Safety and side effects

Experts believe aloe gel is safe when put on the skin using directions. It might be safe to take small doses by mouth for a short time.

Taking aloe latex or whole-leaf extract by mouth may be unsafe. It's likely unsafe in high doses. Taking 1 gram a day of aloe latex for a few days can cause short-term kidney failure. It can be fatal.

Aloe latex also might cause cancer. Other side effects include stomach cramps and loose stools. Children younger than age 12 should not take aloe latex and whole-leaf extract by mouth.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use aloe in either form.