Aloe Vera

remedy Verified

Specifically for Interstitial Cystitis

0% effective

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Why it works for Interstitial Cystitis:

Possible GAG-layer support (the bladder’s protective coating). IC/BPS may involve defects in the urothelial glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer; established drugs like pentosan polysulfate work (at least partly) by coating/replenishing it. Aloe products marketed for IC claim their polysaccharides (notably acemannan) can help protect or support this barrier; this is biologically plausible but unproven in the bladder. Background on the GAG hypothesis: Parsons et al. and subsequent reviews. SpringerLink

Anti-inflammatory / immunomodulatory polysaccharides. Acemannan from aloe has documented anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in vitro/in vivo (outside of IC), which is why it’s often proposed for symptom relief. SAGE Journals

Soothing mucilage. The inner-leaf gel is rich in viscous polysaccharides that can be soothing on mucosal tissues; again, this is a mechanistic rationale extrapolated from other tissues, not proven in IC. (General aloe pharmacology/safety overview.) NCCIH

How to use for Interstitial Cystitis:

There’s no clinician-endorsed, guideline-based dosing for aloe in IC/BPS. If patients choose to try it, they typically use oral, decolorized inner-leaf gel capsules (to minimize laxative anthraquinones from the latex). One prominent brand’s protocol (provided here for reference, not endorsement) is:

Month 1: 6 capsules/day (3 AM, 3 PM)
Month 2: If needed, 9 capsules/day (3 AM, 3 mid-day, 3 PM)
Month 3: If needed, 12 capsules/day (4/4/4), then taper to the lowest maintenance dose that keeps symptoms controlled. (These directions are company-authored and not validated by independent trials.) Desert Harvest

General safety-minded tips echoed by medical sources:

Prefer decolorized inner-leaf gel products (not whole-leaf/latex) to reduce anthraquinone exposure. NCCIH
Start low and go slow; stop if you worsen. Discuss with your clinician, especially if you’re on other meds or have liver, kidney, or GI issues. (Safety notes below.) NCCIH

Scientific Evidence for Interstitial Cystitis:

Small Phase I crossover trial (company-sponsored): Urology Wellness Center, Rockville, MD; n=13 (8 completed). Reported 87.5% symptom relief in completers. White-paper style report; limited methodological detail and no peer-reviewed journal publication. subs.desertharvest.com

Patient survey (company-affiliated): 660 respondents with IC; 92% reported some relief. Surveys can’t establish efficacy (self-selection, recall bias). subs.desertharvest.com

Prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ongoing): Wake Forest University (NCT04734106) testing super-concentrated, freeze-dried aloe vera capsules for IC symptoms. As of Aug 2025 the registry lists the study but no peer-reviewed outcomes yet. ClinicalTrials

Regulatory/news context: Media reports note FDA authorization of an IND for this trial, but that’s authorization to study—not proof of efficacy. Await peer-reviewed results. Urology Times

Guidelines: The AUA 2022 IC/BPS guideline omits aloe among recommended treatments, underscoring the absence of robust evidence. AUA Network

Specific Warnings for Interstitial Cystitis:

Product type matters. Avoid aloe latex and whole-leaf extracts; they contain hydroxyanthracene derivatives (e.g., aloin, aloe-emodin) that act as stimulant laxatives and have genotoxic/carcinogenic signals in some models. Use decolorized inner-leaf gel products instead and only from reputable manufacturers. (EFSA 2018 opinion; UK FSA position.) Note: an EU court case in 2024 annulled an across-the-board ban on HAD-containing aloe preparations, but the safety concerns remain under discussion—so choose products carefully. EFSA Journal

GI effects & electrolytes. Oral aloe (especially when contaminated with latex) can cause cramping and diarrhea, which in turn can lead to hypokalemia and dehydration—riskier if you take diuretics, corticosteroids, or cardiac glycosides. NCCIH

Liver toxicity (rare but reported). Multiple case reports link oral aloe products to drug-induced liver injury, typically resolving after stopping. Seek care for jaundice, dark urine, pruritus, or right-upper-quadrant pain. ScienceDirect

Drug interactions & special populations. Aloe may affect blood sugar (caution with antidiabetic meds) and has laxative effects that can alter drug absorption; avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding because of theoretical uterine stimulation and lack of safety data. Stop at least 1–2 weeks before surgery if using regularly. (General safety overviews.) NCCIH

Quality control. Supplements vary widely: different parts of the leaf, processing, aloin removal, and dose. Choose products that specify “decolorized inner-leaf gel,” show aloin levels, and have independent testing. (General consumer-safety guidance.) NCCIH

Back to Interstitial Cystitis

General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species belonging to the Aloe genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula but now cultivated worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It has thick, fleshy, green leaves that contain a clear gel-like substance known for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties.

This plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and even food supplements. The two main parts of the Aloe Vera leaf are:

Aloe gel: The clear, mucilaginous substance found inside the leaf. It’s commonly used in skin care and health products.
Aloe latex: A yellowish sap just under the leaf skin, which contains compounds with laxative properties (such as aloin).

How It Works

Aloe Vera works primarily through its bioactive compounds, which include vitamins (A, C, E, B12), enzymes, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. These components act in various ways:

Skin Healing and Soothing. The gel contains compounds like glucomannan and gibberellin that stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, accelerating wound healing. It also cools and hydrates skin, reducing inflammation and redness.
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects. Polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in Aloe Vera reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial, viral, and fungal growth, making it useful for treating burns, acne, and minor infections.
Digestive Support. When consumed in small amounts, Aloe Vera juice can soothe the digestive tract, help with constipation (due to latex compounds), and promote gut health by balancing bacteria.
Immune and Antioxidant Support. Aloe Vera’s antioxidants neutralize free radicals, helping protect cells from oxidative stress and supporting the immune system.

Why It’s Important

Aloe Vera’s significance lies in its versatility and natural healing properties. It’s valued for:

Skin Health: Widely used in creams, gels, and lotions for burns, sunburns, eczema, psoriasis, and general moisturizing.
Natural Medicine: A common ingredient in traditional healing systems (Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, etc.) due to its detoxifying and immune-boosting effects.
Nutrition and Hydration: Containing over 75 active components, it’s used in dietary supplements and beverages to promote hydration and digestive health.
Sustainable Use: Easy to grow with minimal resources, making it an eco-friendly option in natural health and beauty industries.

Considerations

While Aloe Vera is generally safe, there are important cautions to keep in mind:

Topical Use:

Always patch-test first, as some individuals may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Use pure, stabilized gel rather than products with additives or alcohols that can dry the skin.

Internal Use:

The latex portion (containing aloin) can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance if consumed in excess.
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with gastrointestinal disorders.
Choose decolorized, purified Aloe Vera juice for internal use, as it has the latex removed.

Drug Interactions:

Aloe Vera may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics, diabetes medications, or laxatives, by altering blood sugar or electrolyte levels.

Quality Control:

Not all commercial Aloe products contain effective concentrations of active ingredients—look for certified, high-purity formulations.

Helps with these conditions

Aloe Vera is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Crohn's Disease 0% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Acne 0% effective

Eczema 0% effective

Type 2 Diabetes 0% effective

Gingivitis 0% effective

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Crohn's Disease

0% effective

Aloe vera contains compounds such as acemannan, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the dig...

0 votes Updated 2 months ago 2 studies cited

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