Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data. That has all changed now, and aloe-vera can safely be used to combat constipation with gentle, doctor-approved products such as Aloe Vera Juice.
Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel should not be used on deep surgical wounds, as it could inhibit healing.