Aloe Science Alert: Topical and oral applications of Aloe vera improve healing of deep second-degree burns in rats via modulation of growth factors

IASC Aloe Science Alert

Editor's Note

In this study, the authors assessed the wound healing impact of aloe vera administration both topically and orally in a rat model. The authors concluded that both routes of administration had beneficial effects to the healing of deep second degree burns by boosting growth factors and antioxidant status. Topical administration was deemed to be more efficient in this study.

June 23, 2022

Biomarkers

DOI: 10.1080/1354750X.2022.2085800

Topical and oral applications of Aloe vera improve healing of deep second-degree burns in rats via modulation of growth factors

Abstract

Introduction: Burn injuries are underappreciated injuries that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Burn injuries, especially severe burns, trigger immunological and inflammatory responses, metabolic abnormalities, and distributive shock, all of which can be extended to multiple organ failures. Aloe vera (A. vera) has been exploited for its medicinal properties for centuries. The goal of the present study is to examine the therapeutic effect of topical and oral administration of A. vera against deep second-degree burn in rats.

Materials and methods: skin burn was created on the back of rats, and wound healing was assessed within the three examined groups; control, topical A. vera and oral A. vera throughout 30 days. Wound tissues were examined histologically, immunohistochemically for the expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), peroxiredoxin (Prdx6), and mRNA abundance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was assessed.

Results: Our finding showed acceleration of wound contraction with both topical and oral A. vera administration. Maturation of granulation tissues was seen in both A. vera-supplemented groups. The topical application of A. vera revealed marked remodelling of the granulation tissues and higher expression levels of TGF-β1, VEGF, bFGF, and Prdx6 in comparison with control and oral A. vera groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both oral and topical applications of A. vera have beneficial effects in deep second-degree burn wound healing by boosting the growth factors and antioxidant status of skin tissue. The topical treatment was more efficient in accelerating wound healing and hence could be used efficiently to treat second-degree burns.