Aloe Vera can be used to treat mouth ulcers
On December 18, 2007, The Times newspaper reported on a study by researchers at the Srinagarind Hospital Medical School in Thailand. The full article can be read online here.
The study, which was recently published in the British Journal of Dermatology, looked at the effect of aloe vera gel (gelly) on patients with mouth ulcers caused by a chronic inflammatory disorder called oral lichen planus. Oral lichen planus is a common complaint affecting more than 1% of the population and if untreated can lead to cancerous ulcers. The most common site of oral lichen planus is on the lower lip
A group of 54 patients were recruited to take part in the double-blind trials, half were treated with topically applied 70 per cent aloe vera gel and the other half with a placebo.
Though the trial size was small, the results are pretty conclusive. The researchers found that after eight weeks, 81% of those being treated with the aloe vera had responded well, whereas only 4% of those treated with the placebo showed improvement.
The aloe vera was found to reduce both the burning pain and the ulcers and in 33% of those treated with the aloe, the pain disappeared completely. After the eight week trial, 7% of those treated with the aloe vera gel were completely cured.
There were no serious side-effects for those taking the topical aloe vera gel treatment and the researchers believe that aloe vera could also be used to treat common mouth ulcers as well as oral lichen planus.
Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “Aloe vera has proven anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This is an interesting development for the treatment of mouth ulcers.”
Forever Living Products call their version of aloe vera gel, Aloe Vera Gelly and full details of the product can be found here.
Citation: C. Choonhakarn, P. Busaracome, B. Sripanidkulchai, P. Sarakarn
The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial
British Journal of Dermatology (OnlineEarly Articles).
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08370.x
