Long-term Consumption of Aloe Vera May Lead to Colonic Melanosis
In response to the popular "aloe vera craze" on the market, six ministries and commissions including the Ministry of Health recently issued a notice requiring that from September 1, 2009, all aloe vera products must be labeled with the warning "This product contains aloe vera; pregnant women and infants should use with caution." This notice has left many consumers puzzled. Since aloe vera is celebrated as a beauty remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying, why have the relevant authorities issued regulations to restrict its use?
Experts explain that aloe vera is a type of bitter and cold-natured medicine. Its effects can vary depending on an individual's constitution, and consumers should not blindly use or consume large quantities of aloe vera products over a long period.
Daily consumption should not exceed 30 grams
In the "Announcement on the Labeling of Foods Containing Aloe Vera Gel" issued by six ministries and commissions including the Ministry of Health, new regulations have been made for the labeling of foods containing Aloe Vera Gel (Barbadensis Miller). The announcement states that only Aloe Vera Gel (Barbadensis Miller) can be used in food production and processing. This new food ingredient, derived from the gelatinous pulp of the edible portion of Aloe Vera (Barbadensis Miller) leaves, can be used in various foods, but the daily consumption should not exceed 30 grams. It is also unsuitable for pregnant women and infants. Furthermore, starting from September 1 of the same year, all such products must be labeled with the warning "This product contains aloe vera; pregnant women and infants should use with caution."
Aloe Vera Product Labeling Remains Non-compliant
Despite the clear announcement from the six ministries and commissions, many consumers are unaware of the regulations restricting the use of aloe vera. An investigation by reporters found that on the packaging of related products such as aloe vera capsules, aloe vera yogurt, and aloe vera masks, some lacked the required warning, while others had the warning in very small print or with "vague" wording, leading some consumers to mistakenly believe that aloe vera can be consumed or used like ordinary food or beauty products.
Yesterday, in a large supermarket on Gonghexin Road, a dazzling array of products containing aloe vera was on display, including aloe vera yogurt, aloe vera jelly, and aloe vera health supplements. In addition to food, many shampoos, body washes, and cosmetics also advertised "aloe vera extract" or "aloe vera gel" on their packaging. On the outer packaging of some aloe vera masks and capsules, while the effects of "hydrating, restoring skin elasticity, and reducing dark spots" were described, there were no relevant warnings. Some products only noted that "severe allergic individuals should stop use immediately."
On the packaging of a certain brand of aloe vera yogurt, the entire outer packaging had no warnings related to aloe vera or its quantity. Another brand's "Aloe + Kiwi Sour Milk" also lacked any warnings or information about the amount of aloe vera added. Furthermore, although some aloe vera yogurt packaging stated "unsuitable for: pregnant women, infants," the font for the warning was extremely small.
In a beauty and skincare store in Changning District, a reporter pointed to the various aloe vera masks and moisturizing creams on the shelf and asked a salesperson: "Are there any precautions to take when using these aloe vera products?" The salesperson replied: "They are very safe; these products can moisturize and provide sun protection."
Long-term, High Consumption Can Have the Opposite Effect
"In fact, aloe vera contains anthraquinone substances, which are a type of stimulant laxative. Long-term consumption can easily lead to dependency and even cause colonic melanosis," a Traditional Chinese Medicine expert told reporters. "Consuming excessive amounts of aloe vera can also easily cause stomach pain. For consumers who want to use aloe vera for constipation, excessive consumption might even worsen the symptoms." The expert noted that pharmacological research has confirmed that aloe vera does have heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, with unique benefits in areas like beauty. However, aloe vera is a bitter and cold-natured medicine, and its effects can vary by individual's constitution. People with a weaker constitution or who are prone to allergies should use it with caution, and pregnant women should strictly avoid it.