Botanical
Aloe Vera
Also known as: Aloe barbadensis, Inner leaf gel, Decolorized aloe, Aloe Vera Extract
Aloe vera extract contains bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, anthraquinones, and phenolic acids with traditional use in digestive and skin health. Clinical evidence is limited and mixed, with some studies supporting laxative effects but stronger data needed for most health claims.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Aloe Vera product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne EnteroMend® | 93 A | $1.40 |
| 2 | Thorne GI Relief | 88 A | $0.46 |
| 3 | Nutricost Aloe Vera Capsules | 87 A | $0.13 |
| 4 | NOW Foods Aloe Vera Gels | 84 A- | $0.19 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus | 83 A- | $0.44 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations Daily Immune | 83 A- | $1.13 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations G.I. Integrity | 82 A- | $0.70 |
| 8 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Reset PM | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 9 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Capsules with Vitamin D | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify | 77 B+ | $1.20 |
| 11 | NOW Foods ADAM Capsules | 77 B+ | $0.61 |
| 12 | NOW Foods Men's Active Sports Multi | 76 B+ | $0.66 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Aloe Vera should I take?
The typical range is 1-2 oz juice or 50-200mg gel extract daily. Short to medium term
When should I take Aloe Vera?
Before meals. Before meals.
Which form of Aloe Vera is best?
Inner leaf juice — Decolorized. Other forms in the catalog: Gel capsules, Juice, Powder extract, Gel, Latex, Capsule, Liquid.
Is Aloe Vera safe?
Commonly reported: Cramping if contains aloin, Diarrhea. Serious warnings: Whole leaf contains laxative - use inner leaf only. Long-term aloin concerning
Which Aloe Vera supplement scores highest?
Thorne EnteroMend®, at 93/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Digestive soothing
- Gut healing
- GERD support
- Digestive support
- Constipation relief
- Skin health and wound healing
- GI inflammation
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Aloe Vera reached a verdict on: 3 with a benefit, 3 with no effect, 2 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (3)
“Meta-analytic findings demonstrated that adjunctive natural products significantly enhanced probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain compared with SRP alone, with additional improvements in gingival inflammation and bleeding outcomes; however, substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies.” PMID 41828611
“Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, and spirulina were associated with beneficial effects on both lipid profiles and glycemic control.” PMID 33724587
“The results of meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences between aloe vera and control groups in alleviating pain/burning sensation at the end of the first and second month, in favor of aloe vera, but no significant differences were found at the end of the third month.” PMID 30329174
Reviews found no effect (3)
“Aloe vera and emu oil were equivalent or less effective than standard care.” PMID 33063778
“With regard to objective clinical outcomes, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups.” PMID 30329174
“Topical application of aloe vera is not an effective prevention for radiation-induced injuries and has no sunburn or suntan protection.” PMID 19218914
Not enough to say: glycemic control; overall clinical effectiveness.
1 finding from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) is not shown here.
How it works
- Soothes digestive tract
- Supports mucosal healing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Must be inner leaf
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1-2 oz juice or 50-200mg gel extract daily
- Timing
- Before meals
- With food
- Before meals
- Duration
- Short to medium term
- Special populations
- Digestive inflammation, GERD
Forms
- Inner leaf juice
- Gel capsules
- Powder extract· 70/100
- Latex· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Liquid· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Cramping if contains aloin
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (if contains aloin)
- Intestinal obstruction
Products containing Aloe Vera
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Aloe Vera on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional use with some research
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Botanical
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.