HerbAloe vera
Topical gel shows moderate evidence for burn healing and skin soothing; oral use has limited evidence for blood sugar control and laxative effects, with safety concerns for long-term or non-decolorized forms.
Benefits
- Moisturizing
- wound healing
- anti-inflammatory
- and soothing for skin conditions like burns
- psoriasis
- and radiation dermatitis
- may aid blood sugar management and act as a laxative.
Key compounds
Aloe-emodinaloinaloesinacemannanbarbaloinanthraquinonessaponinsvitaminsenzymesmineralspolysaccharides
May help with
- Historically used in ancient Greece
- Rome
- Babylonia
- and China for skin conditions
- wound healing
- and to prevent premature graying of hair.
Best for these goals
Moisturizingwound healinganti-inflammatoryand soothing for skin conditions like burnspsoriasisand radiation dermatitismay aid blood sugar management and act as a laxative.
How to use it
Topical gel, oral juice, oral supplements
Evidence level
Limited
Cautions & interactions
Oral aloe latex can cause abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, acute hepatitis, and is potentially carcinogenic (non-decolorized extract). Unsafe during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for injection. | Interactions: Overuse of aloe latex may increase risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin); herbal supplements can interact with other medications, consult healthcare provider.
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