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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 1991–2026 with a typical study size of 3,582 participants.
Based on 118 studies · 10 meta-analyses · 79 RCTs · 3,582 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
7 more outcomes with fewer studies not shown.
Topical use is well evidenced — a meta-analysis shows faster burn healing — with smaller RCTs supporting reflux and oral-mucosal conditions; oral systemic claims remain weaker.
113 rigorous studies
82 randomized trials · 14 meta-analyses · 30 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Aloe Vera is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
18 trials ongoing or recruiting · 69 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
7 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Aloe Vera, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
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.
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.
Potassium loss from chronic aloe latex (stimulant laxative) use can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Tip: Use decolorized inner-leaf products only
Tip: Discontinue if irritation occurs
Aloe Vera has an evidence score of 5.6/10 — moderate evidence based on 110 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.
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).
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 118 studies · how we score · editorial policy
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.