Aloe marlothii (Aloe marlothii): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Aloe marlothii work as a laxative?

Aloe marlothii latex contains anthraquinone glycosides, specifically aloin and barbaloin. These compounds function as stimulant laxatives by increasing intestinal water secretion and stimulating colonic motility. Once ingested, gut bacteria metabolize these glycosides into active aglycones, which trigger peristalsis. This mechanism is well-established for aloe species, though specific clinical trials for Aloe marlothii are limited (Evidence Level C).

Is Aloe marlothii safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Aloe marlothii is contraindicated during pregnancy. The latex portion of the leaf contains anthraquinones that stimulate uterine contractions, potentially causing miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, the laxative effects can cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances which are dangerous during gestation. It should be strictly avoided by pregnant women and those breastfeeding (Evidence Level C/D).

What is the recommended dosage for Aloe marlothii?

For constipation relief, the adult dosage of Aloe marlothii latex should provide approximately 20mg of aloin per day. It is crucial to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects like cramping. For topical wound healing, the fresh gel can be applied liberally to the affected area. Internal use should be short-term only (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

Does Aloe marlothii interact with any medications?

Yes, the latex of Aloe marlothii interacts with several drug classes. Because it induces potassium loss through laxative action, it can potentiate cardiac glycosides like digoxin and antiarrhythmic agents. It may also enhance the potassium-depleting effects of thiazide diuretics and corticosteroids. Concurrent use with other stimulant laxatives increases the risk of electrolyte disturbances (Evidence Level C).

What are the traditional uses of Aloe marlothii?

Traditionally, Swazi and Zulu healers utilize Aloe marlothii for both digestive and dermatological conditions. The bitter leaf latex is employed as a potent laxative for constipation, while the inner gel is applied topically to treat wounds, burns, and skin inflammation. These uses align with the plant's documented anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 19 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Aloe marlothii is a southern African plant used in traditional medicine for various human and veterinary ailments [PMID:35850311, PMID:17058439]. It has demonstrated in vitro activities including glucose absorption stimulation and skin permeation enhancement [PMID:39683116, PMID:25196486].

Background

Aloe marlothii A.Berger (Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a plant indigenous to southern African countries [PMID:35850311].

Traditional uses

In traditional medicine, aqueous preparations are used to treat hypertension, respiratory infections, venereal diseases, chest pain, sore throat, and malaria [PMID:35850311]. It is used by Bapedi traditional healers to manage diabetes mellitus [PMID:22430018] and gonorrhoea [PMID:23983396]. In veterinary contexts, it is used to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats [PMID:35189866].

Active compounds

Leaf exudate contains chromones (7-O-methylaloeresin A) and anthrones (5-hydroxyaloin A 6'-O-acetate) [PMID:11140530]. The species contains linolenic and linoleic acids as major polyunsaturated fatty acids [PMID:33292458]. Nectars exhibit high total amino acid concentrations, sometimes exceeding 100 mM [PMID:17768661].

Mechanism of action

Plant extracts stimulate glucose absorption by skeletal muscle cells by affecting major genes in insulin signaling pathways, including the translocation of GLUT-4 and expression of GLUT-1 [PMID:39683116]. Leaf gel materials can act as chemical permeation enhancers, increasing the partitioning of drugs like ketoprofen into the skin [PMID:25196486] and showing synergism with Aloe vera and Aloe ferox in reducing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in Caco-2 cell monolayers [PMID:25939330].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DSkin Hydration

A. marlothii gel hydrated the skin after a single application, but multiple applications exhibited dehydration effects [PMID:24991119]

Evidence BTick Burdens (Cattle)

Oral administration of a decoction of pulverized leaves had no significant effect on the total or daily numbers of engorged female Boophilus decoloratus ticks [PMID:17342347]

Evidence DEhrlichia ruminantium (In vitro)

Acetone extracts demonstrated anti-ehrlichial activity with an EC50 of 64.5 microg/ml [PMID:17058439]

Evidence DGastrointestinal Nematodes (In vitro)

Fresh cold-water extracts showed a linear relationship between larvae mortality and extract concentration (P < 0.05) [PMID:33913023]

Evidence DDiabetes (In vitro)

Extracts stimulated glucose absorption by skeletal muscle cells [PMID:39683116]

Safety & adverse effects

In vitro studies on human hepatocellular (HepG2), neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), and adenocarcinoma epithelial (HeLa) cells showed that aloe gel materials only decreased cell viability at concentrations >10 mg/mL, with CC(50) values above 1000 mg/mL [PMID:24111784].

Drug interactions

Both A. marlothii gel and whole leaf materials were found to inhibit the efflux of cimetidine across rat intestinal tissue [PMID:24143044].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies (D) and limited animal/human pilot data (B/D), focusing on phytochemical characterization and permeability enhancement. There are no high-level clinical trials (A) provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 25939330 (2016) — Combining Chemical Permeation Enhancers for Synergistic Effects. · European journal of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics
2.PMID: 25196486 (2015) — Skin permeation enhancement effects of the gel and whole-leaf materials of Aloe vera, Aloe marlothii and Aloe ferox. · The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
3.PMID: 35850311 (2022) — In vitro dual activity of Aloe marlothii roots and its chemical constituents against Plasmodium falciparum asexual and sexual stage parasites. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 39683116 (2024) — Evaluation of the Potential Hypoglycaemic Properties of Mimusops zeyheri Sond. and Aloe marlothii A.Berger, Two Plants Used by Traditional Healers in South Africa. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 24991119 (2014) — In Vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications.

Aloe marlothii

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Aloe marlothii