Aloe vera

USED IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Although topical use of A.vera is unlikely to be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding, oral use is not recommended due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions that can trigger miscarriage. It is not known whether active ingredients of aloe may be present in breast milk. The dried juice of aloe leaves should not be consumed by breastfeeding mothers. Nursing mothers should not take aloe latex either because the effects and safety for infants and children are not known .

Age Limitations:

Neonates/Adolescents

Aloe taken orally should not be prescribed to children under 12 years of age. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia or kidney disease. However, topical use is common and tolerated.


Geriatrics

Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia or kidney disease.

INTERACTION WITH DRUGS

Aloe appeared to interact with the general anesthetic sevoflurane . A preliminary study involving 18 people found that Aloe vera increased the absorption of vitamins C and E . Aloe latex will decrease the effectiveness of any medication taken at the same time, as it is a laxative, and will cause any ingested medication to move through the digestive system too quickly to be effective.

Anti-diabetic Medications

The combination of Aloe vera and glyburide, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, may help control blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood . People with diabetes who use aloe latex either alone or in combination with other medications must be monitored closely by health care providers to avoid potential complications from low blood sugar levels.

Anticancer Medications

Taken together, the herbal anthraquinone aloe-emodin can downregulate the anticancer activity of cisplatin by blocking the activation of ERK in tumor cells .

Hydrocortisone

Aloe gel may enhance the ability of hydrocortisone to reduce swelling

Digoxin and Diuretics

Because oral aloe can decrease levels of potassium, aloe latex should not be used by individuals taking diuretics or digoxin (a medication used to treat irregular heart rhythms and congestive heart failure). These medications lower potassium levels in the body, so a combination of aloe and digoxin or diuretics can result in dangerously low levels of this important mineral .

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER HERBS / HERBAL CONSTITUENTS

Low levels of potassium (due to oral aloe) could interfere with cardiac glycosides as well as affect other antiarrhythmic agents. Potassium deficiency can be exacerbated by simultaneous applications of thiazide diuretics, cortico-adrenal steroids or licorice root

CONTRAINDICATIONS

People with known allergy to garlic, onions, tulips, or other plants of the Liliaceae family may have allergic reactions to aloe

Aloe is contraindicated (in individuals with) hemorrhoids, heart conditions, and kidney disorders. Likely unsafe for use during pregnancy because aloe can induce abortions and stimulate menstruation. Aloe is contraindicated when menstruating, due to possible stimulation of endometrial activity.

Aloe latex should not be taken internally if the following drugs are also taken: digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics, steroids, drugs for irregular heartbeat, and drugs that cause potassium loss

Aloe taken orally may cause blood sugar levels to become too low, especially if combined with blood sugar medications

SIDE EFFECTS

The side effects A. vera are normally minor and for a person not on medication or suffering from a medical condition should be able to use Aloe vera without problems. However, it is advisable before using anything for a medical purpose to know the side effects. The following are the side effects one can experience when using Aloe vera:

- electrolyte loss

- can delay healing of major wounds

- can color urine pink when taken internally

- fluid imbalance

- intestinal cramps

Most of these side effects only occurring when a person overdoses or uses Aloe vera for too long.Side effects of Aloe vera are minimal compared to many other medicines on the market. Aloe vera is a herbal, natural method and when used properly will cause no side effects.