The aloins contained in curaçao aloe have a laxative effect. The actual effective form is aloeemodin, which is formed in the large intestine by cleavage of aloin by means of certain cellular or bacterial enzymes. The cleavage products directly inhibit certain transporters of the intestinal mucosa, which leads to a reduced transport of sodium and water from the intestine into the blood (antiresorptive) and to an increased transport of chloride from the blood into the intestine (secretagogue). Thus, there is an overall increase in volume and water content of the stool.
Aloe vera: side effects
When taking aloe preparations, gastrointestinal complaints with seizures occur rarely. In this case, the dose should be reduced.
Overdose may cause loss of electrolytes, especially potassium, and subsequently cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Furthermore, albuminuria and hematuria (increased occurrence of albumin or red blood cells in the urine) as well as harmless pigment deposits in the intestinal mucosa are possible.
Aloe vera drug interactions
Chronic use may cause potassium deficiency to potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides and to interfere with the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs. The loss of potassium may be intensified by concomitant use of thiazide diuretics, adrenocortical steroids, and also licorice root.
