ASK DIS: Aloe Vera Juice Side Effects

Topical Application

Aloe is likely safe when applied to the skin to reduce pain or inflammation.
Aloe is likely safe for burns, frostbite, human papilloma virus-1 (HPV) infections (cold sores), psoriasis, and wound healing in people who are not allergic or sensitive to aloe.

Diarrhoea

Aloe vera juice contains a substance called anthraquinone, a laxative, which can cause diarrhea if taken in large amounts.
Severe diarrhea can cause pain, cramps and dehydration
FDA’s concern was heightened by the fact that people develop a kind of “tolerance” to aloe latex. They have to take more and more of it to get a laxative effect
As a part (FDA) over-the-counter (OTC) drug product review, a final rule was issued suggesting that the stimulant laxative ingredient of aloe (including aloe extract and aloe flower extract) in OTC products generally lack safety and effectiveness or may be misbranded.

Diabetes Medications

Aloe may lower blood sugar levels.
Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar.
Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

Bleeding

Aloe may increase the risk of bleeding.
Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

When taken orally, aloe latex is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative.
Stimulant laxatives speed up the bowels and can cause diarrhea in some people.
Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin, do not to take excessive amounts of aloe latex.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Diuretics

chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others
Taking aloe latex along with diuretics might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Others

Use cautiously in people taking agents for the heart, agents for the stomach or intestines, agents that increase potassium excretion, cardiac glycosides, oral corticosteroids, oral hydrocortisone, sevoflurane, thyroid hormones, topical hydrocortisone, or zidovudine (AZT).

Medications taken by mouth

Laxatives can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs / decrease the effectiveness of your medication

Intestinal Conditions

Avoid in people with abdominal pain that is sudden and severe, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction
Do not take aloe latex if you have hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

internal use is not suggested, due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions.
It is not known if components of aloe may be excreted with breast milk.
Consumption of the dried juice from aloe leaves is contraindicated during lactation

Carcinogenic Risk

Studies done by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), have found carcinogenic activity in rats that consumed decolorized extracts of a whole leaf of aloe vera.
Although the studies have not been proved in humans, the possibility of a carcinogenic risk in humans cannot be ruled out.
Intake of aloe vera juice is associated with the risk of colorectal cancer

Others

kidney disease, liver disease, or in people taking agents toxic to the liver.
Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to Aloe vera
Aloe may also cause abdominal cramping, allergic skin reaction, constipation, dehydration, dependency if used as a laxative, delayed wound healing, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, excess bleeding, hardening of the skin, Henoch-Schönlein purpura (purple spots on the skin), hepatitis, hives, increased risk of colorectal cancer, increased risk of irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, liver toxicity, low potassium in the blood, muscle weakness, redness of the skin and eyelids, skin dryness, skin inflammation from sun exposure, soreness, splitting of the skin, stinging, stomach discomfort, thyroid dysfunction, urinary stone, uterine contractions, and widespread inflammation of the skin.

References:

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