Aloe vera juice may help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the research into its efficacy is inconclusive.

Some people use aloe vera juice and other products to treat various digestive conditions, including IBS, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.

In this article, we look at whether people can use aloe vera juice to reduce the symptoms of IBS. We also consider the possible side effects.

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People can blend the green part of the aloe vera leaf to make a juice. Pure aloe vera juice can provide nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits.

The outer pulp of aloe leaves contains aloin, a plant compound with laxative qualities. Commercially available aloe vera products that people ingest cannot contain more than 10 parts per million (ppm). However, many products only contain about 1 ppm.

People may use aloe vera juice to treat the symptoms associated with IBS, such as constipation and diarrhea. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera may help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, which can contribute to IBS symptoms.

Very few studies have assessed the effectiveness of aloe vera in treating IBS symptoms.

In a 2011 study involving 110 participants with IBS, researchers were unable to find a significant difference between aloe vera drinks and a placebo substance in terms of improving quality of life.

A 2013 trial found that aloe vera had a positive effect on reducing abdominal pain and flatulence in people with IBS. However, this trial lacked a control group, meaning that it was not possible to conclude that aloe vera was responsible for the improvement in symptoms.

A 2018 review concluded that oral aloe vera products, such as drinks, gels, and pills, are safe and effective short-term treatments for IBS. However, the authors note that more high quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm any benefits that aloe vera may offer people with different IBS subtypes.

The outer pulp of aloe vera leaves contains latex. Drinks containing latex from aloe plants can cause:

The oral consumption of aloe leaf extracts for as little as 3 weeks has links to cases of acute hepatitis. Taking aloe gel and latex orally may also be unsafe during pregnancy and when nursing.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate aloe vera juice as strictly as prescription medications. As a result, a person should only purchase this product from a reputable source. Anyone experiencing side effects after drinking aloe vera juice should speak with a doctor.

IBS is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. It can cause people to experience abdominal pain, bloating, excessive flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation.

The frequency and severity of IBS symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. It is unclear what causes IBS, and the condition does not currently have a cure.

Some people with IBS may find that aloe vera juice helps ease their symptoms, but more empirical research is necessary to support the benefits of this drink. Presently, the risk of adverse side effects outweighs the possible benefits.

People who wish to try aloe vera juice for IBS symptoms should speak with a doctor first. Before consuming the juice, they should ensure that it is purified.