Aloe vera juice, made from the gel of the aloe vera plant, is a popular drink that’s often touted for health benefits. Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. The juice is increasingly being sold as a supplement or added to beverages, and is now a mainstay in health food stores.
Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that grows in hot, dry climates. It’s a popular houseplant known for its characteristic long spikes full of a gooey, clear gel.
“Aloe vera is a plant that many cultures have used for thousands of years,” Debbie Petitpain, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.com. The use of aloe vera gel dates back to ancient Greece and China, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Traditionally, aloe vera gel has been applied topically to soothe irritation, heal wounds and moisturize skin, Petitpain notes. You’ve probably seen the tubes of aloe vera gel for sunburns, or maybe you’ve cut open a leaf and rubbed it right on your skin for relief.
“It’s now becoming more popular to take that gel and create juices, or find other ways to consume it orally,” says Petitpain.
Some claim aloe vera juice can aid digestion, fight inflammation, and even boost immune and skin health. But is aloe vera juice actually good for you?
While the juice contains nutrients that may have some health benefits, research on specific claims related to digestion, inflammation and more is limited, experts say. And aloe vera juice is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat or prevent any condition.
Here’s what to know about the potential benefits and downsides of aloe juice, and the healthiest types.
What is aloe vera juice?
Aloe vera juice is a liquid extracted from the gel inside the aloe plant, which is colorless and tasteless, Dr. Zachary Mulvihill, integrative medicine expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, tells TODAY.com.
The aloe vera gel concentrate is diluted with water to make a juice, which can be consumed on its own or added to other drinks.
Aloe vera plants also have a yellowish sap, which seeps from the skin when it’s cut, says Petitpain. This is called aloe latex and contains aloin, which has potentially harmful laxative effects. Most commercial aloe vera juice is filtered and purified to remove the aloin, Petitpain adds.
Pure aloe vera juice — which is considered a supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — typically contains aloe vera gel and water, plus citric acid for freshness and preservatives. It is different from bottled aloe vera drinks, which may also contain fruit juice, flavorings, sweeteners and additives.
Is aloe vera juice good for you?
Aloe vera juice is safe to drink for most people and can be healthy, the experts note, though the research on specific benefits is limited.
The gel is rich in nutrients, especially vitamin C, says Petitpain. Vitamin C helps keep our immune system strong and supports healthy skin. Aloe vera also contains some vitamin A and vitamin E, which act as antioxidants and protect cells from damage.
Aloe vera juice is a good source of minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, research shows. These help support healthy bones, muscle and nerve function, and blood sugar control, and more.
Aloe also contains bioactive substances, including polyphenols and polysaccharides, which may fight inflammation and support gut health, Mulvihill adds.
“If people are getting an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, it may encourage them to drink more and stay hydrated, too,” says Petitpain.
Aloe vera benefits
While aloe vera juice contains essential nutrients and healthy plant compounds, clinical research on the effects of consuming aloe vera juice is limited, especially compared to studies on applying the gel topically, Petitpain notes.
Some research on aloe vera juice is promising, but there is limited scientific evidence to support many of the claims about specific benefits.
Additionally, aloe vera juice may only contain a minimal amount of the plant, says Petitpain. “When you consider it’s a high water plant, and the gel is diluted even further, the benefit you might be getting from these drinks is going to be small,” says Petitpain.
Here’s what we know about aloe vera juice so far:
Inflammation
Aloe vera juice is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties due to its antioxidants and bioactive substances. Its “cooling properties” that help with sunburns may also work internally, says Mulvihill.
For example, aloe vera has compounds called mucopolysaccharides, which may help maintain the mucus layer lining the gut, “so it can be used for conditions which cause gut inflammation and irritation,” says Mulvihill.
Digestion
The nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds in aloe vera juice can support healthy digestion. In addition to soothing gut irritation, the mucopolysaccharides may also act as food for healthy gut bacteria, says Mulvihill.
However, research on the use of aloe vera juice for digestive conditions — such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases — is mixed.
“Most of the research has been on IBS, specifically on symptom relief — cramping, abdominal pain and bloating — which is very subjective. It’s not very convincing,” says Mulvihill. Older studies suggest that aloe vera may be an effective treatment for IBS, but more research is needed.
However, drinking aloe vera juice for these conditions is unlikely to do harm, Mulvihill adds.
Blood sugar
There is some evidence that aloe vera juice may help with blood sugar control, says Petitpain.
According to a 2022 review of earlier studies, aloe vera may help reduce fasting blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, but more trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine the ideal dosage.
“One small study that showed consuming it may help keep your blood sugar from spiking if you consume it at the beginning of a meal,” says Petitpain.
While aloe vera juice itself is low in sugar, aloe vera drinks may contain added sugars, so always read nutrition labels.
Oral health
“There is more research on using aloe vera for oral issues,” says Petitpain. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera juice may help soothe irritated gums or canker sores.
There is research to suggest aloe vera can help prevent and treat oral mucositis, a painful condition that causes inflammation and mouth ulcers, says Mulvihill. It’s a common side effect from radiation to treat head and neck cancers.
Aloe vera juice may also contain anti-fungal properties, the experts note.
Skin health
Aloe very juice is often touted for skin health. While the topical gel can soothe irritation and moisturize skin, you probably won’t get these same benefits from drinking it, the experts note.
However, the vitamin C in aloe vera juice can support skin health, says Petitpain. “Vitamin C does help your skin build collagen, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” she adds.
Aloe vera juice risks
Aloe vera juice is safe to consume for most people, unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to aloe vera, the experts note.
Any aloe vera juice that contains aloe latex (or aloin) should be avoided. “Most brands would never have that, but be aware,” says Mulvihill — and don’t blend up your own aloe leaves at home.
Aloin is not recommended for use today because it can cause severe abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhea, says Mulvihill, and may be toxic in high doses.
“The gel itself is not harmful, as long as we’re staying away from the aloin,” says Petitpain. Opt for aloe vera juice that is “decolorized” or purified, which means the aloe latex is removed, Petitpain adds.
Aloe vera may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, anti-platelet medications and other herbs.
If you have underlying conditions or take medications, talk to your doctor before trying aloe vera juice. “We also caution pregnant and breastfeeding women around any supplement,” says Petitpain.
Can you drink aloe vera juice every day?
It may be safe to drink aloe vera juice daily, in moderation. However, the experts recommend watching for side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset. If you experience an adverse reaction, stop use and talk to your doctor.
If you’re new to aloe vera juice, the experts suggest starting with a small amount. There is no established dosage, but most people can start with 1-2 ounces of pure aloe vera juice, diluted into an 8–12 ounce glass of fluids, says Petitpain.
“Be mindful of the instructions on how much to dilute it,” she adds.
Healthiest aloe vera juice
Some aloe vera juices are healthier than others. Pure aloe vera juice, which can be diluted with water or added to drinks, is the healthiest option, the experts note. Petitpain recommends adding it to sparkling water or herbal tea.
If you’re choosing between bottled aloe vera juice drinks, look for ones with:
- 100% fruit juice
- No added sugar
- Minimal ingredients
“If (you) like aloe vera juice, as long if there’s not a bunch of other stuff added to it and added sugar, there’s no problem with people trying it out,” says Mulvihill.
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