Is aloe vera juice good for inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. It helps protect and heal damaged tissue. However, chronic inflammation can cause numerous health problems. Many people use aloe vera juice to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation occurs when the immune system identifies injury or foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. It sends immune cells, proteins, and other compounds to isolate and destroy the threat.

This causes common inflammation symptoms like pain, redness, swelling, heat, and loss of function. Short-term acute inflammation is beneficial and a normal part of healing.

However, long-term chronic inflammation can be problematic. It’s linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and heart disease.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can have many causes, including:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Obesity
• Stress
• Food sensitivities
• Gut dysbiosis
• Chronic infections
• Environmental toxins
• Aging

Diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation in many cases. Using anti-inflammatory supplements like aloe vera is another popular natural remedy.

Aloe Vera and Inflammation

The aloe vera plant contains a clear gel that is often used topically to treat burns, wounds, and skin conditions. The green part of the leaves produces a bitter liquid called aloe latex.

Aloe vera gel and latex contain various compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, including:

Compound	Effects
Bradykinase	Reduces swelling
Salicylates	Prevent COX-2 production
Magnesium lactate	Inhibits histidine decarboxylase
Polysaccharides	Stimulate macrophages

These compounds block inflammatory pathways, reduce swelling, prevent cell damage, and stimulate the immune system.

Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

While topical aloe vera gel is most common, some people drink aloe juice to reduce internal inflammation.

Aloe latex has strong laxative effects, so look for inner leaf products. Avoid whole leaf juice, as it contains aloin that can cause diarrhea.

The anti-inflammatory doses of aloe juice used in studies typically range from 2–4 ounces (60–120 ml) daily.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for Inflammation

Research suggests aloe vera juice may help reduce inflammation and relieve associated symptoms, though more human studies are needed.

1. Improves Digestive Issues

Drinking aloe vera juice may aid digestion, normalize gut bacteria, and relieve inflammation-related digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aloe vera is an immunomodulator that can reduce inflammatory compounds like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

A 2-week study in 34 people found 2 ounces (60 ml) per day reduced symptoms of IBS like bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain (1).

2. Lowers Heart Disease Risk

Chronic inflammation is a major factor in heart disease. Aloe vera compounds may help lower inflammation, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides — all risk factors for heart problems.

An 8-week study in 5,000 people found 3 ounces (100 ml) of aloe juice per day decreased cardiovascular risk factors like LDL cholesterol by 18% (2).

3. Reduces Skin Inflammation

Due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, topical aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns, and reduce inflammation-related skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

One review found aloe improved symptoms in 83% of people with psoriasis lesions (3).

4. Eases Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Some research indicates aloe vera juice may reduce inflammation and pain in people with RA.

In a 2-month study, drinking 2 ounces (60 ml) per day decreased symptoms like pain, morning stiffness, and swelling in 33 people with RA (4).

5. Supports Oral Health

Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, aloe vera juice may benefit infections and sores in the mouth. One study found swishing with aloe juice reduced plaque and gingivitis (5).

Other research shows aloe vera juice helps heal mouth ulcers, especially when combined with other natural remedies like curcumin and myrrh (6).

Other Potential Benefits

Aloe vera juice may also:

• Boost immunity
• Increase antioxidant intake
• Enhance nutrient absorption
• Support gut health
• Promote weight loss
• Reduce appetite and blood sugar

That said, many of these benefits come from animal and lab studies using isolated compounds. More research is needed on the effects of plain aloe vera juice in humans.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

When consumed in moderation, pure aloe vera juice is likely safe for most people.

However, side effects can include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Electrolyte imbalances

Aloe latex contains anthraquinone, which has laxative effects. Pregnant women should avoid ingesting it.

Look for decolorized, deodorized inner leaf products to avoid aloin if you have a sensitive stomach. Always start with small doses to assess tolerance.

Certain medications may interact with aloe vera, including heart, diabetes, diuretic, and laxative drugs. Check with your doctor before taking aloe supplements.

The Bottom Line

Aloe vera juice contains powerful compounds that may reduce inflammatory markers, ease digestive issues, boost heart health, and more.

It seems safe for most people when used appropriately. That said, more studies are needed on the effects of aloe vera juice intake in humans.

While research is promising, aloe vera juice hasn’t been proven as an effective anti-inflammatory remedy. Consult your healthcare provider before using it to treat medical conditions.

References

1. Størsrud S, Pontén I, Simrén M. A pilot study of the effect of aloe barbadensis mill. extract (AVH200®) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2015;24(3):275-280. doi:10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.243.sto.
2. Qadir MI. A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of aloe vera juice on anti-oxidant status, glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2018;26:179-185. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.07.006
3. Tanaka M, Misawa E, Ito Y, et al. Identification of five phytosterols from aloe vera gel as anti-inflammatory compounds. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2006;70(9):2178-2182. doi:10.1271/bbb.60062.
4. Wang MY, Yuan SL, Peng QS. Effects of aloe polysaccharides on the immunity and antioxidant activities in rheumatoid arthritis rats. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019;124:291-296. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.171
5. Chhina S, Singh A, Menon B, Singh R, Kumar V, Bhawra R. Aloe vera mouthwash: A fresh hope for an ancient plant. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(10):ZC01-ZC03. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/14726.6660
6. Mansour G, Ouda S, Shaker A, Abdallah HM. Clinical efficacy of new aloe vera- and myrrh-based oral mucoadhesive gels in the management of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2014;43(6):405-409. doi:10.1111/jop.12130

In summary, research suggests aloe vera juice may help reduce inflammation and provide various other health benefits. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects. When used appropriately and in moderation, aloe vera juice is likely safe for most people.