improved with an aloe vera supplement in subjects with prediabetes.   From:  Devaraj, S., Yimam, M., Brownell, L. A., Jialal, I., Singh, S., & Jia, Q. (2013). Effects of Aloe vera supplementation in subjects with prediabetes/metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome and related disorders, 11(1), 35-40.
• Taking an aloe supplement improved glycaemic control in those with prediabetes.  From:  Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N., & Punthanitisarn, S. (2016). Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 41(2), 180-188.
• Aloe reduced blood sugar levels in rats with type 2 diabetes.  From:  Okyar, A., Can, A., Akev, N., Baktir, G., & Sütlüpinar, N. (2001). Effect of Aloe vera leaves on blood glucose level in type I and type II diabetic rat models. Phytotherapy Research, 15(2), 157-161.
• Blood sugar and cholesterol levels were reduced in diabetic rats with the intake of aloe gel.  From:  Rajasekaran, S., Ravi, K., Sivagnanam, K., & Subramanian, S. (2006). Beneficial effects of Aloe vera leaf gel extract on lipid profile status in rats with streptozotocin diabetes. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 33(3), 232-237.
• Type 2 diabetic patients were given aloe gel with results of lower blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.  From:  Huseini, H. F., Kianbakht, S., Hajiaghaee, R., & Dabaghian, F. H. (2012). Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of Aloe vera leaf gel in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Planta medica, 78(04), 311-316.
• In patients with pre-diabetes, an aloe product significantly improved glycemic control.  From:  Devaraj, S., Jialal, R., Jialal, I., & Rockwood, J. (2008). A pilot randomized placebo controlled trial of 2 Aloe vera supplements in patients with pre-diabetes/metabolic syndrome. Planta Medica, 74(09), SL77.
• The study identified phytosterols derived from aloe vera gel as having a long-term blood glucose level control effect and useful for treating type 2 diabetes.   From:  Tanaka, M., Misawa, E., Ito, Y., Habara, N., Nomaguchi, K., Yamada, M., … & Higuchi, R. (2006). Identification of five phytosterols from Aloe vera gel as anti-diabetic compounds. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(7), 1418-1422.
• In mice, aloe ingestion reduced obesity-induced glucose tolerance by suppressing inflammatory responses and inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines to improve insulin resistance.  From:  Shin, E., Shim, K. S., Kong, H., Lee, S., Shin, S., Kwon, J., … & Kim, K. (2011). Dietary aloe improves insulin sensitivity via the suppression of obesity-induced inflammation in obese mice. Immune network, 11(1), 59-67.

​​HEPATOPROTECTIVE

• Aloe phytosterols improved metabolic disorders in obese diabetic rats.  From:  Misawa, E., Tanaka, M., Nomaguchi, K., Nabeshima, K., Yamada, M., Toida, T., & Iwatsuki, K. (2012). Oral ingestion of Aloe vera phytosterols alters hepatic gene expression profiles and ameliorates obesity-associated metabolic disorders in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 60(11), 2799-2806.
• Aloe barbadensis restored integrity of hepatocytes without being toxic in mice.  From:  Chandan, B. K., Saxena, A. K., Shukla, S., Sharma, N., Gupta, D. K., Suri, K. A., … & Singh, B. (2007). Hepatoprotective potential of Aloe barbadensis Mill. against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 111(3), 560-566.

​CHEMOPROTECTIVE

• Aloin protected against chemically induced colon toxicity in rats, with an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect.  From:  Hamiza, O. O., Rehman, M. U., Khan, R., Tahir, M., Khan, A. Q., Lateef, A., & Sultana, S. (2013). Chemopreventive effects of aloin against 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced preneoplastic lesions in the colon of Wistar rats. Human & experimental toxicology, 0960327113493307.

ANTICANCER / ANTITUMOR

• Aloe injections reduced tumors in mice.  From:  Liu, C., Leung, M. Y. K., Koon, J. C. M., Zhu, L. F., Hui, Y. Z., Yu, B., & Fung, K. P. (2006). Macrophage activation by polysaccharide biological response modifier isolated from Aloe vera L. var. chinensis (Haw.) Berg. International Immunopharmacology, 6(11), 1634-1641.
• Aloin inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth of human colorectal cancer in vitro.  From:  Pan, Q., Pan, H., Lou, H., Xu, Y., & Tian, L. (2013). Inhibition of the angiogenesis and growth of Aloin in human colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cancer cell international, 13(1), 69.
• Aloe-emodin contributed to human carcinoma cell apoptosis.  From:  Lin, M. L., Lu, Y. C., Su, H. L., Lin, H. T., Lee, C. C., Kang, S. E., … & Chen, S. S. (2011). Destabilization of CARP mRNAs by aloé‐emodin contributes to caspasé‐8́‐mediated p53́‐independent apoptosis of human carcinoma cells. Journal of cellular biochemistry, 112(4), 1176-1191.
• Emodin may be effective in the treatment of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer. From:  Masaldan, S., & Iyer, V. V. (2014). Exploration of effects of emodin in selected cancer cell lines: enhanced growth inhibition by ascorbic acid and regulation of LRP1 and AR under hypoxia‐like conditions. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 34(1), 95-104.
• Aloe-emodin induced apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells in vitro.  From:  Lin, J. G., Chen, G. W., Li, T. M., Chouh, S. T., Tan, T. W., & Chung, J. G. (2006). Aloe-emodin induces apoptosis in T24 human bladder cancer cells through the p53 dependent apoptotic pathway. The Journal of urology, 175(1), 343-347.

​FEMALE HEALTH

• Aloe reduced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats related to  a steroidogenic effect.  From: Maharjan, R., Nagar, P. S., & Nampoothiri, L. (2010). Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. formulation on Letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model.
• In female mice, aloe gel had a hypolipidemic effect and reduced polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms.  From:  Desai, B. N., Maharjan, R. H., & Nampoothiri, L. P. (2012). Aloe barbadensis Mill. formulation restores lipid profile to normal in a letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model. Pharmacognosy research, 4(2), 109.

REDUCED CHOLESTEROL

• Type 2 diabetic patients were given aloe gel with results of lower blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.  From:  Huseini, H. F., Kianbakht, S., Hajiaghaee, R., & Dabaghian, F. H. (2012). Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of Aloe vera leaf gel in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Planta medica, 78(04), 311-316.
• The combination of aloe vera gel and a probiotic decreased cholesterol levels in rats.  From:  Kumar, M., Rakesh, S., Nagpal, R., Hemalatha, R., Ramakrishna, A., Sudarshan, V., … & Tiwari, A. (2013). Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Aloe vera gel improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats. Nutrition, 29(3), 574-579.
• Phytosterols in aloe gel reduced fatty streaks in diabetic rats.  From:  Dana, N., Javanmard, S. H., Asgary, S., Asnaashari, H., & Abdian, N. (2012). The effect of Aloe vera leaf gel on fatty streak formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 17(5).

DIGESTIVE AID / CONSTIPATION

• A combination of celandin, aloevera and psyllium was an effective laxative in constipated patients.  From:  Odes, H. S., & Madar, Z. (1991). A double-blind trial of a celandin, aloevera and psyllium laxative preparation in adult patients with constipation. Digestion, 49(2), 65-71.
• In a double blind study, aloe gel was effective in treating the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.  From:  Langmead, L., Feakins, R. M., Goldthorpe, S., Holt, H., Tsironi, E., De Silva, A., … & Rampton, D. S. (2004). Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 19(7), 739-747.
• Aloe was effective against H. pylori and may be good in treating human gastric infection.  From:  Cellini, L., Di Bartolomeo, S., Di Campli, E., Genovese, S., Locatelli, M., & Di Giulio, M. (2014). In vitro activity of Aloe vera inner gel against Helicobacter pylori strains. Letters in applied microbiology, 59(1), 43-48.
• Aloe reduced constipation in rats.  From:  Wintola, O. A., Sunmonu, T. O., & Afolayan, A. J. (2010). The effect of Aloe ferox Mill. in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats. BMC gastroenterology, 10(1), 95.
• In constipated rats, aloe was as effective as the laxative drug Gaviscon.  From:  Ashafa, A. O. T., Sunmonu, T. O., Abass, A. A., & Ogbe, A. A. (2011). Laxative potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. in Wistar rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals, 2(3), 158-162. 

​​WEIGHT LOSS

• In obese prediabetes patients, aloe reduced body weight, BFM, and insulin resistance.  From:  Choi, H. C., Kim, S. J., Son, K. Y., Oh, B. J., & Cho, B. L. (2013). Metabolic effects of aloe vera gel complex in obese prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial. Nutrition, 29(9), 1110-1114.

​ANTI-ULCER

• Aloe and myrrh reduced stomach ulcer symtoms in human patients.  From:  Mansour, G., Ouda, S., Shaker, A., & Abdallah, H. M. (2014). Clinical efficacy of new aloe vera‐and myrrh‐based oral mucoadhesive gels in the management of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 43(6), 405-409.
• Research was reviewed on the following plants for treating recurrent apthous (mouth) ulcers: Satureja khuzistanica, Aloe vera, Myrrh, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alchemilla vulgaris, Myrtus communis, Melissa officinalis, Rhizophora mangle, Chamomile, Rosa damascena, Nicotiana tabacum, Punica granatum, Ageratina pichinchensis, Norwegian LongoVital, Lavendula angustifolia oil, and Perilla frutescens oil. From: Heydarpour, F., Abasabadi, M., Shahpiri, Z., Vaziri, S., Nazari, H. A., Najafi, F., … & Farzaei, M. H. (2018). Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 27.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Of 25 essential oils tested, thyme and clove showed the highest antioxidant activity; indicated were their thymol and eugenol components.  Cinnamon, basil, bergamot, eucalyptus, chamomile, bitter orange, and aloe vera were also effective.  From:  Wei, A., & Shibamoto, T. (2010). Antioxidant/lipoxygenase inhibitory activities and chemical compositions of selected essential oils. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(12), 7218-7225
• Aloe had an antioxidant effect in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.  From:  Rajasekaran, S., Sivagnanam, K., & Subramanian, S. (2005). Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Pharmacol Rep, 57(1), 90-6.
• This study discussed factors that affect the antioxidant strength of aloe.  From:  Hu, Y., Xu, J., & Hu, Q. (2003). Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) extracts. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 51(26), 7788-7791.
• Oxidative stress associated with diabetes was reduced in rats with aloe vera leaf gel extract.  From:  Rajasekaran, S., Sivagnanam, K., & Subramanian, S. (2005). Modulatory effects of Aloe vera leaf gel extract on oxidative stress in rats treated with streptozotocin. Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 57(2), 241-246.
• Studying aloe components in vitro, antioxidant activity was correlated with phenolic content and anti-inflammatory activity was associated with catechin tannins compounds.  From:  Kammoun, M., Miladi, S., Ali, Y. B., Damak, M., Gargouri, Y., & Bezzine, S. (2011). In vitro study of the PLA2 inhibition and antioxidant activities of Aloe vera leaf skin extracts. Lipids in health and disease, 10(1), 30.
• Methenol extracts of aloe parts demonstrated antioxidant and antimycoplasmic activities, possibly related to phenolic constituents.  From:  López, A., de Tangil, M. S., Vega-Orellana, O., Ramírez, A. S., & Rico, M. (2013). Phenolic constituents, antioxidant and preliminary antimycoplasmic activities of leaf skin and flowers of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.(syn. A. barbadensis Mill.) from the Canary Islands (Spain). Molecules, 18(5), 4942-4954.

ANALGESIC

• In an 8-week double blind study of 50 patients with lower back pain, an herbal blend was effective in reducing pain. The herbal blend was ingested daily and contained equal parts of Colchicum autumnale (root), Terminalia Chebula (fruit), Aloe vera (dried leaves), Astragalus gossypinus (gum), Cuminum cyminum (fruit), Zingiber officinale (root), Piper nigrum (fruit), Commiphora wightii (gum), and Pistacia lentiscus (gum). From: Malek, V. G., Parvari, S., Rouhani, Y., Jafari, F., Rahimi, R., & Abbassian, A. (2019). Efficacy of a traditional herbal formula based on Colchicum autumnale L.(Rhazes tablet) in low back pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 10(1), 27-33.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 1/21/2020