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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
Aloe Vera doesn't have enough studies with structured effect-size data yet to pool a verdict. Browse the studies below for individual findings.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1991–2026.
Based on 118 studies · 10 meta-analyses · 79 RCTs
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
7 more outcomes with fewer studies not shown.
Topical use is the best evidenced: a meta-analysis of four trials shows faster second-degree burn healing. Smaller RCTs support reflux and diabetic foot ulcers, a systematic review lists it among oral lichen planus treatments, and in a gingivitis trial it did less well than a probiotic mouthwash. Oral systemic claims remain weaker.
61 randomised trials
84% were about Aloe Vera in an audit of 50 of them
Every randomised or controlled trial of Aloe Vera indexed in PubMed, not a hand-picked subset. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews are deliberately excluded from this count: most of them cover many compounds at once, so counting them would inflate it.
PubMed · as of Sep 2026
18 trials ongoing or recruiting · 70 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momentum for Aloe Vera, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed.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 Oct 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. A grade for this interaction is held for clinical review and has not been validated, so no severity is given. The precaution still applies: ask a pharmacist about the exact supplement and medicine. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines based on this notice.
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 118 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.
Dosing for Aloe Vera: Topical: apply gel as needed. Oral: ~50-100mg inner-leaf extract or ~30-50ml decolorized juice daily. The oral amounts are typical label doses. The one oral trial used 10 ml a day of aloe syrup. 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 has a safety rating of "moderate". That is a category, not a measure of individual risk, and there are precautions worth knowing. Reported side effects include diarrhea/cramping (latex), skin irritation (topical). How often they occur is not established for all of them. 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).
Psyllium Husk
Likely helpsGel-forming soluble fiber that lowers LDL cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and promotes digestive regularity.
Artichoke Extract
Probably helpsCynarin and chlorogenic acid stimulate bile production, support liver function, and modestly lower cholesterol levels.
Ginger Extract
Likely helpsGingerols and shogaols reduce nausea, accelerate gastric emptying, and provide systemic anti-inflammatory benefits.
Inulin
Likely helpsPrebiotic fiber that selectively feeds Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, producing short-chain fatty acids for gut health and immunity.
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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.