For cosmetic products using aloe click here
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis / Aloe capensis)
Common Names: Aloe vera, Curaçao Aloe, Cape Aloe, Lu Hui
Botanical Family: Liliaceae
Botanical Sources:
-
Curaçao Aloe (Aloe barbadensis Miller) — Also known as Aloe vera, the dried latex of the leaves is used.
-
Cape Aloe (Aloe capensis / Aloe ferox Miller) — Dried latex from this and related species used in similar ways.
Both types must comply with pharmacopeial standards, especially for anthranoid content (e.g., aloe-emodin, aloin).
Pharmacological Actions:
Aloe latex contains 1,8-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives which produce a stimulant laxative effect by:
-
Increasing colonic motility
-
Stimulating propulsive contractions
-
Inhibiting water absorption in the colon
-
Promoting chloride secretion, increasing intestinal water content
Metabolism:
-
Glycosides are prodrugs, broken down in the colon to aloe-emodin anthrone, the active laxative compound.
-
Aglycones may be absorbed earlier in the digestive tract.
-
Metabolites like rhein appear in the urine, though only trace amounts reach breast milk.
-
Placental transfer of rhein is minimal.
Clinical Uses:
-
Primary Indication:
Treatment of occasional or chronic constipation -
Traditional/Complementary Uses:
-
Liver inflammation (as a cooling bitter)
-
Intestinal parasites
-
Headaches, dizziness, tinnitus
-
Insomnia and restlessness (especially from liver heat)
-
Chronic constipation
-
As a purgative and digestive tonic
-
Safety and Dosage:
Contraindications:
-
Not advised during pregnancy or lactation (due to insufficient toxicological data)
-
Avoid long-term use without professional supervision
Side Effects:
-
Cramping or GI discomfort (adjust dosage)
-
Red urine may occur — harmless
Interactions:
None known
Dosage:
-
20–30 mg/day of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (calculated as anhydrous aloin)
-
Use smallest effective dose to maintain regular, soft bowel movements
Precautions:
-
Not for use as a first-line for constipation; consider dietary changes or bulk-formers first
-
Avoid use >1–2 weeks without guidance
-
Periodic breaks in long-term use (e.g., one week off every two months) are recommended
Overdose Risk:
-
Electrolyte imbalance
-
Dehydration
-
Increased risk of dependency with improper use
Conclusion:
Aloe (especially A. barbadensis and A. ferox) is a highly effective herbal laxative with a long history of traditional and medicinal use. When used responsibly and under guidance, it can be a safe and sustainable solution for chronic constipation, with additional bitter, liver-supportive, and anti-inflammatory effects.
💡 Note: Aloe leaf gel (clear inner gel) and aloe latex (bitter yellow sap) are very different. The gel is not a laxative, while the latex is.
Aloe vera Gel
Aloe vera gel (Pure Aloe Gel) 1:1 used for burns, sunburn, wounds, insect bites, skin, eczema, scalp problems, psoriasis in scalp, wrinkles, skin irritations, minor cuts and scratches, an eyewash.
Prices of tinctures and cosmetics with Aloe
Herbactive Tonics with Cape Black Aloe
LiverDetox
MoveMore (Laxative)
WormLess