There are potential anticancer benefits of aloe vera. The potential for natural cancer therapy with supplements like aloe vera and melatonin has been suggested and these substances, called immunomodulants, may benefit certain forms of cancer.
Aloe vera a natural laxative that can also help ease ulcers, indigestion, heartburn and diverticula disorders.
Dried latex from the inner lining of aloe leaves has been used traditionally as a laxative taken by mouth.
Limited evidence from human studies suggests that 0.5% extract from Aloe vera in a hydrophilic cream may be an effective treatment of genital herpes in men (better than aloe gel or placebo).
Evidence from one human trial suggests that 0.5% extract from aloe in a hydrophilic cream is an effective treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
One study using 30% aloe lotion suggests effectiveness for treating seborrheic dermatitis when applied to the skin twice daily for 4-6 weeks.
There is preliminary evidence from a small case-control study that oral aloe may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
There is weak evidence from two studies that treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers of the mouth with aloe gel may reduce pain and increase the amount of time between the appearance of new ulcers.
Laboratory studies show that aloe can stimulate insulin release from the pancreas and can lower blood glucose levels in mice.
Acemannan, a component of aloe gel, has been shown in laboratory tests to have immune-stimulating and anti-viral activities.