Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Xiaoqing; Mei, Nan
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental science and health. Volume 34:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Aloe gel -- aloe latex -- Aloe vera -- carcinogenicity -- genotoxicity -- toxicological effects; Carcinogenesis -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmentally induced diseases -- Periodicals; Environmental Health -- periodicals; Carcinogens, Environmental -- periodicals; Hazardous Substances -- periodicals; 616.994071
• DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-0501

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Aloe plant is employed as a dietary supplement in a variety of foods and as an ingredient in cosmetic products. The widespread human exposure and its potential toxic and carcinogenic activities raise safety concerns. Chemical analysis reveals that the Aloe plant contains various polysaccharides and phenolic chemicals, notably anthraquinones. Ingestion of Aloe preparations is associated with diarrhea, hypokalemia, pseudomelanosis coli, kidney failure, as well as phototoxicity and hypersensitive reactions. Recently, Aloe vera whole leaf extract showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in rats, and was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B). This review presents updated information on the toxicological effects, including the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and adverse clinical effects of Aloe vera whole leaf extract, gel, and latex.