Aloe Vera Uses Based on Tradition or Theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.


Alopecia (hair loss), antimicrobial, arthritis, asthma, bacterial skin infections, bowel disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic leg wounds, congestive heart failure, damaged blood vessels, elevated cholesterol or other lipids, frostbite, heart disease prevention, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), kidney or bladder stones, leukemia, lichen planus stomach ulcers, Merkel cell carcinoma, parasitic worm infections, protection against some chemotherapy side effects, scratches or superficial wounds of the eye, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tic douloureux, untreatable tumors, vaginal contraceptive, yeast infections of the skin.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Selected references

  1. Bosley C, Smith J, Baratti P, et al. A phase III trial comparing an anionic phospholipid-based (APP) cream and aloe vera-based gel in the prevention and treatment of radiation dermatitis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2003;57(2 Suppl):S438.
  2. Ernst, E., Pittler, M. H., and Stevinson, C. Complementary/alternative medicine in dermatology: evidence-assessed efficacy of two diseases and two treatments. Am.J.Clin.Dermatol. 2002;3(5):341-348.
  3. Fenig, E., Nordenberg, J., Beery, E., Sulkes, J., and Wasserman, L. Combined effect of aloe-emodin and chemotherapeutic agents on the proliferation of an adherent variant cell line of Merkel cell carcinoma. Oncol.Rep. 2004;11(1):213-217.
  4. Heggie, S., Bryant, G. P., Tripcony, L., Keller, J., Rose, P., Glendenning, M., and Heath, J. A Phase III study on the efficacy of topical aloe vera gel on irradiated breast tissue. Cancer Nurs 2002;25(6):442-451.
  5. Kaufman, T., Kalderon, N., Ullmann, Y., and Berger, J. Aloe vera gel hindered wound healing of experimental second-degree burns: a quantitative controlled study. J Burn Care Rehabil. 1988;9(2):156-159.
  6. Langmead, L., Feakins, R. M., Goldthorpe, S., Holt, H., Tsironi, E., De Silva, A., Jewell, D. P., and Rampton, D. S. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 4-1-2004;19(7):739-747.
  7. Lee, A., Chui, P. T., Aun, C. S., Gin, T., and Lau, A. S. Possible interaction between sevoflurane and Aloe vera. Ann Pharmacother. 2004;38(10):1651-1654.
  8. Mitchell, H. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect.Control 2003;31(8):516.
  9. Montaner JS, Gill J, Singer J, and et al. Double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of acemannan in advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease. J Acquir Immune Defic Syn Hum Retrovirol 1996;12:153-157.
  10. Moody, J. O., Adebiyi, O. A., and Adeniyi, B. A. Do Aloe vera and Ageratum conyzoides enhance the anti-microbial activity of traditional medicinal soft soaps (Osedudu)? J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;92(1):57-60.
  11. Olsen, D. L., Raub, W., Jr., Bradley, C., Johnson, M., Macias, J. L., Love, V., and Markoe, A. The effect of aloe vera gel/mild soap versus mild soap alone in preventing skin reactions in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs.Forum 2001;28(3):543-547.
  12. Rabe, C., Musch, A., Schirmacher, P., Kruis, W., and Hoffmann, R. Acute hepatitis induced by an Aloe vera preparation: a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 1-14-2005;11(2):303-304.
  13. Schmidt JM and Greenspoon JS. Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay in wound healing. Obstetrics & Gynecology 1991;78(1):115-117.
  14. Su, C. K., Mehta, V., Ravikumar, L., Shah, R., Pinto, H., Halpern, J., Koong, A., Goffinet, D., and Le, Q. T. Phase II double-blind randomized study comparing oral aloe vera versus placebo to prevent radiation-related mucositis in patients with head-and-neck neoplasms. Int.J Radiat.Oncol.Biol.Phys. 9-1-2004;60(1):171-177.
  15. Syed TA, Cheema KM, and Ahmad SA et al. Aloe vera extract 0.5% in hydrophilic cream versus aloe vera gel for the measurement of genital herpes in males. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, comparative study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venerology 1996;7(3):294-295.
  16. Syed TA, Afzal M, and Ashfaq AS. Management of genital herpes in men with 0.5% Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream. A placebo-controlled double-blind study. J Derm Treatment 1997;8(2):99-102.
  17. Syed, T. A., Ahmad, S. A., Holt, A. H., Ahmad, S. A., Ahmad, S. H., and Afzal, M. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Trop.Med Int Health 1996;1(4):505-509.
  18. Thomas, D. R., Goode, P. S., LaMaster, K., and Tennyson, T. Acemannan hydrogel dressing versus saline dressing for pressure ulcers. A randomized, controlled trial. Adv.Wound.Care 1998;11(6):273-276.
  19. Vardy AD, Cohen AD, and Tchetov T. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. J Derm Treatment 1999;10(1):7-11.
  20. Vermeulen, H., Ubbink, D., Goossens, A., de Vos, R., and Legemate, D. Dressings and topical agents for surgical wounds healing by secondary intention. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2004;(2):CD003554.
  21. Vogler, B. K. and Ernst, E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. Br.J Gen.Pract. 1999;49(447):823-828.
  22. Willems, M., van Buuren, H. R., and de Krijger, R. Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli. Neth.J Med 2003;61(1):22-24.
  23. Williams MS, Burk M, Loprinzi CL, and et al. Phase III double-blind evaluation of an Aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity. Int J Radiation Oncol Biol Phys 1996;36(2):345-349.
  24. Yeh, G. Y., Eisenberg, D. M., Kaptchuk, T. J., and Phillips, R. S. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26(4):1277-1294.

    Credit Resource:     http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-aloe.html
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 July 2007 )