Aloe vera juice (internal)
Internal aloe gel preparations have preliminary signal for IBS and oral mucositis, distinct from the EFSA-flagged hydroxyanthracene-containing aloe latex.
Why
Aloe vera inner-leaf gel can be consumed as juice or in encapsulated form. Small RCTs (Davis 2006, Storsrud 2015) report modest improvements in IBS symptoms and constipation with inner-leaf gel preparations. Important distinction: aloe latex (the bitter yellow exudate, distinct from the inner gel) contains hydroxyanthracenes flagged by EFSA in 2018 and is no longer permitted in food supplements in the EU. Only certified low-aloin / aloin-free inner-leaf gel preparations are appropriate for internal use.
How it works
Polysaccharides (acemannan) modulate intestinal mucosa and microbiota. Glycoproteins support epithelial repair. Specific mechanism for IBS-symptom benefit is not well-characterised.
Expected onset · IBS effects over 4–8 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Inner-leaf gel: 50–150 ml juice or equivalent capsule, 1–2 times daily.
Timing
Between meals
On the label
'Aloin-free', 'inner-leaf only', 'gel only' or 'IASC-certified' specifically. Avoid 'whole-leaf' aloe juice unless specifically certified low-aloin.
Ideal for
Adults with IBS or chronic constipation exploring botanical options, using certified aloin-free inner-leaf gel preparations.
Safety
Evidence
Storsrud 2015 RCT (n=68 IBS): aloe vera gel produced significant symptom reduction in IBS-D and IBS-M subgroups vs placebo over 4 weeks. EFSA's 2018 opinion led to the restriction of hydroxyanthracene-containing aloe latex in food supplements, only certified aloin-free preparations are appropriate.
- Storsrud et al., J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2015, symptomatic effect of aloe vera in IBS patients with diarrhoea-predominant or mixed-pattern symptoms (RCT)
- Davis et al., J Altern Complement Med 2006, aloe vera and irritable bowel syndrome (RCT, n=58)
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA J 2018, safety of hydroxyanthracene derivatives for use in foods (aloe latex)
Where to get it
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