Aloe

Aloe is a plant-based therapy that some people use to treat side effects affecting the skin. These are caused by cancer and its treatment. There is not enough reliable evidence to be sure that it works.

Summary

• Aloe is a plant that looks like a cactus.

• The most well-known species is aloe vera.

• In cancer care there are reports of using it as a treatment for sore skin from radiotherapy, this is not backed up by research.

• In cancer care there are reports of using it as a treatment for inflammation of the rectum, and a sore mouth from radiotherapy, which there is not enough evidence for.

• Aloe vera can have side effects if swallowed.

Research into aloe for cancer

Aloe emodin and cells

Several studies have looked at an aloe extract called aloe emodin. One showed that it could block the growth of some head and neck cancer cells in test tubes. A recent study in 2018 showed that aloe emodin might slow down the growth of glioblastoma cells. Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer. We need more research.

Aloe and its role in difference types of cancers

A systemic review in 2015 looked at aloe and its role in different types of cancers. This means that a group of experts gather all the evidence about a particular subject. They then go through it to work out whether there is any evidence to support it. The researchers found that aloe has certain promising qualities. But, the information on some of the activities of the chemicals in aloe was lacking. They suggested we need more research.

Aloe and chronic scaring of the mouth

Oral Submucosal Fibrosis (OSMF) is chronic scarring of the mouth. It is usually linked with people who chew tobacco and betel quid. The side effects of this include:

• a burning sensation in the mouth

• limited mouth opening

• ulcers in the mouth

Studies are looking into whether aloe vera can help soothe these symptoms. However, all the studies have very small patient numbers. And the research is very limited.

A word of caution

It is understandable that you might want to try anything if you think it might help treat or cure your cancer. Only you can decide whether to use an alternative cancer therapy such as aloe.

You could harm your health if you stop your cancer treatment for an unproven treatment.

Many websites promote aloe. But no reputable scientific cancer organisations support any of these claims.

Check with your doctor before you start using aloe. They have the full picture about your care and treatment.

In Europe it is important to buy registered products under the Traditional Herbal Remedies (THR) scheme. Remedies under the scheme have a THR mark and symbol on the packaging. THR products have been through quality and safety testing.

The safety of complementary and alternative therapies

This page is due for review. We will update this as soon as possible.