Aloe
Aloe is used for skin and digestive support. Clinical benefits vary widely by preparation and condition.
Overview
What is Aloe?
Aloe is a cactus-like plant with thick, green leaves that grow in a rosette shape. Aloe vera is a popular form of aloe used for health and skin care, along with other types like bitter aloe. Aloe products usually come in three forms: the gel (a clear, jelly-like substance inside the leaf), the latex (a bitter yellow juice just under the leaf skin), and aloe juice (which contains both). Aloe gel is often found in skin creams and is used to soothe burns, while aloe latex has stronger effects like acting as a laxative. Aloe juice sold commercially is typically diluted with water or juices and does not contain aloe latex.
Dosage
Aloe is used in many oral and topical formulations of varying composition. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
29 conditions for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Database Snapshot
Most aloe research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Diabetes accounts for 11 of 90 studies (12%).
- Lichen planus accounts for 9 of 90 studies (10%).
- Radiation dermatitis accounts for 9 of 90 studies (10%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Constipation, Stretch marks (striae distensae), Acne.
Safety
Topical aloe gel is likely safe.
However oral aloe latex is likely carcinogenic and may cause kidney failure or death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaway
Aloe is a cactus-like plant used in gel, latex, and juice forms. Topical aloe may be possibly effective for acne, burns, canker sores, lichen planus, obesity (with type-2-diabetes), oral health, oral submucous fibrosis, psoriasis, and traumatic ulcers. Oral aloe latex for constipation is unsafe and FDA-banned. Evidence is insufficient for type-2-diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers, dry mouth, eczema, GERD, heart failure, and several other conditions.
References
Sources90 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Acne
1 reference1.SupplementDEX Database: Acne — Effect of Aloe vera topical gel combined with tretinoin in treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial2014
An 8-week RCT in 60 acne patients found tretinoin plus Aloe vera gel reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with less irritation than tretinoin plus vehicle alone.
SupplementDEX Database · Burns
1 reference2.SupplementDEX Database: Burns — Second-Degree Burns and Aloe Vera: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review2022
A systematic review and meta-analysis found topical Aloe vera may aid second-degree burn healing, though evidence quality varied across included studies.
SupplementDEX Database · Canker sores
6 references3.SupplementDEX Database: Canker sores — Assessment of the Effectiveness of Aloe vera Versus Amlexanox in the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: A Three-Arm Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial2022
An RCT in 60 patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers found Aloe vera gel and amlexanox 5% paste both reduced ulcer pain and size, with amlexanox showing faster healing.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Canker sores — Effects of Aloe Vera in the Treatment of Oral Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials2022
A meta-analysis of RCTs (847 patients) found Aloe vera significantly reduced oral ulcer size and pain versus control, though heterogeneity was high across studies.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Canker sores — A Clinic Trial Evaluating the Effects of Aloe Vera Fermentation Gel on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis2020
A clinical trial in 35 recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients found Aloe vera fermentation gel shortened healing time and altered oral microbiota versus control.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Canker sores — Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera, is effective in the treatment of oral aphthous ulceration2013
In a 7-day RCT of 180 adults with recurrent aphthous ulcers, 0.5% acemannan reduced ulcer size and pain better than placebo but less than 0.1% triamcinolone. It was safe, with no allergic reactions or blood-test changes.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Canker sores — Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera gel on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis2012
In a double-blind RCT of 40 patients with minor aphthous ulcers over 2 weeks, topical Aloe vera gel shortened healing time and lowered pain, lesion size, and inflammation versus placebo.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Canker sores — Effectiveness of a medicament containing silicon dioxide, aloe, and allantoin on aphthous stomatitis1998
In RCTs over 4 months in aphthous stomatitis, a gel with silicon dioxide, aloe, and allantoin showed inconsistent effects: some lesion reductions in early studies, but no consistent overall benefit.
SupplementDEX Database · Constipation
2 references9.SupplementDEX Database: Constipation — Status of certain additional over-the-counter drug category II and III active ingredients. Final rule2002
An FDA final rule concluded aloe-containing stimulant laxative ingredients in over-the-counter products are not generally recognized as safe and effective. This regulatory action does not support aloe use for constipation.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Constipation — A double-blind trial of a celandin, Aloe vera and psyllium laxative preparation in adult patients with constipation1991
In a 28-day double-blind RCT in adults with chronic constipation, a celandin-aloe-psyllium capsule increased bowel movements and softened stools versus placebo, without reducing abdominal pain.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetes
11 references11.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis2016
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs in 470 patients found Aloe vera improved fasting glucose in prediabetes and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes, though heterogeneity limits certainty and more standardized trials are needed.
12.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2016
Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs in 415 patients found aloe vera lowered fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, and raised HDL versus controls, with limited safety data.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Reduction of Fasting Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Using Oral Aloe Vera: A Meta-Analysis2016
Meta-analysis of 9 studies in 283 patients reported oral aloe vera reduced fasting glucose by 46.6 mg/dL and HbA1c by 1.05%, supporting possible glycemic benefit in prediabetes and diabetes.
14.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Metabolic effects of Aloe vera gel complex in obese prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: randomized controlled trial2013
In an RCT of 136 obese prediabetic or early untreated diabetic patients, Aloe QDM complex reduced body weight, body fat, and insulin resistance over 8 weeks, with fasting glucose tending to improve.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of Aloe vera leaf gel in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial2012
In a 2-month double-blind RCT of 30 hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients given 600 mg/day aloe gel, fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and LDL fell significantly versus placebo with no adverse effects.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing topical Aloe vera with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis2010
In an 8-week RCT of 80 mild-to-moderate psoriasis patients, topical Aloe vera reduced PASI scores slightly more than 0.1% triamcinolone, while quality-of-life gains were similar between groups.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a commercial Aloe vera gel in the treatment of slight to moderate psoriasis vulgaris2005
In a 4-week double-blind RCT of 40 plaque psoriasis patients, commercial preserved Aloe vera gel was modest and performed worse than placebo on erythema, infiltration, and desquamation scores.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness1999
Systematic review of 10 controlled trials suggested oral aloe may lower blood glucose and lipids, and topical aloe may help genital herpes and psoriasis, but overall evidence remained limited and inconclusive.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus1996
Clinical trial of Aloe vera juice (1 tablespoon twice daily for at least 2 weeks) in diabetic patients reported lower blood sugar and triglycerides, suggesting potential antidiabetic activity without cholesterol change.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L. juice II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide1996
In diabetic patients unresponsive to glibenclamide alone, adding Aloe vera juice significantly lowered fasting glucose within 2 weeks and triglycerides within 4 weeks, with no kidney or liver toxicity.
21.The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Aloe vera in Thai diabetic patients. LinkExternal source
22.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — Aloe barbadensis Mill. extract improves symptoms in IBS patients with diarrhoea: post hoc analysis of two randomized double-blind controlled studies2021
Post hoc analysis of 213 IBS patients over 4 weeks found Aloe extract reduced symptom severity and raised responder rates in diarrhoea-predominant IBS versus control, with no benefit in other subtypes.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — Randomized clinical trial: Effects of Aloe barbadensis Mill. extract on symptoms, fecal microbiota and fecal metabolite profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome2020
RCT of 160 IBS patients over 4 weeks found both Aloe and inulin reduced IBS severity similarly, with no between-group difference, though microbiota differed between Aloe responders and non-responders.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2020
Meta-analysis of 33 IBS trials found aloe vera reduced global IBS symptoms, but positive trials have not been replicated, limiting definitive efficacy claims.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — Aloe vera Is Effective and Safe in Short-term Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2018
Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs in 151 IBS patients found Aloe vera improved symptom scores and response rates versus placebo over up to 3 months, with no reported adverse events.
26.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — A Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2015
Pilot RCT in IBS patients found AVH200 reduced GI symptom severity versus baseline but did not significantly beat placebo on primary endpoints; larger trials are needed.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — A Randomised, Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Study of Aloe vera in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Effects on Patient Quality of Life2011
Cross-over RCT in 110 IBS patients given 120 mL/day Aloe vera found no quality-of-life difference versus placebo; high dropout limited power to detect benefit.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Irritable bowel syndrome — Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome2006
1-month RCT in 58 IBS patients found no overall benefit of Aloe vera versus placebo, though diarrhoea-predominant patients showed a non-significant response trend.
SupplementDEX Database · Lichen planus
9 references29.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Interventions for the Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis2023
Network meta-analysis of 37 oral lichen planus trials ranked aloe vera second for symptom improvement after purslane, suggesting promise but needing more high-quality trials.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Efficacy of Aloe Vera and Clobetasol Propionate in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Parallel Clinical Trial2023
RCT in 60 oral lichen planus patients found clobetasol was more effective than Aloe vera gel plus juice, though Aloe was a safe alternative for management.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Comparative efficacy of topical aloe vera and low-level laser therapy in the management of oral lichen planus: a randomized clinical trial2022
9-month RCT in 60 oral lichen planus patients found low-level laser therapy reduced pain and activity scores more than topical aloe during 2-month treatment; groups were similar at follow-up.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Interventions for treating oral lichen planus: a systematic review2012
Cochrane review of 28 oral lichen planus trials found weak evidence that topical aloe vera may reduce pain versus placebo, with insufficient evidence to support any single treatment as superior.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Interventions for erosive lichen planus affecting mucosal sites2012
Review of 15 erosive lichen planus RCTs found aloe vera gel was 6 times more likely to achieve at least 50% pain improvement versus placebo in 45 oral ELP participants.
34.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Randomized trial of aloe vera gel vs triamcinolone acetonide ointment in the treatment of oral lichen planus2012
8-week RCT in 40 oral lichen planus patients found aloe vera gel more effective than triamcinolone acetonide for clinical signs and symptoms, and may be a safe alternative.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Interventions for treating oral lichen planus2011
Cochrane review of 28 oral lichen planus trials found weak evidence aloe vera may reduce pain versus placebo; no steroid-placebo trials were identified, limiting treatment comparisons.
36.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Comparison of aloe vera mouthwash with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% on oral lichen planus: a randomized double-blinded clinical trial2011
4-week RCT in 46 oral lichen planus patients found aloe vera mouthwash and triamcinolone both reduced pain and lesion scores similarly; 74% versus 78% showed healing at follow-up.
37.SupplementDEX Database: Lichen planus — Efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of vulval lichen planus2008
8-week double-blind RCT in 34 women with vulval lichen planus found 82% of aloe-treated patients improved at least 50% versus 5% on placebo, with no side effects.
SupplementDEX Database · Obesity
1 reference38.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Metabolic effects of aloe vera gel complex in obese prediabetes and early non-treated diabetic patients: randomized controlled trial2013
In an RCT of 136 obese prediabetic or early untreated diabetic patients, Aloe QDM complex reduced body weight, body fat, and insulin resistance over 8 weeks, with fasting glucose tending to improve.
SupplementDEX Database · Oral health
7 references39.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled trial2024
28-day RCT in 40 gingivitis patients found probiotic and chlorhexidine mouthwashes reduced plaque and bleeding most; aloe vera matched povidone-iodine but underperformed probiotic and CHX.
40.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine and Aloe Vera Mouthwash in Patients With Periodontal Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial2024
30-day RCT in 270 periodontal patients aged 18-45 found aloe vera mouthwash reduced plaque and gingivitis similarly to 0.2% chlorhexidine, both outperforming placebo.
41.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — Efficacy of aloe vera and probiotic mouthwashes vs fluoride mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans in plaque around brackets of orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial2023
30-day RCT in 90 orthodontic patients aged 12-35 found aloe, probiotic, and fluoride mouthwashes all lowered Streptococcus mutans similarly, with no between-group differences.
42.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — Effect of Aloe vera as a local drug delivery agent in the management of periodontal diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021
Meta-analysis of 9 periodontal trials suggested Aloe vera products improve plaque and gingival indices versus comparators, though gingival index estimates were inconsistent across models.
43.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — The effect of aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes on the oral health of school children2020
RCT in school children aged 8-14 found aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes reduced plaque, gingivitis, and S. mutans comparably to chlorhexidine over 4 weeks.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — Clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available dentifrice containing aloe vera: a randomized controlled clinical trial2012
RCT in gingivitis patients found aloe vera dentifrice improved plaque, gingival, and microbiologic scores versus placebo, comparable to triclosan toothpaste.
45.SupplementDEX Database: Oral health — Effect of a dentifrice containing Aloe vera on plaque and gingivitis control. A double-blind clinical study in humans2008
30-day double-blind RCT in 30 pregnant women found both aloe and fluoridated dentifrices reduced plaque and gingivitis, with no significant difference between groups.
SupplementDEX Database · Oral submucous fibrosis
4 references46.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis — Comparative effectiveness of medicinal interventions for oral submucous fibrosis: A network meta-analysis2023
Network meta-analysis of 47 oral submucous fibrosis trials in 2393 patients ranked aloe vera second for reducing burning sensation, though overall RCT quality was low.
47.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis — Aloe vera in treatment of oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis2019
Meta-analysis of 6 oral submucous fibrosis RCTs found aloe vera reduced pain at 1-2 months versus control but not at 3 months, with no significant objective outcome differences.
48.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis — Evaluation of efficacy of aloe vera in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis - a clinical study2017
3-month RCT in 74 oral submucous fibrosis patients found systemic and topical aloe vera produced comparable improvements in burning, mouth opening, and cheek flexibility as steroid injections plus antioxidants.
49.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis — Aloe vera in the treatment for oral submucous fibrosis - a preliminary study2012
3-month RCT in 20 oral submucous fibrosis patients found topical aloe (5 mg three times daily) reduced burning and improved mouth opening versus antioxidants, though the sample was small.
SupplementDEX Database · Psoriasis
5 references50.SupplementDEX Database: Psoriasis — Effects of Aloe vera in adults with mucocutaneous problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis2020
Meta-analysis of 23 mucocutaneous trials in 4023 adults found aloe lowered psoriasis PASI in some studies and may help wounds and mucositis, but overall pain scores did not differ from placebo.
51.SupplementDEX Database: Psoriasis — A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a commercial Aloe vera gel in the treatment of slight to moderate psoriasis vulgaris2005
In a 4-week double-blind RCT of 40 plaque psoriasis patients, commercial preserved Aloe vera gel was modest and performed worse than placebo on erythema, infiltration, and desquamation scores.
52.SupplementDEX Database: Psoriasis — Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness1999
Systematic review of 10 controlled trials suggested oral aloe may lower blood glucose and lipids, and topical aloe may help genital herpes and psoriasis, but overall evidence remained limited and inconclusive.
53.SupplementDEX Database: Psoriasis — Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study1996
16-week RCT in 60 psoriasis patients using 0.5% topical aloe cured 83.3% versus 6.6% on placebo, with significant plaque clearing and no adverse drug-related symptoms.
54.SupplementDEX Database: Psoriasis — Aloe vera1988
Literature review concluded aloe has pharmacologic activity supporting wound and ulcer use in animals, but well-controlled clinical trials are still needed to confirm benefit in humans.
SupplementDEX Database · Traumatic ulcers
1 reference55.SupplementDEX Database: Traumatic ulcers — Clinical efficacy of an Aloe Vera gel versus a 0.12% chlorhexidine gel in preventing traumatic ulcers in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances: a double-blind randomized clinical trial2020
RCT in 140 orthodontic patients found 80% aloe vera gel prevented traumatic oral ulcers better than 0.12% chlorhexidine gel (6% versus 81% affected).
56.SupplementDEX Database: Alveolar osteitis (dry socket) — Comparison of alvogyl, SaliCept patch, and low-level laser therapy in the management of alveolar osteitis2011
An RCT in 104 alveolar osteitis patients found SaliCept patch (Aloe-based) reduced pain and healing time comparably to alvogyl and low-level laser therapy.
57.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetic foot ulcers — Efficacy of Aloe vera/Plantago major gel in diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized double-blind clinical trial2019
In a 4-week double-blind RCT of 40 diabetic foot ulcer patients, topical Plantavera (Aloe vera/Plantago major) gel reduced total ulcer score and surface area versus placebo, with no side effects.
SupplementDEX Database · Dry mouth
1 reference58.SupplementDEX Database: Dry mouth — Comparison of the effect of ginger and Aloe vera mouthwashes on xerostomia in patients with type 2 diabetes: a clinical trial, triple-blind2021
Triple-blind RCT in type 2 diabetes patients found both ginger and aloe vera mouthwashes significantly reduced xerostomia versus normal saline over 14 days, with ginger showing greater symptom reduction.
SupplementDEX Database · Eczema
1 reference59.SupplementDEX Database: Eczema — Comparing the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera and olive oil combination cream versus topical betamethasone for atopic dermatitis: a randomized double-blind clinical trial2020
In a 6-week RCT of 36 atopic dermatitis patients, Olivederma (aloe plus olive oil) improved SCORAD and quality of life more than topical betamethasone, with eosinophil and IgE improvements.
60.SupplementDEX Database: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial2015
In an RCT of 79 GERD patients given 10 mL/day Aloe vera syrup for 4 weeks, all eight main GERD symptoms decreased safely with good tolerability versus omeprazole and ranitidine comparators.
SupplementDEX Database · Heart failure
1 reference61.SupplementDEX Database: Heart failure — The effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel on the quality of life in patients with systolic heart failure: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial2023
In an 8-week RCT of 42 systolic heart failure patients given 150 mg Aloe vera gel twice daily, quality of life, NYHA class, sleep, and adverse events improved significantly versus placebo.
62.SupplementDEX Database: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) — Efficacy and safety of a colostrum- and Aloe vera-based oral care protocol to prevent and treat severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single-arm phase II study2022
Single-arm phase II study in 59 HSCT patients found colostrum-Aloe vera oral care reduced severe oral mucositis versus historical controls, though randomized confirmation is needed.
SupplementDEX Database · Hepatitis
1 reference63.SupplementDEX Database: Hepatitis — Antifibrotic effect of Aloe vera in viral infection-induced hepatic periportal fibrosis2012
In a 12-week RCT of 40 liver fibrosis patients given 0.15 g/day aloe, oral supplementation significantly improved fibrosis, inflammation, liver enzymes, and fibrosis markers versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Hypertrophic scars
1 reference64.SupplementDEX Database: Hypertrophic scars — A prospective randomized double-blind study of silicone gel plus herbal extracts versus placebo in presternal hypertrophic scar prevention and amelioration2020
In a 6-month double-blind RCT of 48 post-sternotomy patients, silicone gel with herbal extracts including Aloe vera improved scar height and pliability versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Influenza
1 reference65.SupplementDEX Database: Influenza — Healthy adults supplemented with a nutraceutical formulation containing Aloe vera gel, rosemary and Poria cocos enhances the effect of influenza vaccination in a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial2023
In an RCT of 25 adults per group aged 40-80, UP360 (Aloe, rosemary, Poria) altered immune markers after influenza vaccination but did not change respiratory illness symptoms or quality of life versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Nipple fissure
1 reference66.SupplementDEX Database: Nipple fissure — Effectiveness of aloe fomentation for nipple-related complications during the early puerperium period: a randomized, controlled, interventional study2022
5-day RCT in 60 breastfeeding women found aloe fomentation significantly reduced nipple redness versus no treatment during early puerperium.
SupplementDEX Database · Oral mucositis
5 references67.SupplementDEX Database: Oral mucositis — Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial2023
6-week double-blind RCT in 67 head-and-neck cancer patients found zinc and polyherbal mouthwashes including aloe reduced radiation oral mucositis and pain versus chlorhexidine or placebo.
68.SupplementDEX Database: Oral mucositis — Efficacy and safety of a colostrum- and Aloe vera-based oral care protocol to prevent and treat severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single-arm phase II study2022
Single-arm phase II study in 59 HSCT patients found colostrum-Aloe vera oral care reduced severe oral mucositis versus historical controls, though randomized confirmation is needed.
69.SupplementDEX Database: Oral mucositis — Efficacy of Aloe-Vera Use for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial2021
RCT in 26 ALL children aged 3-6 found topical aloe vera reduced chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis severity versus sodium bicarbonate over 2 months of follow-up.
70.SupplementDEX Database: Oral mucositis — Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment2011
Cochrane review of 131 studies found aloe vera among ten interventions with some benefit for preventing or reducing cancer treatment-related oral mucositis, though evidence strength varied.
71.SupplementDEX Database: Oral mucositis — Phase II double-blind randomized study comparing oral aloe vera versus placebo to prevent radiation-related mucositis in patients with head-and-neck neoplasms2004
Phase II RCT in head-and-neck cancer patients found oral aloe vera did not reduce radiation mucositis severity, duration, or quality of life versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Radiation dermatitis
9 references72.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis2024
Meta-analysis of 16 breast cancer radiodermatitis studies in 1994 patients found silymarin helped prevention, while calendula and aloe vera lacked sufficient evidence.
73.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — Natural and miscellaneous agents for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis2023
Meta-analysis of 19 prevention trials found oral enzymes and olive oil reduced grade 2+ radiation dermatitis; aloe vera showed no significant preventive effect.
74.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — Potential Benefits of Aloe vera and Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus Gel for Prevention of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients2023
Cohort of 44 head-and-neck cancer patients found Aloe vera-daikon gel reduced radiation dermatitis severity versus baby oil across radiotherapy sessions.
75.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — Aloe vera for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis: A systematic review and cumulative analysis of randomized controlled trials2022
Cumulative analysis of 14 RCTs in 1572 patients found aloe pretreatment associated with lower radiation dermatitis risk (RR 0.76), especially grade 2-3 disease.
76.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — Preventing the acute skin side effects in patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer: the use of corneometry in order to evaluate the protective effect of moisturizing creams2013
RCT in 100 breast cancer radiotherapy patients found all tested moisturizing creams, including one with aloe, were equally effective for preventing skin toxicity.
77.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — A phase III trial comparing an anionic phospholipid-based cream and aloe vera-based gel in the prevention of radiation dermatitis in pediatric patients2007
Phase III trial in pediatric cancer patients found APP cream more effective than aloe vera gel for preventing radiation dermatitis on several skin comfort measures.
78.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — A Phase III study on the efficacy of topical aloe vera gel on irradiated breast tissue2002
Phase III RCT in 225 breast cancer patients over 2 weeks found aqueous cream outperformed topical aloe vera for reducing dry desquamation and treatment-related pain.
79.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — The effect of aloe vera gel/mild soap versus mild soap alone in preventing skin reactions in patients undergoing radiation therapy2001
Prospective RCT found adding aloe vera gel to mild soap may delay onset of radiation skin reactions at higher cumulative doses versus soap alone.
80.SupplementDEX Database: Radiation dermatitis — Phase III double-blind evaluation of an aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity1996
Two phase III RCTs in 194 and 108 women found topical aloe vera gel did not prevent radiation therapy-induced dermatitis compared with placebo or no treatment.
81.SupplementDEX Database: Stretch marks (striae distensae) — Comparison between topical recombinant human epidermal growth factor and Aloe vera gel in combination with ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser as treatment for striae alba: A randomized double-blind trial2020
RCT in 24 striae alba patients found fractional CO2 laser plus rhEGF or aloe both improved texture similarly; rhEGF showed greater patient-reported improvement at 6 months.
82.SupplementDEX Database: Stretch marks (striae distensae) — The effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum in nulliparous women2018
RCT in 160 nulliparous women found aloe vera and sweet almond oil creams reduced striae itching and erythema and slowed spread versus base cream or control.
SupplementDEX Database · Ulcerative colitis
1 reference83.SupplementDEX Database: Ulcerative colitis — Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis2004
4-week double-blind RCT in 44 ulcerative colitis patients given 100 mL twice daily found oral aloe vera improved clinical response and histologic activity more often than placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Vaginitis
1 reference84.SupplementDEX Database: Vaginitis — Aloe Vera; A new treatment for atrophic vaginitis, A randomized double-blinded controlled trial2021
6-week double-blind RCT in 60 menopausal women found Aloe vera vaginal cream improved vaginal atrophy measures similarly to estrogen cream, with better fluid volume on aloe.
SupplementDEX Database · Wound healing
5 references85.SupplementDEX Database: Wound healing — Topical Aloe Vera Gel for Accelerated Wound Healing of Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial and Systematic Review2018
Double-blind RCT in 12 patients with 24 skin graft donor sites found topical aloe vera accelerated epithelialization versus placebo; systematic review of burn trials was mixed.
86.SupplementDEX Database: Wound healing — Aloe vera gel and cesarean wound healing; a randomized controlled clinical trial2014
RCT in 90 women after cesarean found aloe vera dressing improved wound healing scores at 24 hours versus control, but not at 8 days.
87.SupplementDEX Database: Wound healing — The Effects of Aloe Vera Cream on Split-thickness Skin Graft Donor Site Management: A Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-controlled Study2011
RCT in 45 skin graft donor sites found aloe and placebo creams both shortened healing versus dry gauze (about 9 vs 17 days), with no difference between aloe and placebo.
88.SupplementDEX Database: Wound healing — Effects of Aloe vera cream on posthemorrhoidectomy pain and wound healing: results of a randomized, blind, placebo-control study2010
4-week RCT after hemorrhoidectomy found aloe vera cream reduced postoperative and defecation pain and improved wound healing versus placebo.
89.SupplementDEX Database: Wound healing — Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay in wound healing1991
RCT in 21 women with wound complications after surgery found aloe vera dermal gel significantly delayed healing (83 vs 53 days mean) compared with standard care without aloe.
Safety
1 reference91.Herbal remedy-associated acute renal failure secondary to Cape aloesExternal source