Aloe vera has been used to treat skin conditions in humans and animals for many years. Although there are a lot of personal testimonies regarding its therapeutic effects, I have not found many controlled research studies to back up the claims – until now. Dr. Mahsa Tarameshloo and colleagues conducted a study comparing aloe vera to thyroid hormone cream and silver sulfadiazine. They compared the tensile strength of skin wounds in rats after 14 days of treatment and found that aloe vera had much better tensile strength than the other two compounds.
Unfortunately, aloe can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Therefore, licking must be prevented. According to Pet Poison Control, “Aloes contain anthraquinone glycosides which are purgatives. When ingested, these glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria forming compounds that increase mucous production and water in the colon.” Other rarely observed signs include tremors and a change in the color of urine.
Sources:
-Pet Poison Helpline, ‘Aloe Vera’,
Posted inNutraceuticals