Aloe
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant traditionally used for its healing properties in various cultures, particularly in skincare and minor burns. It has been employed in first aid practices without specific traditional medical applications being documented. Scientific evidence indicates that Aloe vera gel shows comparable efficacy to triamcinolone acetonide in managing minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, though the relief is slightly quicker with triamcinolone in males. Additionally, a combination of chitosan and Aloe vera gel has been effective in extending the shelf life of strawberries by reducing weight loss, preserving firmness, and lowering microbial counts. There are indications that Aloe vera and other herbs like turmeric, ginger, and green tea may aid in managing oral conditions due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but further research is needed for validation. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded with Aloe vera use.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Both triamcinolone acetonide and Aloe vera gel showed comparable efficacy in managing minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with triamcinolone offering quicker relief in males.
- Participants commonly used aloe vera in first aid for burns, alongside other traditional practices, without awareness of evidence-based methods.
- The combination of chitosan and Aloe vera gel (CH + AVG) was the most effective in extending strawberry shelf life by reducing weight loss, preserving firmness, and lowering microbial count.
- The study suggests that aloe vera and other herbs like turmeric, ginger, and green tea may aid in managing oral conditions due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, though further validation is needed.
- The study found that a composite hydrogel scaffold incorporating Aloe vera extract showed potential for cartilage-supportive applications through effective cell adhesion and ECM deposition.
- AWC methods, including aloe vera, showed promising outcomes but did not achieve statistically significant improvement in wound healing compared to standard treatments.
- Aloe vera ranked highly in reducing gingival inflammation, but findings are limited by the evidence base.
- The study found that an aloe vera-based active edible coating, either alone or combined with mild ultrasonication and ozonation, effectively maintained quality attributes and extended the storage stability of fresh-cut apples up to 42 days.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aloe?
Aloe (Aloe vera) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Aloe?
8 sourced findings are recorded for Aloe; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Both triamcinolone acetonide and Aloe vera gel showed comparable efficacy in managing minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with triamcinolone offering quicker relief in males.
How strong is the evidence for Aloe?
The strongest finding for Aloe carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Aloe safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Aloe in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Aloe interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Aloe in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Aloe?
Aloe is also known as: Алоэ настоящее, Aloès vrai, Aloès amer, Mazambron, Aloès curaçao, Aloès des Barbades, Aloès vulgaire.
Is Aloe a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Therapeutic Outcomes of Aloe vera Gel Compared with Triamcinolone Acetonide in Minor Aphthous Stomatitis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of advanced wound care methods on obstetric patients: a meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Role of Herbal Medicine in the Management of Oral Conditions: A Comprehensive Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of Chitosan, Aloe vera Gel and Coconut Oil Edible Coatings on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) Under Ambient Storage. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Local Understandings and First Aid Responses to Burn Injuries: A Phenomenological Study in an Urban Indonesian Community. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of synergistic effects of ultrasonication, ozonation and their combination with aloe vera active edible coating containing spirulina and turmeric extracts on preservation of fresh-cut apples. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparing the Impact of Mouthwashes on Patients With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Network Meta-Analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chitosan-Silk Fibroin Hydrogel Scaffold Incorporating Bioactive Aloe vera and Mimosa Complex for Cartilage-Supportive Applications. literature abstract metadata