Effects of Aloe Vera Gel Extract on Healing Process of Experimentally Induced Wounds in Rabbits

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of Aloe vera in the treatment of wounds has aroused growing interest due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties. This  study was carried out with main objective to assess the healing properties of Aloe vera gel on skin wounds in rabbits. Thirty six adult male rabbits were purchased from local market and located randomly into six groups. Each group contains six animals. A wound measuring 2cm x 2cm was created on the back of each rabbit lateral to the spinal cord.  Experimental animals in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were treated with gel extract of Aloe vera at 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% concentrations respectively; Whereas, in 5th group were treated with standard topical ointment (Mebo®) and acted as positive control group. Experimental animals in 6th group were treated with 0.9% normal saline and considered as negative control group. The wounds contraction was measured with calibrated scale( ruler)  on  0, 3, 9,12,15,18 and 21 day post treatment. Clinical observations, In general,  reavealed that,  experimental animals in all groups remain in good health conditions and good appetite. The results of macroscopic observation revealed that, the dialy application of Aloe vera  gel and Mebo ointment in wounds showed significant(P<0.05) redution in wound area  from 3rd day  and reached the maximium with scab fall off on 21st day post treament. Experimental animals in 1st and 5th  groups exhibited higher rate of wound contration i.e. 97.16 % and 96.0% respectively at day 21 post treatment compared to control group. In conclusion, the findings of this study confirm that, Aloe vera gel significantly accelerates the healing process of wounds, with the higher concentration proving as effective as conventional medical treatments. Moreover, results validate the traditional use of Aloe vera in human and animals medicine and suggest its potential as a primary alternative for wound care. Further investigations are needed to discover more uses of aloe vera in the animal species and human apart from its wound healing effect.