Aloe

The leaves of the plant are used. It contains hydroxyanthracenes, acemanan and glucomannan. Attributed properties: oral laxative and wound healing and topical cosmetic. Indications Commission E of the German Ministry of Health ^{(Blumenthal 1998)} and European Medicines Agency: constipation in short-term treatment. It is a plant widely used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. ^{(Sim 2013, Zaffani 2006)}

At the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Do not use orally ^{(Kopec 1999, WHO 1999)}: As it is an active laxative containing 1,8-hydroxyanthracene derivatives, it triggers intestinal spasms and pain. Due to its possible passage into milk, it is best to avoid it during breastfeeding. Excessive or chronic use can trigger severe diarrhoea, dehydration and toxic hepatitis ^{(Posadzki 2013, Bunchorntavakul 2013, Amir 2011)}. Due to the possible risks of genotoxicity associated with the consumption of some hydroxyanthracene derivatives, since 2021 the marketing of food supplements based on acíbar containing aloe-emodin, emodin, danthron and aloe extracts with hydroxyanthracene derivatives has been prohibited ^{(Fitoterapia.net)}. Aloe vera whole leaf extract is possibly carcinogenic to humans: Group 2B. ^{(IARC 2016)}

It is not toxic when applied topically to the skin ^{(Amir 12011)}. It is used in gel form to treat cracked and/or sore nipples, appearing to be more effective in some studies than the application of olive oil, lanolin or breast milk itself, although there is no conclusive evidence of its efficacy ^{(Wang 2024, Shetty 2024, Maleki 2022, Alamolhoda 2020, As'adi 2018, Saeidi 2015)} and also, together with massage and cactus extract, in the treatment of breast stasis. ^{(Meng 2015)}

It can cause contact dermatitis and eczema of the nipple and areola. ^{(De Smet 2004, Barankin 2004)}

If applied to the breast, it must be washed off thoroughly to prevent the infant from ingesting it: risk of diarrhoea or weaning due to bad taste ^{(Royal 2013, Larimore 2000)}: in some cultures it is used to induce weaning by applying it to the nipples. ^{(Abu 2013)}