Aloe Vera & Crohn's Disease

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with medicinal properties.

Crohn's Disease is a painful, chronic inflammatory bowel condition that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, pain, blood in the stool, ulcers and weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic staff. Research suggests that aloe vera, also known as aloe, may offer relief to some symptoms.

Research

Each aloe leaf contains a gel that can be used topically or internally.

In 2004, a British research team conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis, which was published in the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics journal. The study concluded that aloe vera taken orally for four weeks was more effective than placebo, reduced the disease activity and was safe for patients.

Considerations

Despite the promising research, Crohn's patients should approach aloe vera with caution, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. The Foundation explains that because aloe vera is a mild laxative, it possibly could interfere with nutrient absorption and aloe vera's immune-boosting properties possibly could exacerbate Crohn's symptoms.

Warning

Patients with diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking aloe vera.

If you decide to try an aloe vera supplement, the staff at the Mayo Clinic recommends that individuals with the following medical conditions should avoid aloe vera: diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and electrolyte abnormalities. The laxative effect of aloe can cause loss of electrolytes, as well as intestinal cramping; and some studies suggest that aloe vera taken by mouth can reduce blood sugar, according to the staff at the Mayo Clinic.

Dosage

The appropriate dosage of aloe vera depends on the consistency of a patient's stools, according to Virginia Harper and Tom Monte, authors of "Controlling Crohn's Disease: The Natural Way." Harper and Monte recommend taking 2 to 4 oz. of gel a day if stools are runny, and 4 to 6 oz. a day if the stools are hard.

Expert Insight

Ask you doctor about complementary alternative treatments that can improve your symptoms.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America recommends that you tell your doctor if you engage in any complementary therapies for Crohn's disease. Complementary therapies can work in conjunction with medical treatment to help ease symptoms and increase the patient's quality of life, according to the foundation.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Crohn's Disease
• "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Aloe Vera Gel for Active Ulcerative Colitis"; Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Vol. 19; 2004;
• The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Alternative Therapies for Crohn's Disease
• Mayo Clinic: Aloe Vera
• "Controlling Crohn's Disease: The Natural Way"; Kensington PUblishing Corp.; 2002