The efficacy of Aloe vera cream in the treatment of first, second and third degree burns in mice

Abstract

Aloe vera has been recognized as a valuable medicinal plant for the treatment of burns. Extensive studies have described its antiinflammatory, wound healing and related activities, but the instability of aloe gel confuses pharmacological data, leads to inconsistency in treatments and inconvenience in daily preparation. These obstacles prompted us to develop a stable aloe preparation, aloe cream, that we tested on artificial thermal burns in mice. Aloe cream when applied immediately to first degree burns delayed progressive damage and accelerated the healing rate more effectively than fresh aloe gel. Both aloe cream and fresh aloe gel prevented further skin damage and casting of dead epidermis was less than in control. For second degree burns the healing rate was enhanced by aloe cream and fresh aloe gel: less inflammation was observed in areas treated with either of these than in untreated areas or those treated with the cream base. For third degree burns the efficacy of aloe cream and fresh aloe gel could not be evaluated statistically because of infection. It was observed that aloe cream enhanced epithelialization but failed to show antiinflammatory activity. No differences in epithelialization and inflammation were observed among mice treated with fresh aloe gel, cream base or control. All these findings confirm that Aloe vera gel is effective for burn treatment if it is well preserved.