Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Inner-leaf aloe vera gel/juice is generally safe. However, non-decolorized whole leaf aloe vera extract was classified by IARC as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) based on rodent studies (NTP 2013).
What it is
Powdered juice from the inner leaf gel of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera).
Functional ingredient in beverages and supplements; cosmetic skin-soothing agent.
Why it's flagged
- Whole-leaf aloe extract is IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans)
- Aloe latex no longer GRAS in OTC laxatives
What regulators actually say
"Under the conditions of these 2-year drinking water studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller in male and female F344/N rats."
"The placing on the market of foods containing... preparations from the leaf of Aloe species containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives is prohibited."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Aloe latex banned in OTC laxatives (FDA 2002); inner-leaf juice still permitted
European Union — EFSA
EU restricted aloe-emodin and similar hydroxyanthracene derivatives in foods (Reg 2021/468)
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