Herb Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)

Lu Hui

Aloe · 芦荟

Aloe barbadensis Mill. / Aloe ferox Mill. · Aloe

Also known as: Aloe Vera

Lu Hui (Aloe) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Aloe (Lú Huì) is a potent cooling purgative used in Chinese medicine to relieve constipation caused by excess internal Heat, particularly when accompanied by Liver-related symptoms like headaches, irritability, and red eyes. It is also traditionally used to treat intestinal parasites and childhood nutritional impairment. Taken in pill or capsule form (never boiled in a decoction), it is not for everyday use and is avoided by people with weak or cold digestion and during pregnancy.

Category Purgatives (攻下药)
Therapeutic focus Constipation Relief Liver Health Digestive Health Skin Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels entered

Liver, Large Intestine, Stomach

Parts used

Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Lu Hui does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Lu Hui is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Constipation Relief Liver Health Digestive Health Skin Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Lu Hui performs to restore balance in the body:

Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels Clears Liver Fire Kills parasites and treats childhood nutritional impairment

How these actions work

Purges Heat and unblocks the bowels (泻下通便): Lú Huì is intensely bitter and cold, giving it a strong downward-draining action through the Large Intestine. It clears accumulated Heat from the intestines to relieve constipation, particularly when constipation is accompanied by signs of internal Heat such as irritability, red eyes, or insomnia. It is typically taken in pill or powder form rather than decoctions, and its purgative strength is comparable to Dà Huáng (rhubarb).

Clears Liver Fire (清肝泻火): This is what distinguishes Lú Huì from many other purgative herbs. It has a strong affinity for the Liver channel and is especially effective at draining excess Fire from the Liver. When Liver Fire blazes upward, it can cause headaches, dizziness, red eyes, tinnitus, irritability, and even convulsions or mania. By clearing this Fire and simultaneously opening the bowels (a strategy called "pulling the firewood from beneath the cauldron"), Lú Huì addresses both the root and the symptoms of Liver Fire patterns.

Kills parasites and treats childhood nutritional impairment (杀虫疗疳): Lú Huì has a traditional use for intestinal parasites, particularly roundworm, and the resulting nutritional impairment in children (a condition called 疳积 gān jī, characterized by a distended abdomen, wasted body, yellowish complexion, and poor appetite). For this purpose, it is often combined with herbs like Shǐ Jūn Zǐ (Quisqualis fruit) that also expel parasites. Applied topically, it can also treat skin conditions like ringworm and scabies.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Lu Hui is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Lu Hui addresses this pattern

Lú Huì is bitter and cold, which gives it a powerful downward-draining quality that directly purges accumulated Heat from the Large Intestine. Its bitter taste descends and dries, while its cold nature clears the Heat that has caused the intestinal fluids to dry out and stool to become hard. This makes it well suited for constipation patterns where excess Heat is the primary driver, especially when signs of Heat are also affecting the Heart and Liver (irritability, restlessness, insomnia).

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Constipation

Hard, dry stools from intestinal Heat accumulation

Irritability

Restlessness and irritability from internal Heat

Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping due to Heat disturbing the spirit

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Lu Hui is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Intestinal Heat with Constipation Liver Fire Blazing

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, constipation is not a single condition but arises from multiple patterns. The type most relevant to Lú Huì is constipation from excess Heat in the Stomach and Large Intestine. Here, internal Heat dries out the intestinal fluids, making the stool hard and difficult to pass. This Heat often comes from or is worsened by Liver Fire, which is why the person may also feel irritable, have headaches, or sleep poorly. The key diagnostic clue for this type of constipation is the presence of clear Heat signs: a red tongue with yellow coating, a strong or rapid pulse, and accompanying symptoms like bad breath, a feeling of heat in the body, and dark urine.

Why Lu Hui Helps

Lú Huì is bitter and cold, which directly opposes the excess Heat drying out the intestines. Its bitter taste has a natural downward-draining direction that promotes bowel movement, while its cold temperature clears the Heat that caused the problem. What makes Lú Huì especially useful compared to other purgatives is its strong Liver-clearing ability. Because the Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body (including the intestines), clearing Liver Fire with Lú Huì can help restore normal intestinal movement. The herb contains anthraquinone compounds like aloin, which modern research has shown reduce water reabsorption in the colon and soften stool.

Also commonly used for

Dizziness

From Liver Fire or Liver Yang rising

Parasitic Infestation

Intestinal parasites, especially roundworm in children

Ringworm

Applied topically for skin parasites

Hemorrhoids

From intestinal Heat accumulation

Hepatitis

Used in small doses to guide Heat-clearing herbs to the Liver

Keratitis

Topical application for itchy, weeping skin lesions

Seizures

Childhood convulsions from extreme Liver Heat

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered

Liver Large Intestine Stomach

Parts Used

Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Lu Hui — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

2-5g

Maximum dosage

Do not exceed 5g. Standard therapeutic range is 2-5g in pill or powder form. Higher doses risk severe griping, diarrhea, and dangerous electrolyte depletion.

Dosage notes

Lu Hui is typically used at 2-5g and is best taken in pill or powder (capsule) form, not in decoction. For mild constipation with Liver heat, lower doses of 1-2g may suffice. For more severe heat-type constipation with pronounced Liver fire symptoms, doses approaching 5g may be used. When combined with Zhu Sha (cinnabar) in the classical formula Geng Yi Wan, the Lu Hui dose is typically moderate. For childhood malnutrition (gan ji), it is used in small amounts within compound formulas. External use for skin conditions (ringworm, eczema) uses appropriate amounts of powdered herb applied topically. Duration of internal use should be kept short to avoid laxative dependence and electrolyte disturbance.

Preparation

Lu Hui should NOT be decocted. It is used in pill (wan) or powder (san) form, typically ground and placed into capsules or formed into pills. This is because heat from decoction can degrade the active anthraquinone glycosides and its resinous nature makes it poorly suited to water extraction. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia specifies: "宜入丸散" (suitable for pills and powders). For external use, it is ground into fine powder and applied directly to the affected area or mixed with a small amount of liquid.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Lu Hui for enhanced therapeutic effect

Zhu Sha
Zhu Sha Lú Huì 21g : Zhū Shā 15g (approximately 7:5)

Lú Huì purges Heat and unblocks constipation while Zhū Shā (cinnabar) is heavy and sinking, calming the spirit and settling the Heart. Together they clear Fire from both the intestines and the Heart, treating constipation that comes with restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. This is the pairing in the classical formula Gēng Yī Wán.

When to use: When intestinal Heat constipation is accompanied by Heart Fire symptoms: restlessness, insomnia, irritability, and disturbed sleep.

Long Dan Cao
Long Dan Cao 1:1

Both herbs are bitter and cold with a strong affinity for the Liver channel. Lóng Dǎn Cǎo (gentian root) is one of the most powerful Liver Fire-clearing herbs, while Lú Huì adds purgative action to drain the Fire downward through the bowels. Together they provide a top-to-bottom clearing of Liver-Gallbladder Fire that neither achieves as effectively alone.

When to use: Liver-Gallbladder excess Fire with headache, red eyes, irritability, rib-side pain, constipation, and dark urine. This is the core pairing in Dāng Guī Lóng Huì Wán.

Shi Jun Zi
Shi Jun Zi Equal parts (1:1), ground into powder

Shǐ Jūn Zǐ (Quisqualis fruit) is one of the most effective anti-parasitic herbs, particularly for roundworm. Paired with Lú Huì, which also kills parasites and simultaneously purges the bowels, the two work together to kill intestinal worms and expel them through the stool.

When to use: Childhood parasitic infections (especially roundworm) causing abdominal pain, poor appetite, and nutritional impairment.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature Lu Hui in a prominent role

Dang Gui Long Hui Wan 当归龙荟丸 King

This major formula from the Dān Xī Xīn Fǎ uses Lú Huì as one of the King herbs alongside Lóng Dǎn Cǎo and Dà Huáng to drain intense Liver-Gallbladder Fire. Classical commentaries note that Lú Huì's strong penetrating odor guides the other herbs into the Liver channel, showcasing its unique role as both a Liver Fire drain and a channel-guiding substance.

Bu Dai Wan 布袋丸 Deputy

In this anti-parasitic formula, Lú Huì serves as Deputy, leveraging its ability to kill intestinal parasites (especially roundworm) and purge them from the body through its laxative effect. This highlights its secondary but clinically important action of treating childhood nutritional impairment from parasites.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Da Huang
Lu Hui vs Da Huang

Both are bitter, cold purgatives used for Heat-type constipation. However, Dà Huáng (rhubarb) is far more versatile: it also invigorates Blood, clears toxic Heat, and is used in many more clinical contexts. Lú Huì's distinctive strength is its specific affinity for the Liver channel and its ability to clear Liver Fire, making it the better choice when constipation is driven by Liver Fire (headaches, red eyes, irritability). Dà Huáng is preferred for general excess Heat constipation, Blood stasis, and toxic sores.

Fan Xie Ye
Lu Hui vs Fan Xie Ye

Both are cold purgatives for Heat-type constipation. Fān Xiè Yè (senna leaf) works quickly and is often used for acute or habitual constipation, and it also mobilizes water, making it useful for abdominal distension with fluid accumulation. Lú Huì is slower-acting but has the added benefit of clearing Liver Fire and killing parasites. Choose Fān Xiè Yè for simple acute constipation; choose Lú Huì when Liver Heat signs are prominent.

Identity & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Lu Hui

The two official pharmacopoeia species (Aloe barbadensis and Aloe ferox) have distinct properties and different minimum aloin content requirements, so substitution of one for the other matters clinically. Cape aloe (Xin Lu Hui) has a stronger purgative action than Curaçao aloe (Lao Lu Hui). Commonly, fresh Aloe vera leaf gel (used in cosmetics and food products) is confused with the concentrated dried latex that constitutes the actual TCM medicinal Lu Hui. The fresh gel is much milder and lacks the strong purgative action of the dried latex concentrate. They are fundamentally different products with different therapeutic actions. Other Aloe species may be substituted, particularly Aloe arborescens (tree aloe), which has different chemical profiles and potency. Adulteration with cheaper synthetic laxatives or dilution with non-aloe plant resins has been reported in commercial preparations.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Lu Hui

Non-toxic

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia classifies Lu Hui as non-toxic at standard doses, though the Ben Jing Feng Yuan historically noted slight toxicity. The primary active purgative compounds are anthraquinone glycosides, chiefly aloin (barbaloin), which is metabolized in the large intestine into aloe-emodin-9-anthrone and aloe-emodin. These compounds stimulate intestinal peristalsis and inhibit water reabsorption. At excessive doses, aloin can cause severe griping, intestinal cramps, watery diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance (particularly potassium depletion). Prolonged use (beyond 8-10 days continuously) may damage the intestinal nerve plexus and smooth muscle, leading to loss of normal peristalsis and laxative dependence. Rare cases of acute toxic hepatitis and renal failure have been reported with very high oral doses of aloe preparations. Safety is maintained by using standard doses (2-5g), avoiding prolonged use, and preferring pill or powder forms rather than decoction.

Contraindications

Situations where Lu Hui should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Pregnancy: Lu Hui is a strong purgative with bitter, cold properties that can stimulate uterine contractions and promote downward movement of Qi. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia explicitly states that pregnant women should use this herb with caution.

Avoid

Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold with loose stools or diarrhea: Lu Hui is extremely bitter and cold, and will further damage a weakened digestive system. As the Ben Cao Hui Yan states, it should not be used when there is internal deficiency with diarrhea and poor appetite.

Caution

Hemorrhoids with active bleeding: although Lu Hui can be used topically for hemorrhoids, internal use in cases of hemorrhoidal bleeding may worsen the condition due to its strong purgative action and congestion of the pelvic area.

Caution

Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding: Lu Hui has emmenagogue properties and can increase menstrual flow. Internal use should be avoided during heavy periods.

Caution

Known allergy to plants of the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, tulips): allergic individuals may have cross-reactivity.

Caution

Long-term or chronic use beyond 8-10 days: prolonged use of anthraquinone-containing purgatives may lead to electrolyte depletion (especially potassium), dependence, and damage to intestinal smooth muscle and nerve plexus function.

Caution

Gastrointestinal inflammation or inflammatory bowel disease: the irritant laxative action of aloe latex can aggravate intestinal mucosal inflammation.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia explicitly states that pregnant women should use Lu Hui with caution (孕妇慎用). However, given its strong purgative action and historical classification as an emmenagogue (a substance that promotes menstrual flow), most clinical authorities treat this as an absolute contraindication during pregnancy. The anthraquinone compounds (particularly aloin) can stimulate uterine contractions and intestinal peristalsis via prostaglandin-dependent mechanisms, posing a risk of miscarriage. The WHO has noted that use of Aloe vera as a laxative during pregnancy may pose potential teratogenic and toxicological effects on the embryo and fetus.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended during breastfeeding. Anthraquinone compounds from Lu Hui (particularly aloin and its metabolites) are excreted into breast milk and can act as a purgative in the nursing infant, potentially causing diarrhea and colic in the baby. Multiple pharmacological references document this transfer effect. If a breastfeeding mother requires treatment for constipation, safer alternatives should be considered.

Children

Lu Hui has a long history of use in pediatric medicine, particularly for childhood malnutrition syndromes (gan ji) caused by parasitic infections. However, modern safety considerations advise caution. Some Western pharmacological references contraindicate anthraquinone stimulant laxatives in children under 12 due to risk of electrolyte and fluid depletion. In TCM pediatric practice, Lu Hui is typically used in very small doses within compound formulas (such as Lu Hui Fei Er Wan) rather than as a standalone herb. Dosage should be significantly reduced for children, generally to one-third to one-half of the adult dose depending on age, and duration of use should be strictly limited. Supervision by an experienced practitioner is essential.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Lu Hui

  • Cardiac glycosides (digoxin): Lu Hui's purgative action can cause potassium depletion through intestinal fluid loss. Low potassium levels significantly increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, potentially causing dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Concurrent use should be avoided.
  • Diuretics (thiazides, loop diuretics): Both Lu Hui and diuretics deplete potassium. Combined use can cause dangerous hypokalemia (low potassium), with risk of muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, and other complications.
  • Diabetes medications (metformin, glipizide, insulin): Aloe vera gel components may lower blood glucose levels. When taken alongside diabetes medications, there is a risk of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).
  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Lu Hui may alter warfarin absorption by accelerating gastrointestinal transit. It also contains salicylate compounds with antiplatelet effects. Combined use may unpredictably affect anticoagulation, either increasing bleeding risk or reducing drug effectiveness.
  • Other oral medications: The purgative action of Lu Hui can decrease the body's absorption of other drugs taken by mouth, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Allow adequate time separation if co-administration is necessary.
  • Sevoflurane (anesthetic): Case reports suggest possible interaction leading to excessive bleeding during surgery, likely due to combined antiplatelet effects. Lu Hui should be discontinued well before any planned surgery.
  • Corticosteroids: Combined use may worsen potassium depletion, as both corticosteroids and stimulant laxatives can reduce potassium levels.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Lu Hui

While taking Lu Hui internally, avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods, as these can further burden the digestive system already being stimulated by the purgative action. Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration from the laxative effect. Avoid alcohol, as it can compound the risk of liver irritation. Foods rich in potassium (bananas, sweet potatoes, leafy greens) may help offset potassium losses from the purgative action. Avoid concurrent consumption of other strong laxative foods or supplements (such as senna tea) to prevent excessive purging.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Lu Hui source plant

Lu Hui is derived from succulent perennial plants of the genus Aloe, primarily Aloe barbadensis Miller (Curaçao aloe, also called "old aloe" or Lao Lu Hui) and Aloe ferox Miller (Cape aloe, also called "new aloe" or Xin Lu Hui). These plants belong to the Liliaceae (Lily) family. They form large, thick, fleshy rosettes of leaves that are lance-shaped, with spiny or toothed margins. The leaves vary in color from grey-green to bright green and are filled with a clear mucilaginous gel. The flowers are tubular and typically yellow, orange, pink, or red, borne on tall stalks.

The medicinal product is not the fresh leaf gel commonly used in cosmetics, but rather the yellow latex (sap) that exudes from just beneath the leaf skin when the leaves are cut. This latex is collected, evaporated, and dried into a dark, solid resinous mass. The resulting concentrated dried product has a distinctive strong odor and an intensely bitter taste. Aloe plants are drought-resistant succulents native to tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, thriving in hot, arid environments.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Lu Hui is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

The leaves can be harvested year-round. The latex (yellow sap) is collected by cutting the leaves, allowing the juice to drain, then concentrating and drying it into a solid resinous mass.

Primary growing regions

Lu Hui is not native to China. The primary source of Curaçao aloe (Lao Lu Hui) is the island of Curaçao and the northern coast of South America (Venezuela, the Netherlands Antilles). Cape aloe (Xin Lu Hui) is indigenous to South Africa. Within China, aloe is cultivated in the southern provinces of Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Hainan, though these are not traditionally considered dao di (premium terroir) sources. Historically, the herb entered China through maritime trade via Guangzhou and was considered a foreign import. African-origin material, particularly Cape aloe from South Africa, is generally regarded as higher quality for medicinal purposes.

Quality indicators

Two main commercial forms exist: Curaçao aloe (Lao Lu Hui, 老芦荟): Appears as irregular dark reddish-brown or deep brown chunks, without luster. The texture is hard and not easily broken. The cross-section is rough or shows a mottled pattern. It is highly hygroscopic. Good quality has a strong distinctive odor and extremely bitter taste. Cape aloe (Xin Lu Hui, 新芦荟): Appears dark brown with a slight greenish tint and has a glossy surface. The texture is lighter and more brittle, breaking easily. The cross-section has a glass-like appearance with visible layered striations. Good quality is dark green to dark brown, crisp, easily fractured with a glassy smooth fracture surface. For both types, the material should have a strong characteristic odor and intensely bitter taste. Per the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Curaçao aloe should contain no less than 16.0% aloin (barbaloin), and Cape aloe no less than 6.0%.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Lu Hui and its therapeutic uses

《开宝本草》(Kai Bao Ben Cao, Song Dynasty)

「主热风烦闷，胸膈间热气，明目镇心，小儿癫痫惊风，疗五疳，杀三虫及痔病疮瘘。解巴豆毒。」

"Treats heat-wind with vexation and oppression, heat in the chest and diaphragm, brightens the eyes and calms the spirit, [treats] childhood epilepsy and fright-wind, cures the five types of infantile malnutrition, kills the three types of worms, and [treats] hemorrhoids and fistulae. Counteracts Croton seed (Ba Dou) toxicity."

《本草汇言》(Ben Cao Hui Yan)

「芦荟，凉肝杀虫之药也。凡属肝脏为病，有热者，用之必无疑也。但味极苦，气极寒，诸苦寒药无出其右者。其功力主消不主补，因内热气强者可用，如内虚泄泻食少者禁用。」

"Lu Hui is a medicinal that cools the Liver and kills parasites. For any Liver disease involving Heat, its use is beyond doubt. However, its taste is extremely bitter and its nature extremely cold — no other bitter-cold medicine surpasses it. Its action is to drain, not to tonify. It may be used when internal Heat is strong, but is prohibited when there is internal deficiency with diarrhea and poor appetite."

《药性论》(Yao Xing Lun, Tang Dynasty)

「杀小儿疳蛔。主吹鼻杀脑疳，除鼻痒。」

"Kills childhood malnutrition worms (roundworms). When blown into the nose, treats nasal malnutrition sores and relieves nasal itching."

《本草再新》(Ben Cao Zai Xin)

「治肝火，镇肝风，清心热，解心烦，止渴生津，聪耳明目，消牙肿，解火毒。」

"Treats Liver fire, calms Liver wind, clears Heart heat, relieves Heart vexation, quenches thirst and generates fluids, sharpens hearing and brightens eyes, reduces gum swelling, and resolves fire toxin."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Lu Hui's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Lu Hui entered Chinese medicine relatively late compared to most classical herbs. It first appeared in Chinese materia medica texts during the Tang Dynasty, with the earliest mention in the Yao Xing Lun (药性论, Discussion of Medicinal Properties). It was originally an imported drug, arriving through maritime trade routes. The Song Dynasty text Kai Bao Ben Cao (开宝本草, 973 CE) provided the first detailed account, noting that it came from Persia and was available through Guangzhou traders. The folk name "elephant gall" (象胆, Xiang Dan) arose because of its extremely bitter taste, likened to animal bile.

The herb became particularly important in pediatric medicine, where it was valued for treating childhood malnutrition syndromes (疳积, gan ji) caused by parasites and improper feeding. Several famous formulas were developed around Lu Hui for this purpose, including the Lu Hui Fei Er Wan (芦荟肥儿丸) from the Yi Zong Jin Jian (医宗金鉴). Another celebrated formula is Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (当归龙荟丸), recorded in Zhu Danxi's Dan Xi Xin Fa (丹溪心法), used for draining intense Liver and Gallbladder fire. The Geng Yi Wan (更衣丸), combining Lu Hui with cinnabar (Zhu Sha), was a simple but famous prescription for heat-type constipation with insomnia and irritability. The name "Geng Yi" literally means "change clothes," a euphemism for going to the toilet.

Notably, the Ben Jing Feng Yuan (本经逢原) classified Lu Hui as having slight toxicity, while the Kai Bao Ben Cao stated it was non-toxic — reflecting historical disagreement about its safety profile that mirrors modern concerns about long-term anthraquinone use.

Modern Research

4 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Lu Hui

1

Aloe vera Is Effective and Safe in Short-term Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2018)

Hong SW, Chun J, Park S, Lee HJ, Im JP, Kim JS. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 2018, 24(4):528-535.

This meta-analysis of 3 randomized controlled trials involving 151 patients found that Aloe vera significantly improved IBS symptom scores compared to placebo, particularly in short-term treatment of 1 month. No significant difference in adverse events was observed between the Aloe vera and placebo groups.

PubMed
2

The Efficacy of Aloe vera Used for Burn Wound Healing: A Systematic Review (2007)

Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C. Burns, 2007, 33(6):713-718.

This systematic review of four controlled clinical trials found cumulative evidence supporting the use of topical Aloe vera for the healing of first- to second-degree burns. Aloe vera treated burns healed faster compared to conventional treatments.

PubMed
3

Aloe-emodin: A Review of Its Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics (2020)

Dong X, Zeng Y, Liu Y, You L, Yin X, Fu J, Ni J. Phytotherapy Research, 2020, 34(2):270-281.

A comprehensive review of aloe-emodin, a key anthraquinone compound in aloe, documenting its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective properties, as well as its toxicity profile including potential hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity at high doses. Provides guidance for understanding the pharmacological basis of Lu Hui's actions.

4

Aloe vera and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (2020)

Defined based on search results: Phytotherapy Research, 2020.

This umbrella review examined 10 systematic reviews covering 71 health outcomes. Only 3 outcomes had highly suggestive evidence of benefit, including prevention of infusion phlebitis and chemotherapy-induced phlebitis. Most other outcomes had weak evidence, highlighting the need for higher-quality clinical trials.

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.