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Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Aloe vera , its constituents, or plants of the Liliaceae family (such as garlic, onions, and tulips). Prolonged use of aloe gel on the skin may cause hives, dermatitis, and red eyelids.

Side Effects and Warnings

Aloe taken by mouth may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, glucose intolerance, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Use caution when aloe latex is taken by mouth short-term as a laxative.

Use caution when aloe latex is taken by mouth in patients with kidney disease, heart disease, or electrolyte abnormalities, due to theoretical risk of low blood potassium levels.

Use cautiously in patients with impaired liver function due to reports of hepatitis from taking aloe by mouth.

Because aloe contains estrogen-like chemicals, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered.

Avoid taking aloe latex by mouth for prolonged periods as a laxative, due to theoretical risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Avoid giving aloe latex by mouth to patients with ileus, acute surgical abdomen, bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, or appendicitis.

Avoid using aloe on the skin for wound healing due to a lack of effect.

Avoid Aloe vera injections, which have been associated with cases of death under unclear circumstances.

Aloe may cause ammonium acid urate stones; delayed wound healing; dry skin; excessive bleeding (one case); gastrointestinal distress (abdominal cramping and diarrhea); Henoch-Schonlein purpura; hepatitis; increased risk of colon cancer, low potassium, worsened constipation and/or dependency on laxatives (with long-term use); irregular heartbeat; itchiness; muscle weakness; photodermatitis; skin changes (redness, stinging, hardness, soreness, and fissures); or thyroid dysfunction.

Although use of aloe on the skin is unlikely to be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding, taking aloe by mouth is not recommended due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions. The dried juice of aloe leaves should not be consumed by breastfeeding mothers.

Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Aloe vera, its constituents, or plants of the Liliaceae family (such as garlic, onions, and tulips). Prolonged use of aloe gel on the skin may cause hives, dermatitis, and red eyelids.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Although use of aloe on the skin is unlikely to be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding, taking aloe by mouth is not recommended due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions. It is not known whether active ingredients of aloe may be present in breast milk. The dried juice of aloe leaves should not be consumed by breastfeeding mothers.

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