Aloe juice: side effects

Aloe: introduction

While boasting extraordinary properties, aloe, like all plants, is not immune to possible side effects.

Studying the etymology of the term, one realizes that Aloe derives from the Greek àls-alòs, meaning "salt", probably because its bitter taste evokes that of sea water. This definition fits perfectly to understand that aloe is fully part of the bitter drug category.

Curiosity

The ancient Mayan women rubbed the leaves of Aloe in their breasts before nursing their children: the strong bitter taste of aloe, made from aloin, made the nipple unappetizing, thus making weaning early. In this case, the secondary effect of the aloe, determined by the strong amarotic tone, was exploited specifically by Mayan women.

But the side effects for which aloe is remembered are very different.

Laxative properties

Aloe juice represents an anthraquinone purgative: among all the anthraquinone drugs, which have the same laxative action (such as cassia, rhubarb and senna), aloe is undoubtedly the most powerful, given the highly irritating action. Its anthraquinones are so irritating that they can create real ulcers of the intestinal mucosa: for this reason, the anthraquinone extract should not be taken pure, but diluted.

The laxative effect exerted by the aloe is not, however, immediate: after taking aloe juice it must wait a period equal to 6-8 hours, to make sure that the drug expounds its action at the level of large intestine. In this period of time the possible intake of other laxatives or a new dose of aloe, in the hope of enhancing and accelerating the purgative effects, is absolutely not recommended, since it would amplify the side effects.

Aloe is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding: aloe, in fact, passes into breast milk, makes it bitter and can create side effects even in children.

Contraindications for use

It is not advisable to use aloe juice even during the menstrual cycle, because it could intensify the blood flow. Aloe should also be avoided in children, as well as in the presence of varicose veins, haemorrhoids, kidney problems, in the case of inflammatory diseases affecting the intestine, appendicitis and Crohn's disease.

It is not recommended, then, the prolonged use of aloe juice: like all drugs with anthraquinones, in fact, aloe could cause melanosis and atony of the colon.

Aloe juice and medications

The aloe juice should not be taken together with thiazide diuretic drugs, cortisone, licorice and cardioactive glycosides: these drugs, if taken in conjunction with aloe juice, can in fact accentuate the loss of potassium, causing hypokalemia.

It should not be forgotten that an intake of aloe together with other types of drugs, administered orally, can reduce their absorption.

There have been rare cases of dermatitis and allergy in predisposed subjects and in people allergic to Liliaceae.

Considering that "it is the dose that makes the poison", to minimize the risk of important side effects, it is good to always use the aloe juice respecting the recommended doses and for a short period of time.