Aloe (Aloe vera)
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- Digestive
- 5 conditions
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Overview
Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis) is a succulent commonly grown as a potted plant, notable for its thick, fleshy leaves that contain two distinct medicinal components. Historically, the inner clear gel was used for skin conditions and to promote wound healing (NCCIH), while the bitter yellow sap from the leaf base, often called “bitter aloes,” is a strong laxative.
Traditional uses & properties
Heals & Soothes: The inner gel is traditionally applied to burns and skin irritations; NCCIH says clinical research suggests topical aloe gel may speed burn healing and reduce burn-related pain. Digestive Aid: Aloe taken by mouth is promoted for bowel conditions; NCCIH says there isn't enough reliable information to know whether it helps irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.
Safety & precautions
The outer leaf sap contains anthraquinone glycosides (like aloin) that act as a strong stimulant laxative; NCCIH notes that in 2002 the FDA required aloe latex to be removed from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data. Liver: Oral aloe leaf extracts have been tied to cases of acute hepatitis (NCCIH), and LiverTox rates oral aloe a likely but rare cause of liver injury. Pregnancy: NCCIH says aloe gel, latex, or whole leaf extract taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Some herbalists advise that children and older adults not drink aloe juice containing the strong laxative compounds. Avoid internal use if suffering from kidney disease or hemorrhoids. Concentrated or unfiltered products (containing the outer rind) can be irritating.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Most interaction concerns involve aloe taken by mouth, particularly the laxative latex from the leaf skin, rather than gel used on the skin. [1, 2]
- Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides
- NCCIH says that overusing aloe latex could make side effects from this group of heart medicines more likely. [1]
- Sevoflurane (general anesthetic)
- MSK describes one patient who bled heavily during an operation after having taken aloe vera tablets. Tell your surgical team if you use aloe by mouth. [2]
- Medicines broken down by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6
- In laboratory tests aloe juice blocked these two drug-processing enzymes. MSK says it is not known whether this matters in people. [2]
How to read this section: each entry is HerbMate's summary of what the cited sources report. Words such as "may", "theoretical" or "in laboratory or animal studies" mean the effect has not been confirmed in people, and "case report" means it was seen in one or a few patients. A medicine that is not listed here has not been shown to be safe with this herb. The numbers in brackets link to the sources at the foot of the page.
Habitat
Native to eastern and southern Africa, aloe vera now grows wild in tropical regions worldwide and is extensively cultivated. It thrives in warm, arid climates but also adapts well to indoor pots. The leaves are harvested by cutting and draining them for gel or bitter sap. Commercially, the gel is processed into juices, gels, and topical preparations.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
- Constipation13 herbs · 2 free
- Acne8 herbs · 2 free
- Dandruff3 herbs · 2 free
- Stretch Marks2 herbs
- Sunburn4 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Aloe (Aloe vera) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Aloe (Aloe vera) as follows: Heals & Soothes: The inner gel is traditionally applied to burns and skin irritations; NCCIH says clinical research suggests topical aloe gel may speed burn healing and reduce burn-related pain. Digestive Aid: Aloe taken by mouth is promoted for bowel conditions; NCCIH says there isn't enough reliable information to know whether it helps irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.
What safety cautions apply to Aloe (Aloe vera)?
The outer leaf sap contains anthraquinone glycosides (like aloin) that act as a strong stimulant laxative; NCCIH notes that in 2002 the FDA required aloe latex to be removed from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data. Liver: Oral aloe leaf extracts have been tied to cases of acute hepatitis (NCCIH), and LiverTox rates oral aloe a likely but rare cause of liver injury. Pregnancy: NCCIH says aloe gel, latex, or whole leaf extract taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Some herbalists advise that children and older adults not drink aloe juice containing the strong laxative compounds. Avoid internal use if suffering from kidney disease or hemorrhoids. Concentrated or unfiltered products (containing the outer rind) can be irritating.
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