The document discusses the use of aloe vera in managing dental diseases. It provides details on the composition, properties, and processing of aloe vera. Key points include: 1) Aloe vera has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties that help with wound healing and pain relief, making it useful for treating various dental conditions. 2) It can reduce bleeding gums, act as an antiseptic in gum pockets, and help with issues like denture stomatitis through its antifungal properties. 3) Application of aloe vera gel to the sites of periodontal surgery or inflamed gums can help shorten wound healing time due

1. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 18-24.
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Aloe-Vera: A Boon In Management Of Dental Disease
Sambhav Jain1, Rohit Rai*1
1. Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology,Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research
Centre,Delhi Road,Moradabad,India
Correspondence Author: Dr Rohit Rai, Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology,Teerthanker
Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre,Delhi Road,Moradabad,India
Email:periodontics07@gmail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract:
Aloe Vera has been used medicinally for a few
thousand years. It was sufficiently in demand that
Hannibal was known to have gone to war over it in
order to obtain control over its growing area
(N. Africa). It is still very much in use today for a
wide range of ailments. Orthodoxy it is used
in burns units to great effect and is increasingly
being used in the treatment of dermatological
lesions. Several studies on burns have been
conducted in comparison trials between Aloe
products and non-Aloe. The Aloe seems to promote
more rapid healing and pain relief.Aloe vera has
showen multiple uses in dentistry. Some of its
extreme uses have been observed in the treatment of
gum diseases by reducing bleeding of the gums,
acting as antiseptic in gum pockets, and its
antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of
denture stomatitis.
Keywords: Aloe vera, dentistry, gingivitis,
medicine, periodontitis.
used both as a moisturizing agent and for the
treatment of minor burns, skin abrasions, and
irritations. It has been suggested that external
application of aloe vera gel promotes wound
healing. The Aloe barbadensis plant consists of two
different parts, each of which produces substances
with completely different compositions and
therapeutic properties. The parenchymal tissue
makes up the inner portion of the aloe leaves and
produces the aloe vera gel (or mucilage), a clear,
thin, tasteless, jelly- like material. This tissue is
recovered from the leaf by separating the gel from
the inner cellular debris. The other part of the plant
is a group of specialized cells known as the
pericyclic tubules, which occur just beneath the
outer green rind of the leaf. These cells produce
exudates that consist of bitter yellow latex with
powerful laxative-like actions. This exudate which
is not to be confused with the gel/mucilage from the
parenchymal leaf tissue is available commercially
for systemic ingestion to produce catharsis.1 Fig. 1
Introduction:
The fresh gel or mucilage from Aloe barbadensis
Mill (family Liliaceae)—otherwise known as aloe
vera—is a handy home-grown remedy that can be
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2. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 18-24.
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Botanical classification Aloe Vera:
Kingdom: Plantae
clade:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus:
Aloe
Species:
A. vera
History
Its history of health benefits was first recorded in
Egyptian medical writings in 1500BC. Even
Cleopatra was said to have pampered her skin with
Aloe gel. History reports that Alexander the Great
captured the island of Socotra in the Red Sea,
which had abundant Aloe fields, to help heal the
battle wounds of his troops. Aloe was applied to
cuts, infections, blisters, insect bites and used for
internal maladies. In America, Aloe Vera has been
growing in Florida and the Rio Grande Valley of
Texas for some 4000 years. The initial credible
research on Aloe Vera was done by Dr. C.E.
Collins in 1934, where several cases of Roentgen
Dermatitis, the ulcerated skin lesions were treated
with Aloe Vera leaves split and wrapped around
the wounds. A markedly improved rate of healing
was observed. Some dermatologists began a series
of comparable reports. In 1937, Dr J.E. Crewe
presented a wider use for the application of Aloe
Vera in treating chronic ulcers, eczema, burns,
sunburn, poison ivy, and minor injuries. His
findings recorded complete healings and tissue
regeneration without scarring. Many investigations
were pursuing further Aloe Vera studies and in
1959, the FDA admitted that Aloe ointment
actually did regenerate skin tissue. Since those
studies, topical success with Aloe Vera is common
place, as doctors use it to treat decubitous (bed
sores), alopecia (hair loss) and acne.2 Fig. 2
Composition
The chemical composition of the aloe vera gel is
complex constituting vitamins, enzymes, minerals,
sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino
acids;
numerous
monosaccharides
and
polysaccharides; vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C;
niacinamide and choline; several inorganic
ingredients; enzymes such as acid phosphatase,
alkaline
phosphatase,
amylase,
lactic
dehydrogenase, and lipase; and numerous organic
compounds such as aloin, barbaloin, and emodin.3
Aloe Vera also consist aluminum, boron, barium,
calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous,
silicon, and strontium.4
Polysaccharide components in aloe vera consisted
of glucomannans some of which were acetylated;
polymers of galactose and galacturonic acid.5
It also contains 75 potentially active constituents:
vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin,
saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids.6 Fig. 3
Processing Of Aloe Vera
The Aloe barbaden is plant consists of two
different parts, each of which produce substances
with completely different compositions and
therapeutic properties. The parenchymal tissue
makes up the inner portion of the aloe leaves and
produces the aloe vera gel (or mucilage), a clear,
thin, tasteless, gelly like material. This tissue is
recovered from the leaf by separating the gel from
the inner cellular debris.
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The other part of the plant is a group of specialized
cells known as the pericyclic tubules, which occur
just beneath the outer green rind of the leaf. These
cells produce exudates that consist of bitter yellow
latex with powerful laxative-like actions. This
exudate which is not to be confused with the
gel/mucilage from the parenchymal leaf tissue is
available commercially for systemic ingestion to
produce catharsis.1
5.
Properties Of Aloe Vera
1.
2.
3.
4.
The constituents of aloe vera are related to
biological effects, which are as follows:
Healing properties: - Glucomannan, amannoserich polysaccharide, and gibberellin, a growth
hormone, interacts with growth factor receptors on
the fibroblast, there by stimulating its activity and
proliferation, which in turn significantly increases
collagen synthesis after topical and oral Aloe vera.
Protective effects: - On skin exposed to UV and
gamma radiation: Following the administration of
aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein,
metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which
scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents
suppression of superoxide dismutase and
glutathione peroxidase in the skin. Aloe vera gel
has been reported to have a protective effect
against radiation damage to the skin.
Anti-inflammatory action: - Aloe Vera inhibits the
cyclooxygenase
pathway
and
reduces
prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic
acid. Recently, the novel anti-inflammatory
compound called C-glucosyl chromone was
isolated from gel extracts.
Effects on the immune system: - Alprogen inhibit
calcium influx into mast cells, thereby inhibiting
the antigen-antibody-mediated release of histamine
and leukotriene from mast cells. Acemannan
6.
7.
8.
a.
stimulates the synthesis and release of interleukin1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor from
macrophages which in turn initiates an immune
attack that result in necrosis and regression of the
cancerous cells.
Antiviral and antitumor activity: - These actions
may be due to indirect or direct effects. Indirect
effect is due to stimulation of the immune system
and direct effect is due to anthraquinones. The
anthraquinone alone inactivates various enveloped
viruses such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster and
influenza. In recent studies, a polysaccharide
fraction has shown to inhibit the binding of
benzopyrene to primary rat hepatocytes, thereby
preventing the formation of potentially cancerinitiating benzopyrene-DNA adducts. An induction
of glutathione S-transferase and an inhibition of
the tumour-promoting effects of phorbol myristic
acetate has also been reported which suggest a
possible benefit of using aloe gel in cancer
chemoprevention.
Moisturizing
and
anti-aging
effect:
Mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera help in binding
moisture into the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast
which produces the collagen and elastin fibers
making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled.
Antiseptic effect:- Aloe Vera contains 6 antiseptic
agents as Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen,
cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur and have
inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses.7
Use of aloe vera in dentistry: - Uses of aloe vera
in dental conditions based on its biologic effects
are as follows:
Extraction sites heal properly and dry socket
formation is prevented when Aloe vera is applied
on extraction site. Lesions are improved by direct
application in gel form on herpetic viral lesions or
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aphthous ulcers. It has been reported that
acemannan hydrogel accelerates the healing of
aphthous ulcers and reduces the pain associated
with them.8
b. Studies using aloe vera in toothpastes have shown
that aloe vera tooth gel and the toothpastes were
equally effective against Candida albicans,
Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Enterococcus faecalis, Prevotella intermedia, and
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. Aloe Vera tooth
gel demonstrated enhanced antibacterial effect
against S. mitis. 9
The dental uses of Aloe Vera are multiple. It is
extremely helpful in the treatment of gum disease;
it reduces the bleeding of the gums; it is
powerfully antiseptic in gum pockets and its
antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of
denture stomatitis, i.e. red and sore mucous
membranes which are permanently covered by a
denture – this is a form of thrush. Cracked and split
corners of the mouth are also subject to fungal
infection and this can be cured by Aloe. Its
antiviral properties help in the treatment of cold
sores (Herpes Simplex) and shingles (Herpes
Zoster). It is a powerful healing promoter and
when inserted into extraction sockets is very
beneficial. It can be used in any surgical wound. It
has a use in root canal treatment as a sedative
dressing, healing promoter and file lubricant. 10
9. Aloe Vera in periodontal disease: - Periodontitis
is an infectious inflammatory disease. Bacteria
modulate the inflammatory response and alter the
diversity of periodontal disease. In recent years,
various host-response modulation therapies and
local drug therapies have been developed to block
the pathways responsible for periodontal tissue
breakdown. 11
Treatment of periodontal disease by different type
of local drug delivery system has been investigated.
Subgingival administration of aloe vera gel results
in improvement of periodontal condition. Aloe Vera
can be used as a local drug delivery system because
of its various benefits such as:
1. It is easily available.
2. It is cheap
3. Easily applicable with minimal
equipments
Aloe latex contains anthraquinones, which are
chemical compounds that are used in healing and
arresting pain because they are anti-inflammatory in
nature. But, because aloe vera tooth gel tends to be
less harsh on teeth, as it does not contain the
abrasive elements typically found in commercial
toothpaste, it is a great alternative for people with
sensitive teeth or gums.
Application directly to the sites of periodontal
surgery along with periodontal dressing or to gum
tissues when they have been traumatized by
toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion, sharp foods, dental
floss, and toothpick injuries. Existing evidence
indicates that aloe vera used in variety of
concentrations might be effective in shortening the
duration of wound healing.10
The various forms of Aloe used in dentistry are: –
 The toothpaste is a gelly like
substance for healing promotion,
which can also be used for burns,
stings, insect bites and many skin
lesions:such as “Aloe Dent”, aloe
tooth gel”, “forever bright”,
“Kingfisher aloe vera tooth paste”.12
 Mouthwash, floss. Fig. 4
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5. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 18-24.
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 The jelly for healing promotion,
which can also be used for burns,
stings, insect bites and many skin
lesions.
 The Aloe & Propolis hand cream
which helps to counteract frequent
hand washing and the wearing of
latex gloves. Fig. 5
 The Aloe activator spray which is
excellent for throat infections,
painful erupting wisdom teeth and
joint pains.
 The Aloe juice which is taken as a
drink. This is used in conjunction
with any topical treatment for skin
lesions, joint lesions and, in itself, as
an amelioration in irritable bowel
syndrome. The juice is also a strong
detoxifying agent and if used in
conjunction with the planned
removal of mercury amalgams act as
a scavenging agent for mercury, a
neuro-sedative
and
immune
enhancer. As a routine general tonic
it generally makes people feel better
who are otherwise not well enough
but not frankly ill. Fig. 6
Contraindications: - Aloe Vera should be used
cautiously in pregnancy, lactating mothers and
allergy to lilliacea family.13
Side Effects: - Side effects may be categorized into
due to topical or systemic routes as follows:
A. Topical: - It may cause redness, burning and
stinging sensation. Allergic reactions are mostly due
to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin. It is
best to apply it to a small area first to test for
possible allergic reaction.
B. Systemic: - Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red
urine, hepatitis, dependency or worsening of
constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to
increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Laxative
effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low
potassium levels).7
Conclusion
Aloe Vera is a natural product having various uses
in the field of cosmetology, dermatology, and
gastroenterology. In dentistry, aloe vera is useful in
many ways due to its antibacterial, antifungal,
antiviral,
immunostimulatory
and
healing
properties. Future research may be directed at the
further investigations of gel ability to stimulate cell
growth in tissue culture and its anti microbial, anti
fungal,
antibacterial
and
anti-inflammatory
properties in randomized controlled clinical trials
along with its beneficiary effect in periodontal
disease.
Aloe Vera certainly gives scope to the phrase, “the
whole is more than the sum of its parts”.
Fig. 1 Different Parts of Aloe Vera
Fig. 2 Aloe Vera Plant
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Fig. 3 Constitutes Of Aloe Vera
Fig. 4 Aloe Vera Paste, Mouth Wash, Floss
Fig. 5 Aloe Vera Cream
Fig. 6 Aloe Vera Juice
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dentistry. General Dentistry 2005:6-9.
2. Moore et al. Aloe Vera has been used for
thousands of years. Why is it so important for
our health? www.flpirelandshop.com 2006.
3. Hayes SM. Lichen planus—Report of
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Dent 1999; 47:268-272.
4. Yamaguchi I et al. Components of the gel
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5. Reynolds T et al. Aloe vera leaf gel: A
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6. Vogler BK et al. Aloe vera: A systematic
review of its clinical effectiveness. Br J Gen
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656-658.
8. Poor MR et al. Reduction in the incidence of
alveolar osteitis in patients treated with the
SaliCept Patch, containing aceman-nan
hydrogel. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002;
60:374-379.
9. George Det al. Comparative evaluation of the
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