Top 10 Aloe Vera Juice Health Benefits - The Beautiful Existence

Most of know aloe vera as being super soothing and healing on red, inflamed and sunburned skin, and it turns out that aloe vera juice also has potential for similar healing properties for our insides too!

It’s something I had always noticed in the health food section at the supermarket, but never paid much attention to until I heard medical medium talk about in one of recipes recently (note: I’m not 100% convinced about him, if you read into his story you’ll understand why, however, his methods and results do seem promising). So I decided to look into it and try it out for myself.

Use of aloe vera in natural remedies is nothing new however; it’s been used for centuries in many countries, such as Greece, Egypt, Indian, Mexico and China, for it’s versatile healthcare and topical properties. Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers wounds and Egyptian queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it as part of their beauty routines. The Egyptians also loved it so much that they dubbed it the “plant of immortality”.

While I’m not here to tell you the plant and aloe juice will suddenly turn you into the immortal iron fist (sorry), it definitely does have potential as a part of your holistic health care routine.

Aloe Vera health care properties:

Taken from ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW

Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.

Vitamins: It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
Enzymes: It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.
Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.
Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are known as mucopolysaccharides. The most prominent monosaccharide is mannose-6-phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan]. Acemannan, a prominent glucomannan has also been found. Recently, a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel.7,8
Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.
Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol. All these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.
Others: It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical preparations, enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are the soapy substances form about 3% of the gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

1. Anti-Inflammatory:

Just as we know topical aloe vera gel to calm and reduce inflammation on our skin, aloe juice can also have potentially anti-inflammatory effects.

Studies have shown it to be potentially helpful in aiding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms as well as suppressing inflammatory markers in human immune cells, such as TNF-a and IL-1b.

2. Anti-microbial:

Aloe vera contains several compounds, including phenols, sulfur, salicylic acid, lupeol, urea nitrogen and cinnamonic acid, which are anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Studies have shown it can help to kill the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores, without being harmful to our own cells. An aloin, which is extracted from the plant, can also help to inactivate other viruses such as influenza and varicella zoster.

It also works to inhibit the growth of both gram positive and gram negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus which is the leading culprit for causing soft tissue skin infections such as cellulitis, furuncles and abscesses. As well as other bacteria such as Enterococcus bovis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, E.coli. Although studies showed an alcoholic extract to be more efficient than water, so juice may not be as effective in this case.

Due to it’s anti-bacterial properties, it’s also studied as a potential natural mouthwash alternative.

Finally, being anti-fungal it can also be helpful in fungal infections such as Candida.

3. Anti-oxidant

Aloe juice contains phenolic acids/polyphenols, which are anti-oxidants, which work to reduce oxidative stress and repair damage in the body.

4. Digestive aid:

As mentioned above, being anti-inflammatory it can also have calming effects on digestive system issues such as IBS. Aloe vera juice also contains compounds which also help control the secretion of stomach acid, and is therefore also potentially helpful against acid reflux/GERD as well as heartburn, stomach ulcers and potential relief for those suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Studies compared it to a popular medicine used for treating acid reflux and ulcers, Omeprazole, with results showing the aloe vera group had reduced heartburn, nausea, gas and vomiting with few adverse effects.

It also contains digestive enzymes amylase and lipase, which both work to break down and metabolise sugars and fats.

5. Treats constipation

Aloe contains twelve anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives (which is one caution/potential side effect for aloe vera juice) and so can be beneficial in the aiding of constipation.

As it’s super hydrating it also helps increase the water content in your intestines, to help stools pass more normally, as well as supporting healthy gut bacteria.

6. Helps to control blood sugar

The same compound aloe-emodin was also studied in human cells for their role on blood sugar levels. Results showed increased glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, which reduces glucose levels and helps to stop insulin resistance.

7. Nutrient boost

Contains vitamins & minerals such as: Vit Bs, Vit C, Vit E and folic acid, as well as small amounts of: calcium, copper, chromium, sodium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, manganese and zinc among others.

It’s also one of the only plant sources of B12, which makes it important for vegetarians and vegans.

8. Hydrating

As aloe is very water dense, aloe vera juice is ideal for treating dehydration or after a hard workout. Staying hydrated helps your body perform optimally and flush out toxins.

9. Liver function support

The liver functions best when it’s hydrated and nourished, which is why aloe provides ideal support as it’s hydrating and full of phytonutrients.

10. Potential anti-cancer:

Studies showed aloe vera polyphenols stopped cancer growth in human cells, with both aloe-emodin and emodin inhibiting skin cancer cell growth. Combining aloe-emodin with chemotherapy drugs (5-fluorouracil, abiplastin, and adriablastin) also enhanced their effects.

Polysaccharides from aloe gel extract also prevented carcinogens from forming.

Note, some of the studies have also shown conflicting evidence that some of the compounds in aloe vera (not necessarily the juice) are potential carcinogens.

Recommended aloe vera juice dosage:

Like anything when it comes to our bodies, the ideal dosage needed depends on us as in individual – what our current imbalances are, what our bodies can tolerate and so on.

However, general recommended doses are:

For treating constipation: around 100-200 mg of aloe or 50mg aloe extract, with a combintation of 150mg juice, 50mg psyllium and 300mg celandine also recommended as a safe alternative.
For those using to aid in diabetes: people normally drink 5–15 mL of aloe vera juice twice daily, though the most effective dose and form is still unclear.
For weight loss: a specific aloe gel product containing 147 mg of aloe twice daily for 8 weeks is generally recommended.

Potential Side Effects of Aloe Vera Juice:

Generally de-colourised and purified aloe juice is considered safe, vs un-purified which may have side effects such as:

Skin rashes
Burning and stinging
Diarrhea (which can lead to can lead to severe pain, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances)
Vomiting
Stomach cramping
Constipation
colon adenomas (benign tumors – rare)
colon cancer after long-term use (rare)

The majority of these side effects have been concluded by researchers to be due to the presence of anthraquinones (mentioned above as a laxative), which is also a potential carcinogen.

In some case studies, high oral doses of aloe vera caused in some cases kidney failure, hepatitis, liver dysfunction, and even hyperthyroidism, with prolonged oral supplementation of aloe vera also potentially causing potassium deficiency. In mice, high doses also decreased brain activity, red blood cell count and damaged sperm. After a long supplementation of aloe vera leaf extract in water given to rats, over two years, some of them also developed tumors in their intestines.

Drug interactions and precautions for aloe vera juice:

Aloe vera juice has been shown to interact with certain medications:

Digoxin (Lanoxin): used for heart conditions; stimulant laxatives (such as aloe) can reduce potassium levels which provides a risk. As it is a laxative it may also reduce the absorption of other general drugs taken.
Diabetes medications: as aloe may reduce blood sugar levels, it may cause levels to go too low when also taking medications such as glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others
Sevoflurane: used as anesthesia during surgery, which also decreases clotting of the blood, as aloe can potentially do too. Due to this it’s also not recommended to take at least two weeks prior to surgery.
Other stimulant laxatives or diuretics: for obvious reasons

People who are allergic to Liliaceae plants, such as lilies, tulips, onions and garlic, should avoid using aloe vera.

Pregnant women are also advised to not take aloe vera.

As it can create an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes and cause potassium deficiency, people with heart or kidney problems should be careful taking aloe vera.

Aloe vera juice verdict

Due to the limit of human trials and precautions mentioned above, care should be taken when using aloe vera juice especially in high doses or for prolonged periods of time.

It does however show some potential for a range of health benefits (I’m especially interested in plants/herbs/supplements etc with anti-microbial properties at the moment) and so I still plan to trial out small doses myself.

As with anything, no one supplement or food is going to be a miracle cure, however it may be beneficial as an addition to a holistic health care routine which if suitable for you.

References & further reading:

If you’re a medical journal loving nerd like me, then here’s some extra research and reading for you!