New Study Shows Aloe Vera May Protect Against Kidney Stones

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

The result of a new study indicates that Aloe vera may help prevent kidney stones in adults.

Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders of the urinary tract. A kidney stone is a hard mass developed from crystals that separate from the urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney.

Normally, urine contains chemicals that stop the crystals from forming, but because of urinary tract infection or other problems, this process doesn’t work in everyone.

Men, particularly white males, are the most prone to developing kidney stones. The prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically as men enter their 40s and continues to increase into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of kidney stones peaks in their 50s. Once a person gets more than one stone, others are likely to develop.

Scientists at Khon Kaen University in Thailand gave a daily does of Aloe vera gel to 31 male adults. After one week, the test group participants had a significant decrease in “oxalate” in their urine. A high concentration of oxalate in the urine contributes to kidney stone formation.

In addition, another marker, called the “Permissible Increment in Calcium” increased significantly in the participants consuming Aloe vera. This means that there was greater inhibition of calcium in the urine, which also helps prevent kidney stone formation.

Aloe vera has been linked to a number of health benefits, including but not limited to pain relief from hemorrhoid surgery, improved oral health, managing diabetes, reducing the risk of cancer and helping with dry skin.