Rich in Antioxidants
Aloe vera is rich in powerful
antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.2
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.3
However, further research is needed to determine the antioxidant content of aloe vera juice and whether it can protect against chronic disease.
Good Source of Vitamin C
One cup of aloe vera juice provides around 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C.4
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron. It also supports the
immune system and the production of collagen, a protein vital to wound healing and skin health.5
May Help Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders
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.6
A review of studies found oral administration of aloe vera may help relieve symptoms of
irritable bowel syndrome, including
constipation and
diarrhea.7
Another 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.8
Another small study in 44 patients with mild or moderate
ulcerative colitis (UC)—a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract—found daily consumption of 200 milliliters of aloe vera gel was more effective than the placebo at reducing disease activity.9
While aloe vera does have laxative properties, it's important to note 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.1
May Help Control Blood Sugar
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.
A review of studies 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.10
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.11
Many of the 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 would apply to humans.
May Support Oral Health
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 review that included six randomized control trials involving 1,358 individuals, 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.12
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.13
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 to be as effective as benzydamine mouthwash, a common anti-inflammatory agent for managing oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.
