We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
A soothing succulent gel best evidenced for topical wound/burn healing, with some support for reflux and digestive comfort; oral systemic claims are weaker.
What the evidence says
Most Aloe Vera studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2015–2024.
Based on 6 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 3 RCTs
Confidence
ModerateBy outcome
Aloe Vera has an evidence score of 5.6/10 — moderate evidence based on 6 indexed studies, including 1 meta-analysis. A soothing succulent gel best evidenced for topical wound/burn healing, with some support for reflux and digestive comfort; oral systemic claims are weaker. Representative study: PMID 36264753.
The commonly studied dose of Aloe Vera is Topical: apply gel as needed. Oral: ~50-100mg inner-leaf extract or ~30-50ml decolorized juice daily. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
Explore: Best supplements for Body Health
Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 6 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) gel, rich in the polysaccharide acemannan and anti-inflammatory compounds, has its strongest evidence as a TOPICAL agent — speeding healing of minor burns and wounds and soothing skin and oral mucosal conditions. Taken orally as juice/syrup, it shows some benefit for reflux and digestive comfort, and mixed evidence for blood-sugar/lipids. Caution: aloe LATEX (the yellow layer, not the inner gel) is a harsh laxative and is not recommended; choose decolorized/purified inner-leaf products.
Polysaccharides (acemannan) stimulate fibroblasts, collagen, and tissue repair.
Reduces inflammatory mediators, soothing skin and mucosal irritation.
Forms a soothing layer over irritated skin and GI mucosa.
Topical: apply gel as needed. Oral: ~50-100mg inner-leaf extract or ~30-50ml decolorized juice daily
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 🧴Topical inner-leaf gel; decolorized inner-leaf for oral use | Recommended |
| 💊Juice | Alternative |
| 💊Capsule | Alternative |
Avoid whole-leaf/latex products orally (laxative anthraquinones).
Minimum: 1 weeks
Optimal: 4 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Topical as needed; oral between meals (decolorized only).
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for Aloe Vera does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
Speeds healing of minor burns and wounds (topical).
May ease GERD symptoms (oral).
Aloe LATEX is a harsh laxative — avoid; use inner-leaf gel only.
Avoid oral aloe latex (stimulant laxative); topical gel is generally fine.
Avoid oral aloe.
Oral aloe may add to glucose lowering — monitor.
Aloe latex can deplete potassium and add to laxative/diuretic effects.
Tip: Use decolorized inner-leaf products only
Tip: Discontinue if irritation occurs
Timing is flexible for Aloe Vera — consistent daily use matters more than the time of day. Topical applied directly to skin; oral juice/gel taken between meals.
Aloe Vera is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. The most commonly reported side effects are diarrhea/cramping (latex), skin irritation (topical). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Oral use of aloe latex (laxative anthraquinones); Pregnancy (oral latex); Bowel obstruction or IBD flare (oral).
Prebiotic fiber that selectively feeds Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, producing short-chain fatty acids for gut health and immunity.