Aloe Vera Juice
Inner-leaf decolorized aloe vera is generally considered safe at typical levels. However, non-decolorized whole-leaf extract is classified as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (IARC Group 2B), and the U.S.
What it is
Liquid prepared from inner leaf gel or whole leaf of Aloe barbadensis.
Beverage ingredient and supplement.
Why it's flagged
- non-decolorized whole-leaf extract carcinogenicity (IARC 2B; NTP rat evidence)
- laxative effect from anthraquinones
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."
"Hydroxyanthracene derivatives from Aloe species shall not be used in foods."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Aloe ingredients used in foods/supplements; aloe latex laxatives no longer GRAS for OTC use (21 CFR 310.545).
European Union — EFSA
Hydroxyanthracene derivatives from Aloe restricted (Reg. 2021/468).
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