Aloe leaf extract has been used for thousands of years to promote the health of epithelial tissue, including the bowel lining. Aloe is one of a class of compounds called anthraquinone glycosides. When ingested, these molecules are activated through bacterial metabolism in the gut. They promote water retention in the stool and stimulate peristalsis in the large intestine. By stimulating active chloride secretion, aloe increases the water and electrolyte content in the stool^[1-4] and eases its passage without the artificial additives and associated cramping common to other therapies.

Despite the lack of published studies, aloe preparations have been in the United States Pharmacopoeia for over 100 years. Anecdotal evidence suggests aloe vera supports normal inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. A 2011 animal study showed aloe to have stool softening properties in a 200 mg/kg of body weight.^[5] A randomized, double-blind trial found aloe increased bowel transit time, improved protein digestion and absorption, increased stool bulk and promoted balanced stool bacteria in those with bowel irritability.^[6]

1. Yagi T et al. The synergistic purgative action of aloe-emodin anthrone and rhein anthrone in mice: synergism in large intestinal propulsion and water secretion. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997; 49(1):22-5.
2. Yagi T et al. Synergistic effects of anthraquinones on the purgative activity of rhein anthrone in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999; 51(1):93-5.
3. Ishii Y et al. Studies of aloe. VI. Cathartic effect of isobarbaloin. Biol Pharm Bull 1998; 21(11):1226-7.
4. Akao T et al. A purgative action of barbaloin is induced by Eubacterium sp. Strain BAR, a human intestinal anaerobe, capable of transforming barbaloin to aloe-emodin anthrone. Biol Pharm Bull. 1996 Jan;19(1):136-8.
5. Wintola OA, Sunmonu TO, Afolayan AJ. The effect of Aloe ferox Mill. in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats. BMC Gastroenterol. 2010 Aug 19;10:95.
6. Davis K, et. al. Randomised double-blind placebo- controlled trial of aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Sep;60(9):1080-6.