Is Aloin Bad for You?

Effects: The toxin is a mild gastrointestinal irritant and may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Toxin: Aloin or Barbaloin, an anthraquinone glycoside, which is present in the latex juice of the leaves. Effects: The toxin may cause gastrointestinal irritation, if consumed in large quantities.

What happens if you eat aloin?

Once ingested, aloin increases peristaltic contractions in the colon, which induces bowel movements. Aloin also prevents the colon from re-absorbing water from the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to softer stools. This effect is caused by aloin's opening of chloride channels of the colonic membrane.

Is aloin safe?

Each of these studies concluded that there were no carcinogenic effects in mice or rats. 2,3,4 "These studies provide significant data demonstrating that aloe vera products manufactured according to IASC standards for aloin content are safe," said Powell.