The Effect of Aloe Vera Extract in Wound Healing of Buccal Mucosa in White Rats: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the thickness and the formation of connective tissue in the healing process on days 7 and 14 after the administration of aloe vera extract on the buccal mucosa of rats. Materials and methods: This research was an experimental study with a posttest only control design. A total of 24 rats were used and divided into four groups—groups A (day 7) and B (day 14) were untreated (control), whereas groups C (day 7) and D (day 14) were topically applied with aloe vera extract. The wound in the buccal mucosa was made, followed by the application of aloe vera extract twice a day for 7 and 14 days. The mucosa tissues were collected on days 7 and 14 to subsequently prepare for hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The thickness of the tissues was observed using a microscope with 100× magnification. Results: The result showed a significantly different thickness of connective tissue in the treated group compared to the control at day 7. The treated groups demonstrated dense and thin connective tissue on days 7 and 14. Otherwise, the thick but loose tissues were observed in the control group both at 7 and 14 days. However, no significant difference in the tissue thickness in the treated and the untreated groups was found on days 14. Interestingly, there was a significantly different value of the wound closure in the control compared with the treated groups on day 7 but not on day 14. Conclusion: These findings conclude that aloe vera extract was involved in the formation of connective tissue in the wound healing of oral mucosa. Aloe vera also contributes to tissue thickness during the healing process. Moreover, aloe vera could accelerate the wound closure of buccal mucosa in white rats. Clinical significance: Aloe vera extract can be a novel therapeutic agent to stimulate the wound healing of oral mucosa, thus benefitting use in tissue regeneration. It may become an alternative therapy to treat tissue injury in the mucosa or oral ulcer. This herb can be further applied clinically in dental treatment relating to oral tissue healing.