Acemannan is a polysaccharide extracted from the inner leaf gel of Aloe vera. Its use in supporting the small intestine and gastrointestinal health is primarily based on preclinical studies and some limited clinical evidence. Acemannan has been shown in animal models to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, which could theoretically benefit the intestinal mucosa. Several in vitro and animal studies suggest that acemannan may enhance intestinal epithelial integrity, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of intestinal tissues. For example, research in rodents has demonstrated that acemannan can promote mucosal repair and modulate immune responses in the gut, potentially protecting against certain forms of chemically-induced colitis.

Human evidence, however, is limited. Most of the clinical data on acemannan relate to its use in oral health or topical wound healing, rather than direct effects on the small intestine. There are a few small-scale or preliminary clinical studies suggesting possible benefits for digestive comfort or gut health, but robust, well-controlled trials are lacking. Traditional use of Aloe vera as a whole for digestive support is longstanding, but the specific role of acemannan in this context is a more recent scientific focus. Overall, while acemannan shows promise for supporting intestinal health based on mechanistic and preclinical data, strong clinical validation is currently insufficient.