The Effect of Aloe vera on the Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a prevalent complication of diabetes that can result in severe consequences. The cost of treating DFUs is high, and there is a lack of new therapies available in developing countries. This has created a demand for complementary and alternative treatments. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of aloe vera gel on the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers.

Materials and methods: The study was a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The study samples were 66 patients with diabetic foot ulcers who were randomly assigned to two groups (intervention and control). All ulcers in both groups were washed with normal saline and dressed in sterile gauze. The ulcers in the intervention group were covered with a thin layer of Aloe Vera gel before the dressing. The Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) was used on three occasions, including before the intervention period and at the end of each week. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.

Results: After three weeks, there was a notable contrast in the recovery pattern of the two groups. The patients who had aloe vera gel added to their dressing showed a more substantial decrease in the mean scores of their BWAT.

Conclusion: These findings are promising and suggest that Aloe vera may be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. However, further research is needed to confirm these results and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of aloe vera's therapeutic effect on diabetic foot ulcers.

Keywords: Aloe vera; complementary; diabetic foot ulcer; drug; trial.; wound.