40701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 14:54
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Aloes

  • Botanical Name

    Aloe ferox

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    50%

  • Dose

    15 to 60mL weekly

“Aloes” is the generic name for the solid residue obtained by boiling and cooling the latex of Aloe ferox, its hybrids and A. vera (also known as A. barbadensis). The latex, found in cells in the margins of the leaves, is mainly used for its anthraquinone laxative effect. It should be used in small doses for a short period of time. A. ferox is similar to A. vera but has many times more nutritional and medicinal value.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Aloes and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Aloes leaf exudate was first exported from South Africa in 1761. It is mainly used in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa to treat constipation. The centuries-old local tradition of sustainably gathering leaves for this purpose continues in South Africa today.

  • Actions

    Stimulant laxative, bitter tonic, choleretic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

  • Indications

    Occasional constipation, recognising that constipation may be the result of something else and not the initial cause and that this has to be sought and dealt with.

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Strong laxatives are not advised in pregnancy, especially the first trimester. Aloes has a griping and abortifacient effect and should therefore not be used in pregnancy. Use caution during lactation.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Strong laxatives are contraindicated in children under 10. Due to the irritating effects of its anthraquinone constituents, aloe latex is contraindicated in individuals with gastrointestinal obstruction, acute intestinal inflammation (Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis), ulcers, abdominal pain of unknown origin, severe dehydration states (with water and electrolyte depletion), nausea and vomiting. Theoretically, taking aloe latex orally might exacerbate kidney disorders. Avoid excessive use and long-term use (more than two weeks), as potassium losses may occur, which may alter cardiac electrophysiology.

  • Drug Interactions

    Stimulant laxatives: Theoretically, aloe latex might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with stimulant laxatives. Additive effects are theoretically possible inducing griping pains. Use with caution.

    Digoxin: Overuse of aloes latex can increase the risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycoside drugs, such as digoxin, due to potassium depletion. Overuse of aloe, along with cardiac glycoside drugs, can increase the risk of toxicity.

    Diuretics: Theoretically, overuse of aloe latex might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss, increasing the risk of hypokalaemia.

    Warfarin: Aloe latex has stimulant laxative effects. In some people aloe latex can cause diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding.

    Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): Theoretically, the laxative effects of aloe latex may increase the risk of potassium depletion

    Allergens:Vegan friendly.Gluten and dairy free.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Senna Pods, Cascara Sagrada, Rhubarb, Buckthorn, Butternut