Aloe Vera

remedy Verified

Specifically for Type 2 Diabetes

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Why it works for Type 2 Diabetes:

Modest glycemic effects in small RCTs/meta-analyses. A 2016 meta-analysis of randomized trials found aloe vera reduced HbA1c by ~11 mmol/mol (~1.0% HbA1c) in people with type 2 diabetes, with borderline effects on fasting glucose; effects were smaller or absent in prediabetes. Authors emphasized heterogeneity and the need for better trials. Mahidol University

Candidate bioactives & pathways (mostly preclinical): inner-leaf gel polysaccharides (e.g., acemannan), phytosterols (lophenol, cycloartanol, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, etc.), and anthraquinones/chromones (aloin, aloe-emodin, aloesin) have been reported to influence insulin sensitivity, hepatic glucose output, glycation, and inflammatory/oxidative-stress pathways. Human confirmation is limited. J-STAGE

How to use for Type 2 Diabetes:

Because products aren’t standardized, trials used different preparations/doses. Here are the most cited human regimens:

Aloe leaf gel capsules, 300 mg twice daily (total 600 mg/day) for 8 weeks alongside usual diabetes meds → significantly lowered FPG and HbA1c in an RCT of insulin-needing T2D patients; no major lab safety signals reported. EMRO Dashboards
Aloe powder 1,000 mg/day for 8 weeks in T2D → no significant change vs placebo in FPG, HbA1c, or lipids in an RCT (n=44). ps.tbzmed.ac.ir
Prediabetes (not T2D, but informative for dosing): capsules 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily (600–1,000 mg/day) for 8 weeks → improvements in FPG and some lipids (evidence mixed for HbA1c). SpringerLink

Form used: Trials that reported benefit generally used decolorized inner-leaf gel extracts (to minimize anthraquinone “latex”) in capsule form, not sweetened beverages. If someone elects to try aloe, studies suggest: pick a standardized inner-leaf gel product, avoid “whole-leaf/latex” laxative products, and avoid juices with added sugar (which can raise glucose). NCCIH

Monitoring tips if you and your clinician decide to try it based on the above regimens: check fasting and pre-meal glucose regularly; watch for hypoglycemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas; re-check HbA1c after ~8–12 weeks; stop if you develop GI symptoms, jaundice, dark urine, or unexplained fatigue (possible liver issues). (General safety rationale below.) NCCIH

Scientific Evidence for Type 2 Diabetes:

Meta-analyses/overviews

Suksomboon 2016 (Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics): Eight RCTs (prediabetes + T2D). In T2D, aloe lowered HbA1c by ~11 mmol/mol (~1.0%); fasting glucose effect borderline; authors stress heterogeneity and need for high-quality standardized trials. Mahidol University
2021 overview/meta-analysis: reported significant reductions in FPG and HbA1c in T2D and in FPG/triglycerides in prediabetes; again called for better trials and dose standardization. ScienceDirect

Randomized controlled trials (examples)

Aloe leaf gel 300 mg twice daily for 8 weeks (double-blind, insulin-requiring T2D): ↓FPG & ↓HbA1c vs placebo; no significant liver/kidney test changes. EMRO Dashboards
Aloe powder 1,000 mg/day for 8 weeks (double-blind T2D): no significant glycemic or lipid effects vs placebo. ps.tbzmed.ac.ir
Prediabetes dose-finding RCT (300 mg or 500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks): improved fasting glucose and some lipid measures. (Prediabetes population, not T2D.) SpringerLink

Specific Warnings for Type 2 Diabetes:

Product type matters (latex vs inner-leaf gel):

The FDA required removal of aloe latex from OTC laxatives due to insufficient safety data (final rule; aloe stimulant laxatives not GRASE). Avoid latex-containing or non-decolorized whole-leaf products orally. Federal Register
NCCIH (NIH): short-term oral gel use (up to 42 days) appears safe in studies; latex can cause cramping/diarrhea and there are case reports of hepatitis with oral aloe; non-decolorized whole-leaf extract has carcinogenicity signals in animals. NCCIH

Drug interactions / hypoglycemia risk: Aloe may potentiate glucose-lowering—monitor if you use insulin or sulfonylureas; latex may increase toxicity of digoxin (via hypokalemia) and interact with diuretics and other meds. Consult your clinician/pharmacist. NCCIH

Liver injury (rare): Multiple case reports of aloe-induced hepatitis resolving after discontinuation; hepatotoxicity appears rare but documented—stop and seek care if jaundice or LFT abnormalities occur. Europe PMC

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Oral aloe (gel/latex/whole leaf) may be unsafe during pregnancy and lactation—avoid unless your obstetric clinician explicitly approves. NCCIH

GI & electrolyte issues: Latex is a stimulant laxative → diarrhea, dehydration, low potassium (hypokalemia); chronic use increases risk. NCCIH

Quality/labeling variability: Herbal products aren’t regulated like drugs; strength and contaminants vary. Prefer brands that specify decolorized inner-leaf gel, aloin ≤10 ppm, and provide third-party testing. NCCIH

Back to Type 2 Diabetes

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

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

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