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.
