Indications
Aloe ferox (Cape aloe) is a herbal ingredient made from the dried juice of the leaves of a South African aloe plant. It is traditionally used as a stimulant laxative for the short term relief of occasional constipation. It is often combined with other herbs, such as fennel, in herbal laxative preparations. It is not meant for long term use, and scientific evidence beyond its laxative effect is limited.
How It Works
The dried leaf juice contains natural compounds called anthraquinones (such as aloin). In the large intestine these are activated by gut bacteria and stimulate the bowel wall, increasing movement of the gut and drawing water into the stool. This softens the stool and usually produces a bowel movement 6 to 12 hours after a dose.
Dosage and Administration
Take by mouth as directed on the label or by a registered practitioner, usually once a day at bedtime. Use the smallest amount that gives a soft stool. Drink plenty of water. Do not use for more than 1 to 2 weeks without medical advice. Not for children under 12 years.
Interactions
- Long use can lower potassium levels, which increases the risk of side effects with Digoxin, antiarrhythmic medicines, diuretics (water tablets such as Furosemide or Hydrochlorothiazide) and steroids such as Prednisolone.
- It may reduce absorption of other medicines taken at the same time by speeding gut transit; leave a gap of at least 2 hours.
- Do not combine with other laxatives unless advised.
Contraindications
Do not use if you have bowel blockage, unexplained stomach pain, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis), severe dehydration, haemorrhoids that bleed, or kidney problems. Do not use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in children under 12 years.
Side Effects
Stomach cramps and griping pain, diarrhoea, and harmless red or brown colouring of the urine. Long term or heavy use can cause loss of water and salts (especially potassium), muscle weakness, a lazy bowel that depends on laxatives, and darkening of the bowel lining.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe stomach pain, bleeding from the rectum, severe or bloody diarrhoea, signs of dehydration (very little urine, dizziness, confusion), muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy, as stimulant laxatives can stimulate the womb. Do not use while breastfeeding, as active compounds may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhoea in the baby.
Precautions and Warnings
- It is a potent herb: use only for short periods.
- Try more fibre, fluids and exercise first for constipation.
- See a doctor if constipation lasts more than 2 weeks, or if bowel habits change suddenly, especially after age 50.
- Elderly people are more prone to dehydration and low potassium.
Overdose
Too much can cause severe cramps, watery diarrhoea, dehydration and dangerous loss of potassium. Get medical help straight away, especially for children or the elderly.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal stimulant laxative (anthraquinone containing herb).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.