Last update June 11, 2016

Aloe capensis

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Herb leaves are used. It contains hydroxianthracenes, acemannan and glycomannan.

Attributed properties: laxative and healing effect on wounds.

Indication according to Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: constipation.

Excessive or long-term use may lead to severe diarrhea, dehydration and liver toxicity.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.
As an active laxative compound it can lead to colicky abdominal pain. Because excretion into breast milk is possible, avoiding it while breastfeeding is advisable.

Non-toxic when topically used.

Without proof of efficacy it is used to treat nipple's crackles or pain. If applied on the breast, cleanse it thoroughly before nursing to avoid swallowing by the infant. Risk of diarrhea or refusing to latch-on because of bad taste would increase.

Alternatives

  • Lactulose (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Aloe capensis is Aloe in Latin, botanical name.

Is written in other languages:

Aloe capensis is also known as

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Aloe capensis in its composition:

References

  1. Fitoterapia.net. Vanaclocha B, Cañigueral S. Fitoterapia.net. 1992 - - Disponible en: https://www.fitoterapia.net. Consulted on Dec. 21, 2023 Abstract
  2. MedlinePlus. Fitoterapia y suplementos para bajar de peso. Información de salud para usted. 2019 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. MedlinePlus. Herbal remedies and supplements for weight loss. Trusted Health information for you 2019 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. As'adi N, Kariman N. Herbal prevention and treatment of nipple trauma and/or pain in Iranian studies: A systematic review. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2018;7:168–75. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. IARC - WHO. International Agency for research on Cancer. Some Drugs and Herbal Products. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans Volume 108. 2016 Full text (link to original source)
  6. Meng S, Deng Q, Feng C, Pan Y, Chang Q. Effects of massage treatment combined with topical cactus and aloe on puerperal milk stasis. Breast Dis. 2015 Abstract
  7. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  8. Abu Hamad BA, Sammour HK. Weaning practices of mothers attending United Nations Relief and Works Agency health centres in the Gaza Governorates. J Adv Nurs. 2013 Abstract
  9. Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria Australia. Herbal and Traditional Medicines in Breasfeeding. Fact Sheet. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:562704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Zaffani S, Cuzzolin L, Benoni G. Herbal products: behaviors and beliefs among Italian women. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2006 Abstract
  15. De Smet PA. Health risks of herbal remedies: an update. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Abstract
  16. Barankin B, Gross MS. Nipple and areolar eczema in the breastfeeding woman. J Cutan Med Surg. 2004 Abstract
  17. Larimore WL, Petrie KA. Drug use during pregnancy and lactation. Prim Care. 2000 Abstract
  18. Kopec K. Herbal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1999 Jun;15(2):157-61. Review. No abstract available. Abstract
  19. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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