Skip to main content
SupplementScience

Benefits of Aloe Vera

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Ulcerative colitis — Langmead et al. (2004, n=44, RCT) found aloe vera gel 100ml twice daily produced clinical remission in 30% and improvement in 37% of UC patients vs 7% and 7% placebo
  • Anti-inflammatory activity — acemannan and other aloe polysaccharides inhibit COX-2 and NF-kB, reducing mucosal inflammation (Langmead et al., 2004)
  • Mucosal healing — aloe vera gel promotes epithelial cell proliferation and migration, supporting wound healing in GI mucosa (Jettanacheawchankit et al., 2009)
  • GERD symptom relief — a 2015 pilot study (Panahi et al., n=79) found aloe vera syrup (10ml/day) was comparable to omeprazole and ranitidine for GERD symptom reduction

What the Research Says

Aloe vera inner gel has emerging clinical evidence for ulcerative colitis based on the Langmead et al. (2004) RCT showing meaningful improvement in disease activity. The anti-inflammatory mechanism (COX-2/NF-kB inhibition) provides biological plausibility. GERD evidence is limited to one pilot study. A critical distinction is between inner leaf gel (therapeutic, anti-inflammatory) and whole leaf/latex (stimulant laxative, potentially harmful). Only IASC-certified, decolorized inner leaf products should be used for gut health applications.

Related Conditions

Gut HealthIbdGerd
Full Aloe Vera Guide

References

  1. (). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. DOI
  2. (). Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. DOI