Aloe vera can benefit the kidney in many ways such as protecting it from tissue damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant property. It prevents kidney stone formation and reduces the content of harmful substances in the serum such as urea and creatinine. It also has an antimicrobial property which aids in combating renal infections.
Benefits of Aloe Vera to the Kidney
Here are the key benefits of aloe vera to the human kidney.
Note to reader - The benefits which are well established have a confidence rating of high, while the ones which are borderline have confidence rating of medium. The ones with rating "low" are in the initial stages of research.
1. Aloe vera protects the kidney tissue
Benefit confidence: High
In a 2004 animal study published in the Periodical NISCAIR-CSIR, India, when type 2 induced diabetic rats were administered glibenclamide and aloe vera pulp extracts in a regulated concentration, the degeneration of kidney tissue reduced drastically because of the decrease in reduced glutathione derivative, superoxide dismutase and other free radicals. [1]
In another animal study conducted in India on induced diabetic rats, the hydroperoxide and reduced glutathione levels significantly decreased in the kidney preventing damage to its tissue.
The kidneys of the mice administered with aloe gel supplements were healthier than that of the diabetic mice used as control.[2] [3]
According to an animal study published in the Internal Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, aloe vera reduced the amount of reduced glutathione derivative, reduced the action of free radicals acting as an antioxidant in the kidney and also protected the kidney tissue from the effects of gamma irradiation to a certain extent.[4]
What does it mean? Aloe vera has an inherent antioxidant property which aids it in preventing damage to the kidney tissue caused by free radicals.
2. Aloe vera reduces urea and creatinine levels in the serum
Benefit confidence: Low
Aloe vera was found to decrease the content of urea and creatinine in an animal study carried out on induced diabetic rats in India. [5]
However, in another animal study based on rats, it was found that the administration of aloe vera gel extract increased the levels of creatinine in the serum as well as decreases the level of sodium in the serum.
This could lead to renal failure and hypercreatineamia and hyponatremia but could be useful in the case of hypernatremia i.e. increased levels of sodium in the serum.[6]
What does it mean? Aloe vera could have the ability to decrease the level of urea and creatinine in the serum. High levels of urea and creatinine in the body can lead to many harmful disorders.
Aloe vera has antimicrobial property
Benefit confidence: High
According to a 2010 animal study published in the Archives of Pharmacal Research, Aloe vera has active ingredients such as aloctin A and acemannan which reduced the growth of the fungi Candida albicans in normal mice and in induced diabetic mice.
Oral administration of processed aloe vera gel proved to be useful in treating kidney infections.[7]
According to a study published in the Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology in the year 2017, aloe vera was proved to be effective against the most common renal pathogen E.coli.
The growth of the bacteria was inhibited by treating it with a low dose of 50 microgram/ml of ethanol extract of the aloe vera gel.[8]
What does it mean? Aloe vera has an antimicrobial activity which helps in combating renal infections.
Aloe vera prevents the formation of kidney stones
Benefit confidence: Medium
In a human trial conducted in Thailand, the composition of urine 24 hours after the consumption of aloe vera gel was found to be significantly different.
The volume of urine along with the amount of citrate in the urine was found to have increased drastically. The PI Ca and PI oxalate was also found to have increased.
This indicates that consumption of aloe vera gel can prevent kidney stone formations which are primarily calcium oxalate, citrate or calcium phosphate crystals.[9] [10]
Aloe vera has been found to contain an antioxidant named anthraquinone which on hydroxylation can form hydroanthraquinone.[11]
According to a study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, glycosylation of hydroquinones gives rise to derivatives that have the ability to dissolve calcium oxalate i.e. kidney stones.[12]
What does it mean? Aloe vera has active ingredients which may possess the ability to dissolve and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Precautions
Aloe vera is generally considered safe for consumption with little to no side effects.
However, aloe vera contains latex which could lead to an allergic reaction in some individuals, therefore, it is to be taken cautiously and if presented with any symptoms of allergic reactions such as shortness of breath or rashes, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately.
Since aloe vera has latex, if 1 gram of aloe gel is consumed on a daily basis for a long period of time as it may lead to the damage of the kidneys and could be fatal. [13]
Aloe vera has also been found to interact with many kinds of medications such as medication for diabetes and laxatives, thus it is suggested to consult a doctor before taking aloe supplements if the individual has any pre-existing medical conditions or is under any kind of medication. [14]
Aloe Dosage
There is no particular recommended dosage for aloe vera for kidney problems.
According to the research studies mentioned above, using up to 500 milligrams of aloe supplement a day till you are cured of your ailment can be regarded as safe, these doses were given under scientific supervision and it is suggested to consult a physician before consuming aloe vera supplements.
Oral Aloe vera supplements are available in many forms such as capsules, powder, and liquid concoctions, all of which are widely available right from supermarkets to online platforms such as Amazon.
It is important to buy the products and supplements from a verified and trusted brand and merchant.
Summary
Aloe vera has many benefits to the kidney because of many of its unique properties.
It has antioxidant properties that hunt for free radicals that cause damage to the kidney tissue, it also decreases the amount the reduced glutathione derivative in the urine aiding in protecting the kidney tissue.
Aloe vera also has antimicrobial properties that help in fighting renal infections.
It also helps prevent kidney stone formation by its ability to dissolve calcium oxalate.
Aloe vera might have the ability to decrease the levels of urea and creatinine in the serum which are harmful to the body if present in high concentration. However, more research needs to be done on this topic.
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