Aloe Vera

What is it Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a plant that produce latex and gel which is used in medicines. The latex is extracted from cells underneath the leaf skin and is yellow in color. The gel is extracted from the cells in the center of the leaf and is clear jelly like. It can be used as a topical gel or it is make into medicine pills.

Previously it was used as laxatives however was stopped when FDA found that increasing doses is required to maintain its laxative effect i.e. tolerance.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

It is found to be effective when used as a gel for skin conditions like cold sores, certain rash and also to soothe rash in psoriasis patients. Some research finds that oral aloe vera may help patients with diabetes.

Insufficient evidence is present to prove if aloe Vera when taken orally can help with digestive diseases, stomach ulcers, diabetes, osteoarthritis or asthma. There is also inconclusive evidence that aloe vera helps wound healing for frostbites, wounds and sunburns.

Possible side effects of Aloe Vera 

Topical usage of aloe vera is very safe as it is only applied onto the skin although some people may report skin irritation. Taking oral aloe vera gel is somewhat safe.

However taking oral aloe vera latex is not recommended as high doses of latex is harmful. It may cause abdomen pain and cramps. Long term consumption of latex may cause kidney failure, heart issues, diarrhea, and weight loss and muscle weakness. Any latex of more than 1 gram a day is fatal.

Pregnant or lactating women as well as children should not take aloe vera orally as there is no sufficient of its safety in these groups of people. Patients with digestive diseases like hemorrhoids, crohn’s disease and ulcerative diseases should avoid taking aloe vera latex as it may cause abdomen cramps and worsen symptoms. As aloe vera latex may cause kidney failure, patients with kidney diseases should not take it.

Drug-drug interactions

1. Digoxin: Aloe vera latex is a laxative resulting in diarrhea and depletion of potassium in blood stream which increases the side effects of digoxin. 
2. Diuretics: As mentioned earlier it may cause reduce potassium level in blood stream which attenuate the side effects of diuretics. 
3. Warfarin: may increase the bleeding tendency of warfarin 
4. Simulant laxatives:  Aloe vera latex being a stimulant laxative when used with alike medications like dulcolax and senna will potentiate the effects and result in bad diarrhea. 
5. Diabetic medications: As aloe vera can lower blood sugar level when used concurrently with diabetic medications may cause hypoglycaemia (blood sugar level being lower than normal range) resulting in symptoms like jittery, tremors, sweating , dizziness, fainting spells and weakness. 

Dosage

1. For psoriasis & cold sores: Aloe vera cream 0.5% can be applied on skin 3 times daily
2. Other rash on skin/mouth: Aloe mouthwash 3 times daily for 3 months or applying a aloe gel twice daily for 2 months 

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