Wound Healing: Aloe Vera as a Natural Dressing?

Thealoe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a plant with fleshy leaves that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, a group of succulent plants. Highly appreciated for its aesthetic and decorative potential in apartments, it also possesses cosmetic and therapeutic qualities. When cut in half, an aloe vera leaf reveals a viscous substance: this is the aloe vera gel. Once purified, it can be used in the formulation of skin and hair care products.

The use of this plant dates back to ancient civilisations. Its virtues have been recognised by Chinese, Hindu and Greek medicines for centuries. According to historians, during antiquity, the aloe gel was used by Greek soldiers as a healing agent. Today, aloe vera remains a favoured ingredient in various global medicines.

By definition, a dressing is a compress placed on a wound to aid rapid healing and prevent infection. Aloe vera gel exhibits this characteristic: its application on a wound indeed accelerates its healing. Let's explore how this active ingredient works.

Firstly, it possesses healing properties. According to a recent study, acemannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe vera gel, significantly accelerates wound closure and cell proliferation. This is made possible, in particular, by the activation of the ATK/mTOR signalling pathway, which is involved in the development of new capillary vessels (angiogenesis). The production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans is also amplified. These molecules belong to the skin's extracellular matrix and contribute to its structure. Furthermore, aloe vera gel also contains glucomannan, another polysaccharide essential for healing. This molecule acts on the fibroblast growth factor, TGF-β1, which increases their activity. The secretion of elastin and collagen by the fibroblasts is thus amplified.

Furthermore, aloe vera gel is moisturising due to its composition rich in polysaccharides and hygroscopic amino acids. Just after getting injured, a wound tends to be red and painful: the skin may burn, itch or feel tight. It is then necessary to properly hydrate it so that it can heal correctly. Aloe vera will help to moisturise the area to soothe it, and reduce feelings of pain and itching.

In conclusion, aloe vera gel also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which are derived from its ability to inhibit the production of TNF-α and interleukin 6, pro-inflammatory cytokines. TNF-α is targeted by certain flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol found in aloe vera gel, which then inhibit its activity.

Pure aloe vera gel can be applied directly to a wound to soothe pain and promote healing. It is also possible to soak a compress in it and then apply it to the injury. The application of aloe vera gel can be repeated several times a day as needed.

You have the option to use a commercially available gel or one derived from an indoor plant. However, during extraction, the latter should not be confused with aloe vera latex, which is yellow-brown in colour and contains molecules that could potentially cause allergies when applied topically, due to the presence of anthraquinones.

Please note : while aloe vera gel can soothe minor injuries, it is still necessary to consult a healthcare professional in the event of a serious injury or if the wound becomes infected or shows no signs of improvement after a few days.

• PATUMRAJ S. & al. Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on cutaneous microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand (2000).

• PATUMRAJ S. & co. Investigation into the Effects of Aloe vera on Leukocyte Adhesion and TNF-alpha and IL-6 Levels in Burn Wounded Rats. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation (2003).

• MAIA CAMPOS P. M. & co. Evaluating the moisturising effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in varying concentrations using skin bioengineering techniques. Skin research and technology (2006).

• Thesis by Margaux ROULLIER. The topical use of aloe vera gel and its healing properties (2015).

• BISWAS S. & al. Aloe vera as an antagonist for TNF-alpha: an in silico study. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (2019).

• LI J. & al. Aloe vera: A medicinal plant utilised in skin wound healing. Tissue engineering (2021).