The Effects of Aloe vera on Wound Healing in Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Viability

Wounds. 2018 Sep;30(9):263-268.

Abstract

Introduction: Aloe vera is sometimes used as a folk remedy for minor wounds and burns, but its mechanisms of action in wound healing are unclear.

Objective: In this study, the authors evaluate the effects of A vera on wound healing.

Materials and methods: In vitro analyses of cell proliferation and migration were conducted on normal human primary skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes in growth media with A vera solution and preservatives at various concentrations. Growth media with preservatives but without A vera solution served as the control.

Results: Aloe vera had significant stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and migration of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Surprisingly, A vera also exhibited strong protective effects on preservative-induced keratinocyte death. Keratinocytes in the growth media with both the preservatives and A vera had dramatically higher viability than cells in the control media without A vera.

Conclusions: The results suggest A vera accelerates wound healing by promoting the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes and by protecting keratinocytes from preservative-induced death.

MeSH terms

  • Aloe / chemistry*
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects*
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts