What are the health benefits of aloe supplements? Are they safe?

Last Updated: 08/08/2017 Initially Posted: 09/27/2013

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Answer:

As discussed in the Aloe Liquids, Gels, and Supplements Review, there is evidence to support the use of aloe topically. Taken orally, aloe can be a potent laxative and there is preliminary evidence that it may be useful in ulcerative colitis, IBS and osteoarthritis.

Aloe vera "gel" and "juice" which have been purified or "decolorized" to remove the latex component of aloe is considered to be safe when taken orally in small doses. There are concerns with ingesting aloe latex (i.e., aloins, which have been shown to cause cancer in certain animals) and aloe products which have not been purified.

ConsumerLab.com has tested popular aloe supplements for quality and purity. See the results, which include the amounts of aloe (based on acemannan), latex (aloins) and emodin in products and our top picks among Approved products, as well as details about aloe efficacy, dose, and side effects, in the Review of Aloe Liquids, Gels and Supplements.