Aloe Vera Juice Side Effects: Risks & Aloin Concerns

Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant for internal use. It is well-known for its ability to eliminate common gastrointestinal problems and shows promise in treating type-2 diabetes. While commercial aloe products have no known side effects, unprocessed aloe vera juice is associated with some risks.

What is Aloin?

• Aloin is a stimulant laxative found in unprocessed aloe vera. It has been banned from commerical aloe products, including aloe juice, since 2002.

Dehydration Dangers

• Aloin can overstimulate the bowels, leading to abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Aloin and Pregnancy

• Pregnant women are advised against eating or drinking aloin-containing aloe vera juice, since it may stimulate uterine contractions, triggering miscarriage or preterm labor.

Commercial Aloe Juice

• All aloe vera juice purchased in the United States has been refined to eliminate aloin. Aloin-free aloe vera juice is not associated with any known side effects.

Maintaining Safety

• Because the laxative effects of natural aloe vera juice can be exceedingly harsh, consumers should avoid making aloe juice at home and instead purchase aloin-free varieties.