![]() They were also analyzed to determine amounts of aloins, also known as "aloe latex," which has a powerful laxative effect and, based on animal studies, may be carcinogenic. In fact, one product that claimed to be "100% Aloe Vera" appeared to little more than high-priced water, as tests detected no aloe.ĬonsumerLab selected, purchased and tested 10 popular aloe juices, gels and supplements, and carefully checked them to determine if they contained the labeled and expected amounts of acemannan, the key marker compound for aloe. found substantial amounts of aloe in some products, while others contained very little. Six months later she returned with jaundice (bilirubin 15.8 mg/dL, ALT 1135 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 243 U/L), but refused admission or further evaluation.White Plains, New York, DecemRecent ConsumerLab tests of popular aloe juices, gels and supplements sold in the U.S. During subsequent follow up, however, she restarted an aloe vera extract and a month later serum ALT values were again elevated (785 U/L), although bilirubin was normal. Six weeks after stopping the herbal, liver tests were close to normal. The aloe vera was stopped and after a week she began to improve. A liver biopsy showed changes of acute hepatitis with lobular and portal infiltrates and cholestasis. Abdominal ultrasound showed no evidence of biliary obstruction. Tests for hepatitis A, B, C and E were negative. Laboratory test results showed a serum total bilirubin of 14.6 mg/dL with marked elevations in serum aminotransferase levels ( ALT 1564 U/L, AST 1477 U/L), but minimal increases in alkaline phosphatase (211 U/L) (Table). There was no history of liver disease or alcoholism. Recurrent acute hepatitis due to aloe vera.( 2)Ī 62 year old Korean woman developed fatigue followed by jaundice 3 months after starting an aloe vera powder (420 mg daily). The biochemical abnormalities resolved more slowly serum enzymes were still elevated 5 months later but were near normal at one year.Ĭase 2. The aloe vera was stopped and her symptoms rapidly resolved. A liver biopsy showed an acute hepatitis, with portal and parenchymal infiltrates including plasma cells and eosinophils and bridging necrosis with cholestasis. Serum antinuclear antibody was borderline positive (titer 1:40). Tests for acute hepatitis A, B, C and E were negative. Laboratory testing showed increased bilirubin values (8.9 mg/dL) and marked elevations in serum aminotransferase levels ( ALT 1480 U/L, AST 711 U/L), with minimal increase in alkaline phosphatase (265 U/L) (Table). On examination, she was jaundiced and had right upper quadrant tenderness, but no rash, fever or signs of chronic liver disease. ![]() She denied a history of liver disease, alcohol use or risk factors for viral hepatitis. She also was taking vitamin C and zinc, but no other prescription medications. Acute hepatitis due to aloe vera extract.( 1)Ī 57 year old German woman developed jaundice, itching and right upper quadrant pain 3 to 4 weeks after starting aloe vera tablets (500 mg daily), which she was taking for aging. Rare instances of hypersensitivity reactions, skin rash and allergic dermatitis have been described.Ĭase 1. Chronic use for constipation can lead to discoloration of the colon (pseudo-melanosis coli). Aloe vera is generally tolerated without adverse events minor side effects may include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and nausea. The bases of these claims have not been substantiated, but in vitro and animal studies suggest that components of aloe vera have antiproliferative, antiinflammatory, and hepato-protective properties. ![]() ![]() Recently, it has also been claimed to be helpful in weight loss. In addition, aloe vera is claimed to have beneficial effects on arthritis, asthma, chronic fatigue, dyspepsia, constipation and various skin ailments. Extracts and powdered extracts from leaf rind latex of aloe vera are used in small amounts as a food flavoring and in larger amounts in dietary supplements. Aloe creams are found in hundreds of skin products used for cosmetic purposes and wound healing. Aloe vera products are derived from the leaf (either the gel or leaf rind latex) and contain over 75 identified substances including anthraquinones (phenolic compounds with laxative actions), vitamins (A, C, E), enzymes (aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulose, lipase, and peroxidase), minerals, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, salicylic acid and hormones (auxins and gibberellins suspected to have antiinflammatory activity). Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its purported healing properties. Aloe vera (“true, shining bitter substance”) is derived from a cactus-like plant, a member of the Lily family that grows best in arid climates.
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