SIDE EFFECTS AND
BENEFITS OF ALOE
VERA
BENEFITS OF ALOE
VERA
POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
Does Aloe vera have benefits on patients suffered from
irritable bowel syndrome?
Aloe vera has been suggested to be beneficial in treating irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) symptoms. However, researchers from UK could not
find any evidence that Aloe vera benefits patients with IBS in a recent
study. [1]
How does Aloe vera help gastric ulcer?
A study has shown that Aloe vera may have gastric acid anti-secretory
activity and may protect the gastric mucosa at low concentrations
against injurious agents. [16] While another study of rats shows that
Aloe vera treatment can reduce leukocyte adherence and TNF-alpha
level, elevate IL-10 level and promote gastric ulcer healing. [3]
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ALOE VERA
Aloe vera itself contains antioxidants such as APS-1 and
dihydrocoumarin derivatives and it also assists the aborption of some
anti-oxidants such as vitamins A and C. The vitamins last longer in the
plasma with the Aloes. [6-8]
Aloe vera relieves oxdative stress in diabetic rats. Oral administration of
ethanolic Aloe vera leaf gel extract for 21 days resulted in a significant
reduction in fasting blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive
substances, hydroperoxides and alpha-tocopherol and significant
improvement in ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and insulin in the
plasma of diabetic rats. In addition, this administration also resulted in a
significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,
hydroperoxides, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione
peroxidase and significant improvement in reduced glutathione in the
pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats when compared with untreated
diabetic rats. [12]
Because of its anti-oxidant activities, Aloe vera may have benefits
for diabetes.[14, 17-19]
Animal studies have shown that aloe vera leaf gel extract is effective on
restoration of altered fatty acid compositions in the liver and kidney of
diabetic rats. In a study, researchers suppled Aloe vera gel extract at a
dose of 300 mg/kg bodyweight per day to STZ-induced diabetic rats for
a period of 21 days. They observed a significant reduction in fasting
blood glucose, hepatic transaminases, plasma and tissue (liver and
kidney) cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids and
a significant improvement in plasma insulin. [4] An extract of Aloe vera
leaf gel extract has been shown to be even more effective than
glibenclamide in restoring some liver function parameters in a study of
diabetic rats. [10]
Indian researchers suggest that mineral contents, e.g. Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn,
may also contribute to the health benefits of Aloe vera leaf gel on
diabetes. [5, 11] As some of these inorganic elements improve impaired
glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus management. [5]
Aloe vera may benefit some skin conditions.
Some researchers applied Aloe vera on skin diseases, e.g. psoriasis and
showed positive results [15], while some do not. [9]
WARNINGS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA
Side effects of ingestion of low dose of Aloe vera are seldomly reported.
However, it has been associated with diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance,
kidney dysfunction, and conventional drug interactions. [2] A case of
hepatitis has been reported. [13] While, episodes of contact dermatitis,
erythema, and phototoxicity have been reported from topical
applications.
Do not use Aloe vera together with other platelet aggregation inhibitors,
such as sevoflurane and before or after surgery. Compounds contained
within Aloe vera can cause a reduction in prostaglandin synthesis, which
may inhibit secondary aggregation of platelets. Aloe vera may interact
with sevoflurane or other similar substances based on their antiplatelet
effects. Herbal medications with antiplatelet potential should be
discontinued before anesthesia and surgery. [13]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. MOST STUDIES FOR ALOE VERA ARE DONE WITH
ANIMALS, RESULTS MAY NOT BE APPLIED TO HUMAN. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU
SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2006 ZHION
[1] Davis K et al, Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Clin Pract.
2006 Jun 2. [2] Boudreau MD, Beland FA. An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis
(miller), Aloe vera. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2006 Apr;24(1):103-54. [3] Eamlamnam K,
Effects of Aloe vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, cytokine levels and gastric ulcer healing in rats. World J
Gastroenterol. 2006 Apr 7;12(13):2034-9. [4] Rajasekaran S et al, Beneficial effects of aloe vera leaf gel extract on lipid profile
status in rats with streptozotocin diabetes. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2006 Mar;33(3):232-7. [5] Rajasekaran S et al,
Mineral contents of aloe vera leaf gel and their role on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2005
Winter;108(1-3):185-95. [6] Vinson JA, et al, Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and
E. Phytomedicine. 2005 Nov;12(10):760-5. [7] Zhang XF, Isolation, structure elucidation, antioxidative and
immunomodulatory properties of two novel dihydrocoumarins from Aloe vera. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2006 Feb
15;16(4):949-53. Epub 2005 Nov 15. [8] Wu JH et al, Antioxidant properties and PC12 cell protective effects of APS-1, a
polysaccharide from Aloe vera var. chinensis. Life Sci. 2006 Jan 2;78(6):622-30. Epub 2005 Sep 8. [9] Paulsen E, A
double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a commercial Aloe vera gel in the treatment of slight to moderate psoriasis vulgaris. J
Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 May;19(3):326-31. [10] Rajasekaran S et al, Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in
streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Pharmacol Rep. 2005 Jan-Feb;57(1):90-6. [11] Bezakova L, et al, Antilipoxygenase
activity and the trace elements content of Aloe vera in relation to the therapeutical effect. Ceska Slov Farm. 2005
Jan;54(1):43-6. [12] Rajasekaran S, et al, Modulatory effects of Aloe vera leaf gel extract on oxidative stress in rats treated with
streptozotocin. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Feb;57(2):241-6. [13] Rabe C.et al, Acute hepatitis induced by an Aloe vera
preparation: a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jan 14;11(2):303-4. [13] Lee A, et al Possible interaction between
sevoflurane and Aloe vera. Ann Pharmacother. 2004 Oct;38(10):1651-4. Epub 2004 Aug 3. [14] Bolkent S Effect of Aloe vera
(L.) Burm. fil. leaf gel and pulp extracts on kidney in type-II diabetic rat models. Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 Jan;42(1):48-52. [15]
Syed TA et al, Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind
study. Trop Med Int Health. 1996 Aug;1(4):505-9. [16] Yusuf S et al, The effect of Aloe vera A. Berger (Liliaceae) on gastric
acid secretion and acute gastric mucosal injury in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jul;93(1):33-7. [17] Can A et al, Effect of Aloe
vera leaf gel and pulp extracts on the liver in type-II diabetic rat models. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 May;27(5):694-8. [18]
Rajasekaran S, et al, Hypoglycemic effect of Aloe vera gel on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in experimental rats. J Med Food.
2004 Spring;7(1):61-6. [19] Parihar MS et al, Susceptibility of hippocampus and cerebral cortex to oxidative damage in
streptozotocin treated mice: prevention by extracts of Withania somnifera and Aloe vera. J Clin Neurosci. 2004
May;11(4):397-402.
Does Aloe vera have benefits on patients suffered from
irritable bowel syndrome?
Aloe vera has been suggested to be beneficial in treating irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) symptoms. However, researchers from UK could not
find any evidence that Aloe vera benefits patients with IBS in a recent
study. [1]
How does Aloe vera help gastric ulcer?
A study has shown that Aloe vera may have gastric acid anti-secretory
activity and may protect the gastric mucosa at low concentrations
against injurious agents. [16] While another study of rats shows that
Aloe vera treatment can reduce leukocyte adherence and TNF-alpha
level, elevate IL-10 level and promote gastric ulcer healing. [3]
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ALOE VERA
Aloe vera itself contains antioxidants such as APS-1 and
dihydrocoumarin derivatives and it also assists the aborption of some
anti-oxidants such as vitamins A and C. The vitamins last longer in the
plasma with the Aloes. [6-8]
Aloe vera relieves oxdative stress in diabetic rats. Oral administration of
ethanolic Aloe vera leaf gel extract for 21 days resulted in a significant
reduction in fasting blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive
substances, hydroperoxides and alpha-tocopherol and significant
improvement in ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and insulin in the
plasma of diabetic rats. In addition, this administration also resulted in a
significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,
hydroperoxides, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione
peroxidase and significant improvement in reduced glutathione in the
pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats when compared with untreated
diabetic rats. [12]
Because of its anti-oxidant activities, Aloe vera may have benefits
for diabetes.[14, 17-19]
Animal studies have shown that aloe vera leaf gel extract is effective on
restoration of altered fatty acid compositions in the liver and kidney of
diabetic rats. In a study, researchers suppled Aloe vera gel extract at a
dose of 300 mg/kg bodyweight per day to STZ-induced diabetic rats for
a period of 21 days. They observed a significant reduction in fasting
blood glucose, hepatic transaminases, plasma and tissue (liver and
kidney) cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids and
a significant improvement in plasma insulin. [4] An extract of Aloe vera
leaf gel extract has been shown to be even more effective than
glibenclamide in restoring some liver function parameters in a study of
diabetic rats. [10]
Indian researchers suggest that mineral contents, e.g. Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn,
may also contribute to the health benefits of Aloe vera leaf gel on
diabetes. [5, 11] As some of these inorganic elements improve impaired
glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus management. [5]
Aloe vera may benefit some skin conditions.
Some researchers applied Aloe vera on skin diseases, e.g. psoriasis and
showed positive results [15], while some do not. [9]
WARNINGS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA
Side effects of ingestion of low dose of Aloe vera are seldomly reported.
However, it has been associated with diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance,
kidney dysfunction, and conventional drug interactions. [2] A case of
hepatitis has been reported. [13] While, episodes of contact dermatitis,
erythema, and phototoxicity have been reported from topical
applications.
Do not use Aloe vera together with other platelet aggregation inhibitors,
such as sevoflurane and before or after surgery. Compounds contained
within Aloe vera can cause a reduction in prostaglandin synthesis, which
may inhibit secondary aggregation of platelets. Aloe vera may interact
with sevoflurane or other similar substances based on their antiplatelet
effects. Herbal medications with antiplatelet potential should be
discontinued before anesthesia and surgery. [13]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. MOST STUDIES FOR ALOE VERA ARE DONE WITH
ANIMALS, RESULTS MAY NOT BE APPLIED TO HUMAN. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU
SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2006 ZHION
[1] Davis K et al, Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Clin Pract.
2006 Jun 2. [2] Boudreau MD, Beland FA. An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis
(miller), Aloe vera. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2006 Apr;24(1):103-54. [3] Eamlamnam K,
Effects of Aloe vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, cytokine levels and gastric ulcer healing in rats. World J
Gastroenterol. 2006 Apr 7;12(13):2034-9. [4] Rajasekaran S et al, Beneficial effects of aloe vera leaf gel extract on lipid profile
status in rats with streptozotocin diabetes. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2006 Mar;33(3):232-7. [5] Rajasekaran S et al,
Mineral contents of aloe vera leaf gel and their role on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2005
Winter;108(1-3):185-95. [6] Vinson JA, et al, Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and
E. Phytomedicine. 2005 Nov;12(10):760-5. [7] Zhang XF, Isolation, structure elucidation, antioxidative and
immunomodulatory properties of two novel dihydrocoumarins from Aloe vera. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2006 Feb
15;16(4):949-53. Epub 2005 Nov 15. [8] Wu JH et al, Antioxidant properties and PC12 cell protective effects of APS-1, a
polysaccharide from Aloe vera var. chinensis. Life Sci. 2006 Jan 2;78(6):622-30. Epub 2005 Sep 8. [9] Paulsen E, A
double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a commercial Aloe vera gel in the treatment of slight to moderate psoriasis vulgaris. J
Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 May;19(3):326-31. [10] Rajasekaran S et al, Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in
streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Pharmacol Rep. 2005 Jan-Feb;57(1):90-6. [11] Bezakova L, et al, Antilipoxygenase
activity and the trace elements content of Aloe vera in relation to the therapeutical effect. Ceska Slov Farm. 2005
Jan;54(1):43-6. [12] Rajasekaran S, et al, Modulatory effects of Aloe vera leaf gel extract on oxidative stress in rats treated with
streptozotocin. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Feb;57(2):241-6. [13] Rabe C.et al, Acute hepatitis induced by an Aloe vera
preparation: a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jan 14;11(2):303-4. [13] Lee A, et al Possible interaction between
sevoflurane and Aloe vera. Ann Pharmacother. 2004 Oct;38(10):1651-4. Epub 2004 Aug 3. [14] Bolkent S Effect of Aloe vera
(L.) Burm. fil. leaf gel and pulp extracts on kidney in type-II diabetic rat models. Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 Jan;42(1):48-52. [15]
Syed TA et al, Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind
study. Trop Med Int Health. 1996 Aug;1(4):505-9. [16] Yusuf S et al, The effect of Aloe vera A. Berger (Liliaceae) on gastric
acid secretion and acute gastric mucosal injury in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jul;93(1):33-7. [17] Can A et al, Effect of Aloe
vera leaf gel and pulp extracts on the liver in type-II diabetic rat models. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 May;27(5):694-8. [18]
Rajasekaran S, et al, Hypoglycemic effect of Aloe vera gel on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in experimental rats. J Med Food.
2004 Spring;7(1):61-6. [19] Parihar MS et al, Susceptibility of hippocampus and cerebral cortex to oxidative damage in
streptozotocin treated mice: prevention by extracts of Withania somnifera and Aloe vera. J Clin Neurosci. 2004
May;11(4):397-402.
MAJOR NUTRIENT
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
Kiwi
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
MSG
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potassium
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Wine
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Watermelon 2
Whey
Wheat Grass
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
Kiwi
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
MSG
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potassium
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Wine
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Watermelon 2
Whey
Wheat Grass
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
 |  |  |  |