#ALOE USES & #EFFECTIVENESS

#ALOE USES & #EFFECTIVENESS 

Possibly Effective for:

· Constipation. Taking aloe latex by mouth can reduce constipation and also cause diarrhea.

· Cold sores (herpes simplex virus). Some evidence shows that applying an aloe extract 0.5% cream 3 times daily increases healing rates in men with cold sores.

· Itchy rash on the skin or mouth (Lichen planus). Research shows that using a mouthwash containing aloe 3 times daily for 12 weeks or applying a gel containing aloe twice daily for 8 weeks can reduce pain associated with itchy rashes in the mouth. Other research shows that using a mouthwash containing aloe 4 times daily for one month reduces pain and increases healing similarly to standard treatment in people with itchy rashes in the mouth.

· Psoriasis. Applying a cream containing 0.5% aloe for 4-8 weeks seems to reduce the skin plaques and decrease the severity of psoriasis. However, using an aloe gel does not seem to improve other symptoms associated with psoriasis, including skin redness.

Possibly Ineffective for:

· HIV. Early research suggests that taking 400 mg of a supplement that comes from aloe 4 times daily does not improve immune function in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

· Skin damage caused by radiation treatment for cancer. Applying aloe gel to the skin during and after radiation treatment does not seem to reduce skin damage caused by the radiation. However, there is some evidence that aloe gel might delay the appearance of skin damage.

· Sunburn. Research suggests that applying aloe gel to the skin does not prevent sunburn or reduce skin redness when applied before or after sunlight exposure.

Insufficient Evidence for:

· Dry socket (alveolar osteitis). Research shows that applying acemannan, a chemical that comes from aloe, to the tooth socket of people with dry sockets after standard treatment, reduces pain and improves symptoms more than standard treatment alone.

· Burns. Applying aloe gel to the skin might improve healing of certain types of burns called “partial thickness burns.” Some research shows that applying aloe cream twice daily decreases the size of first or second degree burn wounds and reduces the amount of time needed to heal. However, other research suggests that applying aloe daily is no more effective than standard treatment for reducing healing time.

· Cancer. Early research suggests that when given with standard chemotherapy, three daily doses of a mixture containing fresh aloe leaves and honey dissolved in alcohol increases the number of patients with lung cancer who are able to heal completely, partially, or maintain control of their disease when compared to just chemotherapy alone. However, other research shows that taking aloe has not benefit in people with lung cancer.

· Canker sores. Early research suggests that taking acemannan, a chemical that comes from aloe, shortens the amount of time needed for canker sores to heal. However, other research suggests that a gel containing aloe does not consistently shorten the length of time between canker sores.

· Dental plaque. Some research suggests that using a toothpaste containing aloe daily for 24 weeks reduces plaque. However, other research evaluating another substance containing aloe found it to be comparable to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

· Diabetes. There is conflicting information about whether aloe can reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. Two studies indicate that taking aloe gel by mouth can reduce blood sugar in women with type 2 diabetes. But another study did not show the same benefit.

· Diaper rash. Early research suggests that applying a cream containing aloe gel and olive oil 3 times daily for 10 days reduces the severity of diaper rash in children younger than 3 years-old.

· Dry skin. Early research suggests that applying a cream containing aloe to the skin for 2 weeks increases the amount of water in the outermost later of the skin, but not on the inner layers. Other research suggests that wearing gloves coated in aloe improves symptoms of dry skin in women. However, it is not clear if the benefits were from the aloe or the gloves.

· Frostbite. When applied to the skin, aloe gel seems to help skin survive frostbite injury.

· Gingivitis. Some research suggests that using a toothpaste containing aloe daily for 24 weeks reduces gingivitis. However, other research evaluating another substance containing aloe found it to be comparable to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

· Hepatitis. Early evidence suggests that taking aloe 3 times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms of hepatitis in people with liver fibrosis mainly caused by hepatitis B or C.

· High cholesterol and other blood fats (hyperlipidemia). Preliminary evidence suggests that taking 10 mL or 20 mL of aloe by mouth daily for 12 weeks can reduce total cholesterol by about 15%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18%, and triglycerides by about 25% to 30% in people with hyperlipidemia.

· Insect repellent. Applying a product containing coconut oil, jojoba oil and aloe to the feet twice daily for one week intervals seems to reduce the number of sandfleas in people with flea infestations.

· Inflammation in the mouth (oral mucositis). Some evidence suggests that using an aloe solution 3 times daily during radiation therapy lowers the risk of developing painful inflammations in the mouth.

· Bedsores. Some preliminary evidence suggests that applying aloe gel does not improve the healing rate of bedsores compared to management with gauze moistened with salt water. However, other research suggests that a spray containing aloe does reduce the severity of sores compared to a standard treatment spray.

· Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). Early research suggests that applying aloe twice daily for 4-6 weeks improves dandruff.

· Ulcerative colitis. Preliminary evidence suggests that some people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who take aloe gel by mouth for 4 weeks have significantly reduced symptoms.

· Wound healing. There is conflicting information about whether aloe works to improve wound healing. Some research shows that applying an aloe gel product (Carrington Dermal Wound Gel) to surgical wounds might actually delay wound healing. But other research using a different form of aloe cream applied to hemorrhoid-related wounds shows that aloe might improve wound healing and provide some pain relief.

· Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate aloe for these uses.

ALOE SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY

Aloe gel is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in adults. Once in a while aloe gel might cause burning and itching of the skin.

Taking aloe latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE at any dose, but LIKELY UNSAFE when taken in high doses. Aloe latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking aloe latex 1 gram per day for several days can be fatal.

There have been a few reports of liver problems in some people who have taken an aloe leaf extract; however, this is uncommon. It is thought to only occur in people who are extra sensitive (hypersensitive) to aloe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Aloe -- either gel or latex -- is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There is a report that aloe was associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth defects. Do not take aloe by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children: Aloe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. Children younger than 12 years old may experience abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

Diabetes: Some research suggests aloe might lower blood sugar. If you take aloe by mouth and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

Intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: Do not take aloe latex if you have any of these conditions. Aloe latex is a bowel irritant. Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.

Hemorrhoids: Do not take aloe latex if you have hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse. Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.

Kidney problems: High doses of aloe latex have been linked to kidney failure and other serious conditions.

Surgery: Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery

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