Most people probably associate aloe vera with the treatment of burns, scrapes and minor cuts. Although there is scant clinical evidence to support the healing properties of aloe vera, says the University Of Michigan Health System (UMHS) website, it can be found in hundreds of products---facial tissues to lip balm, and even in shampoo. But what about the claim that drinking aloe vera juice can help you lose weight?
What is Aloe Vera Juice?
Most commercially manufactured aloe vera juice is made from the clear, gel-like sap inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant. You can buy aloe vera juice online, at vitamin stores such as GNC, health food stores and natural-food grocery chains like Whole Foods. Aloe vera plants are very easy to grow, and can be found anywhere potted plants are sold. It has a bitter taste on its own, so most recipes call for the sap to be diluted with fruit juice.
The Claims
According to the American Chronicle website, aloe vera can "reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells" to increase the amount of calories burned. The website goes on to say that daily doses of aloe vera juice is akin to "doing multiple workouts throughout the week." Many manufacturers of aloe vera juice make similar claims, says the nonprofit Quackwatch website.
The Science
Aloe vera juice has been clinically proven as an effective laxative since the 1980s, says the Mayo Clinic. According to the UMHS website, a 1996 study published in Phytomedicine indicated that aloe vera can improve blood glucose levels in diabetics, but more studies are needed. The Mayo Clinic points to early evidence that aloe vera might be effective in treating psoriasis, dandruff and canker sores, but says additional research is necessary before a conclusion can be made.
Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic website, there have been reports that high doses of aloe---meaning more than the manufacturer recommended dose of commercially-produced product, or more than a half cup a day of homemade juice---can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances. Because of the strong laxative effect, it should not be not be given to children, those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or to pregnant or nursing women. The Mayo Clinic also cautions that people who are allergic to onions, garlic or tulips may react similarly to aloe vera.
The Bottom Line
As of September 2009, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that aloe vera juice has any measurable effect on weight loss.
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