Aloe vera juice has possible benefits for digestion, blood sugar control, and oral health. Research is limited, and side effects are possible in some people.
Aloe vera is rich in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals the body forms during normal metabolic processes. At high concentrations, they can cause cellular damage, leading to the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.
However, further research is needed to determine the antioxidant content of aloe vera juice and whether it can protect against chronic disease.
One cup of aloe vera juice provides around 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron. It also supports the immune system and production of collagen, a protein vital to wound healing and skin health.
The outer pulp of aloe leaves, called the latex, contains aloin. Aloin is an organic compound that gives the plant laxative properties. It may treat constipation by stimulating bowel movements. Here is some research:
- One review found oral administration of aloe vera may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation and diarrhea.
- One study showed consuming aloe vera syrup effectively reduced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, including heartburn, belching, food regurgitation, and nausea. Effects were similar to those produced by conventional medicine.
- One small study of 44 patients with mild or moderate ulcerative colitis (UC)—an inflammatory bowel disease that causes digestive tract inflammation—found daily consumption of 200 milliliters of aloe vera gel was more effective than the placebo at reducing disease activity.
While aloe vera does have laxative properties, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a ruling in 2002 that required manufacturers of over-the-counter laxative products to remove aloe as an ingredient due to a lack of evidence confirming its safety.
Aloe vera has been used for years in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Current research on the plant’s benefit for diabetics is limited but appears promising.
One review highlighted aloe vera’s potential to reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin levels, and improve the health of cells in the pancreas, including the cells responsible for insulin production.
Another study in people with prediabetes found taking 300 mg of aloe vera extract twice a day for four weeks led to significant improvements in fasting blood sugar.
Many studies on aloe vera and blood sugar have been conducted in rats. There is not enough human-based research to confirm if the same benefit applies to humans.
Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially benefit oral health. It is sold in several forms for oral use, including toothpaste, mouthwash, or gel.
According to a large review, aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as the traditional treatment, chlorhexidine, in reducing gum inflammation. However, it was not as effective in reducing plaque buildup.
Another small study found aloe vera toothpaste was as effective as traditional fluoride toothpaste in improving periodontal index and gingival scores in people with gingivitis.
Aloe vera mouthwash may also reduce the severity of radiation-induced mucositis, a condition that causes swelling and irritation in the mouth. One study found aloe vera mouthwash as effective as benzydamine mouthwash, a common anti-inflammatory agent for managing oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.
The nutrient content of aloe vera juice can differ between brands. Some products may contain added sugar to improve flavor or added nutrients to enhance their nutritional profile.
However, an 8-ounce (1 cup) serving of plain aloe vera juice typically includes:
- Calories: 37
- Fat: 0 grams (g)
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.3 g
- Sugar: 9.3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sodium: 20 milligrams (mg)
- Vitamin C: 9.4 mg, or 10% of the DV
Aloe vera juice is a low-calorie beverage that can be a hydrating alternative to sugary drinks and fruit juice. It also contains antioxidants, various polysaccharides, and small amounts of iron and calcium.
Animal and human studies have shown the polysaccharides—a type of carbohydrate—in aloe vera may help improve the immune system’s response to illness and disease.
While the topical application of aloe vera is generally considered safe, oral consumption has been linked to the following side effects in human and animal studies:
Animal studies have also found that consuming aloe vera leaf extract may cause gastrointestinal cancer in rats and mice. This is believed to be due to the compound aloin in whole-leaf aloe vera extract. Larger human trials are needed to confirm these effects in people.
The International Aloe Science Council recommends oral aloe vera products contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of aloin. Many commercial aloe vera juice products are filtered to remove or reduce aloin levels. However, manufacturers are not legally required to disclose aloin levels on aloe vera juice product labels.
The FDA does not regulate aloe vera juice, so its potency, purity, or safety is not guaranteed. Oral consumption of aloe in gel and latex form is not recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to a healthcare provider to check if aloe vera juice is safe for your health and determine how much you can safely consume.
If you decide to drink aloe vera juice, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- After opening, keep aloe vera juice refrigerated to maintain its potency and extend its shelf life.
- Choose aloe vera juice products with less than 10 PPM of aloin.
- Consume aloe vera juice as directed on the product label or as instructed by a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects.
- Drink aloe vera juice plain or incorporate it into fruit smoothies for a nutrient boost.
- Look for aloe vera juice that is certified organic by the USDA and free of additives, preservatives, and added sugar.
- Purchase aloe vera juice from reputable brands.
- Start with a small amount to see how your body responds.
