Does Aloe Work?

Most herbs have multiple uses, and some of these uses are effective, while others are ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive.

Aloe vera, a medicinal plant used for many purposes, is no exception. If you want to know if aloe works, the answer will depend tremendously on your intended use for the product.

What Aloe Probably Works For

Several of aloe's uses are supported by conventional science. Aloe, applied to the skin, appears to be more effective than a placebo for treating skin conditions, including psoriasis and burns. It can reduce scarring, pain and tenderness associated with these conditions. Aloe also works reliably as a treatment for constipation; its constituent compound aloin is a powerful stimulant laxative. However, most aloe products sold in the U.S. have had aloin removed. While these uses are supported by fairly strong scientific evidence, none are considered to be completely conclusive.

What Aloe Might Work For

Aloe may or may not work to treat some conditions; evidence is either conflicting or too limited to tell. So far, it's too early to tell if aloe can treat diabetes, frostbite, high cholesterol, wounds, ulcerative colitis or hemorrhoids. Although it is associated with few risks if you use it as a topical treatment for these conditions, it's not entirely clear if aloe is more effective than a placebo. Talk to your doctor before using aloe internally if you have diabetes, ulcerative colitis or high cholesterol; it could interact with other treatments.

What Aloe Doesn't Work For

A few of aloe's most common uses are regarded as ineffective. It appears that aloe does not work as a treatment for bedsores, or for skin damage caused by radiation therapy for cancer. There is also no compelling evidence that it works for general "cleansing" to remove toxins from the colon or to purify the blood stream. Any weight loss associated with aloe is due to loss of fluids and feces; it is not an effective weight loss product.