Aloe Vera Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

Aloe Vera Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings





  • Aloe has been widely used in phytomedicine. Phytomedicine describes aloe as a herb which has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-aging effects. In recent years several cases of aloe-induced hepatotoxicity were reported. But its pharmacokinetics and toxicity are poorly described in the literature. Here are reports cases with aloe-induced toxic hepatitis. A 57-yr-old woman, a 62-yr-old woman and a 55-yr-old woman were admitted to the hospital for acute hepatitis. They had taken aloe preparation for months. Their clinical manifestation, laboratory findings and histologic findings met diagnostic criteria of toxic hepatitis. Upon discontinuation of the oral aloe preparations, liver enzymes returned to normal level. Aloe should be considered as a causative agent in hepatotoxicity.
    – Aloe-induced toxic hepatitis. — Yang HN, Kim DJ, Kim YM, Kim BH, Sohn KM, Choi MJ, Choi YH. – J Korean Med Sci. 2010 Mar;25(3):492-5. Epub 2010 Feb 17.

  • Do not exceed the
    recommended dose of aloe latex. If taken in excess, its powerful laxative
    chemicals can cause intestinal cramps leading to ulcers or irritated bowels. May
    result in allergic reactions, cramps or diarrhea. If these side effects are
    experienced try a lower dosage or stop using the product.
    – Murray, M. — The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines: Vitamins, Minerals, Nutritional Supplements, Herbs, and Other Natural Products. — Bantam, 2002. 528-529.














last update: February 2014