Influence of aloe vera on the healing of dermal wounds in diabetic rats

The positive influence of Aloe vera, a tropical cactus, on the healing of full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats is reported. Full-thickness excision/incision wounds were created on the back of rats, and treated either by topical application on the wound surface or by oral administration of the Aloe vera gel to the rat. Wound granulation tissues were removed on various days and the collagen, hexosamine, total protein and DNA contents were determined, in addition to the rates of wound contraction and period of epithelialization. Measurements of tensile strength were made on treated/untreated incision wounds. The results indicated that Aloe vera treatment of wounds in diabetic rats may enhance the process of wound healing by influencing phases such as inflammation, fibroplasia, collagen synthesis and maturation, and wound contraction. These effects may be due to the reported hypoglycemic effects of the aloe gel.     

Preliminary evaluation: the effects of Aloe ferox Miller and Aloe arborescens Miller on wound healing

Aim of the study

Genus Aloe has been traditionally utilized for medicinal purpose for decades. Compared with Aloe vera gel, the qualitative assessment for the therapeutic effects of the other two Aloe species, Aloe ferox Miller and Aloe arborescens Miller, for their topical wound healing was less addressed. Therefore, the aim of present study is to provide the positive evidence for Aloe ferox Miller and Aloe arborescens Miller supporting their therapeutic properties for topical treatment of skin wounds.

Materials and methods

Two types of the whole-leaf juice prepared from either Aloe ferox Miller or Aloe arborescens Miller were used in this study. Incision wound healing was investigated using both the rat and rabbit model. The wound closure rate with and without the topical administration of the whole-leaf juice were monitored. The changes in wound characteristics were traced and wound severity was scored on different days. The anti-microorganism actions of each whole-leaf juice preparation were evaluated by measuring their inhibition growth effects on four bacterial strains and three fungal spores. The toxic influence owing to topical application of Aloe whole-leaf juice on intact and damaged skin was also assessed.

Results and Conclusions

Our results indicated that the two types of whole-leaf juice preparations exhibit the therapeutic properties, including facilitation of the healing process, selective inhibition of the microbial growth and zero side-effect on the skin, during the observation period. It is concluded that both of Aloe whole-leaf juice preparations have the positive potential for skin medicinal application.     

Aloe vera as an herbal medicine in the treatment of metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a highly prevalent health problem worldwide and is associated with different risk factors, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. This condition increases the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems. The MS is one of the most important health concerns in industrialized countries and mainly results from a sedentary lifestyle, high levels of subjective stress, and unhealthy diets. Nowadays, the identification of appropriate health care approaches, such as herbal medicines, with fewer side effects is more favorable, especially with regard to the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Aloe barbadensis Miller known as Aloe vera is a useful plant with two major parts, including leaves that contain high concentrations of anthraquinone compounds and a clear gel. The gel is used as a food with several beneficial properties, such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and wound‐healing features. Other effects of A. vera, such as its lipid‐lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and cardioprotective impacts, have been demonstrated in several studies. The present study was conducted to review the evidence on the pharmacological effects of A. vera on the different components of MS.     

A Comparative Study of Baby Immature and Adult Shoots of Aloe Vera on UVB‐Induced Skin Photoaging in vitro

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces photo‐damage of the skin, which in turn causes depletion of the dermal extracellular matrix and chronic alterations in skin structure. Skin wrinkle formations are associated with collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The production of type I procollagen is regulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) expression; the activation of MMP is also correlated with an increase of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Aloe barbadensis M. (Aloe vera) is widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In this study, we examined whether baby aloe shoot extract (BAE, immature aloe extract), which is from the one‐month‐old shoots of Aloe vera, and adult aloe shoot extract (AE), which is from the four‐month‐old shoots of Aloe vera, have a protective effect on UVB‐induced skin photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). The effects of BAE and AE on UVB‐induced photoaging were tested by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, IL‐6, type I procollagen, and TGF‐β1 after UVB irradiation. We found that NHDF cells treated with BAE after UVB‐irradiation suppressed MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and IL‐6 levels compared to the AE‐treated cells. Furthermore, BAE treatment elevated type I procollagen and TGF‐β1 levels. Our results suggest that BAE may potentially protect the skin from UVB‐induced damage more than AE. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wound healing effects of Aloe gel and other topical antibacterial agents on rat skin

The effects of topical antibacterials were studied in an acute wound healing model. Sprague-Dawley rats after appropriate anaesthesia received four 1.5 cm² dorsal defects through the skin and panniculus carnosus. Skin defects were treated for 14 days with 2% mupirocin ointment, 1% clindamycin cream, 1% silver sulfadiazine cream + Aloe vera gel, and silver sulfadiazine combined with Aloe gel. An untreated group served as controls. Each group was comprised of 10 animals each to achieve statistical significance. Wound closure rate was assessed by serial planimetry. Following healing, the breaking strength of each resultant scar was determined. Wound half-lives and overall healing rates were calculated by regressing the log of the areas of all wounds over time. Overall healing rates of all the treated groups were significantly different compared with control group (p<0.05). The Aloe group had the shortest half-life and healed faster than the control group. All the other treated groups had no longer half-lives when compared with the control group. While silver sulfadiazine + Aloe increased the breaking strength of the healed wound, Aloe alone did not, but demonstrated an increase over the control. Topical Aloe significantly enhances the rate of wound healing and when combined with silver sulfadiazine reverses the wound retardant effect observed with silver sulfadiazine. Clindamycin and mupirocin significantly delay wound closure. However mupirocin enhanced the breaking strength of the wound.     

Healing potential of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on full-thickness excision cutaneous wounds in alloxan-induced-diabetic BALB/c mice

Aim of the study

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) used in Jordanian folk medicine for wound management and treatment. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the healing efficacy of both aqueous extract and essential oil of the aerial parts on alloxan-induced diabetic BALB/c mice.

Materials and methods

Two full-thickness round wounds were created in the dorsal area of each mouse. Animals were divided into four groups of twenty mice each: untreated normal, untreated diabetic, aqueous extract- (intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 ml at a dose of 10% for 3 days) and essential oil-treated diabetic mice (topical application of 25 μl/excision wound, twice a day for 3 days). For 15 days, the wounds were visually observed; blood glucose level, body weight, regenerated granulation tissue weight and the percentage of wound contraction were measured. On days 6 and 15 after wounding, the animals were sacrificed and the histology of wound area was examined.

Results

Significant positive differences (p < 0.01) between treated and control groups were observed at different aspects of diabetic wound healing process. Reduced inflammation and enhanced wound contraction, re-epithelialization, regeneration of granulation tissue, angiogenesis and collagen deposition were detected in the treated wounds.

Conclusions

Results indicated that the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis was the most active in healing diabetic wounds and provide a scientific evidence for the traditional use of this herb in wound treatment. However, further scientific verification is required to confirm and assess the range of wound healing potential of essential oils of Rosemary chemotypes.     

The wound healing properties of Channa striatus-cetrimide cream-wound contraction and glycosaminoglycan measurement

Haruan has been proved to influence the different phases of wound healing process. The current research focuses on the effects of haruan on the different constituents of extracellular matrix of healing wounds in normal and diabetic rats. Anaesthetized normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were provided with excision wounds at the back and then animals were divided into four groups as: group 1, wounds treated with cetrimide+haruan cream; group 2, wounds treated with haruan cream; group 3, wounds treated with cetrimide (commercial) cream; and group 4, wounds untreated and served as control. Animals were sacrificed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. These wounds were used to determine the hexosamine, protein, uronic acid and glycosaminoglycan contents and the wound contraction. The results suggested a marked increase (P<0.05) in the uronic acid, hexosamine and dermatan sulfate contents on day 3 of group 1 when compared with groups 2-4. Wound contraction of group 1 was also markedly enhanced of group 1 (P<0.01) when compared with groups 2- 4. On the basis of these results, we conclude that haruan enhances the synthesis of different glycosaminoglycans in healing wounds, which are the first component of extracellular matrix to be synthesized during the wound healing process. The enhanced levels of glycosaminoglycans may help in the formation of a resistant scar and enhanced wound contraction represents the positive influence of haruan on the fibroplastic phase of wound healing.     

In vitro anti inflammatory activity of Aloe vera by down regulation of MMP-9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Aim of the study

The anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe vera was investigated through MMP inhibition studies. The effect of Aloe vera on MMP-9 inhibition was tested on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Materials and methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from the heparinised venous blood by Ficoll Diatrizoate gradient centrifugation. The cell count and viability was determined using dye exclusion technique. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Activation of MMP-9 was visualized by gelatin zymography. Inhibition of MMP-9 in the presence of aqueous extract of Aloe vera was detected by gelatin zymography and confirmed by RT-PCR.

Results

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) showed significant inhibition in the activity of MMP-9, indicating the in vitro inhibitory effect of Aloe vera on MMP-9. Zymographic analysis and RT-PCR showed that it caused a significant reduction in the production of MMP-9 in a concentration dependent manner.

Conclusion

The inhibition of MMP-9 production in the cells was detected by gelatin zymography and was confirmed by RT-PCR.     

Topical application of serine proteases from Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. (Apocyanaceae) latex augments healing of experimentally induced excision wound in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. (Apocyanaceae) is a folk medicinal plant known to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antihemorrhagic potential. Wrightia tinctoria latex is used for treatment of various clinical conditions including psoriasis, blisters, mouth ulcers, and extensively for topical application on fresh wounds to promote accelerated healing.

Aims of the study

To investigate the wound healing potential of Wrightia tinctoria latex proteases using a mouse model.

Materials and methods

Proteolytic activity of Wrightia tinctoria latex proteases (WTLP) was determined on various substrates (casein, gelatin and collagen (type-I and IV)). The thermal stability and the class of proteases present in WTLP were determined using heat treatment and specific protease inhibitors, respectively. Excision wound model in mice was used to evaluate the healing potential of WTLP application (twice daily, 10 mg/kg). Neosporin, a standard drug, was used for comparison. The progression of healing was monitored using physical (wound contraction), biochemical (collagen content, catalase and MMP activity) and histological examinations.

Results

WTLP contains thermostable serine proteases, which are completely inhibited by PMSF. WTLP showed strong caseinolytic, gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activity. The excision wound healing rate upon WTLP treatment was significantly higher than (>2-fold) the control group (49% vs. 18%, ^??p<0.01) on day 3 and throughout the study. PMSF pre-treated and heat denatured WTLP failed to promote wound healing. In addition, serial biochemical analysis of the granulation tissue demonstrated 1.5-fold more (2444±100 vs. 1579±121 µg/100 mg tissue) hydroxyproline content and 5.6-fold higher catalase activity (16.7±1.3 vs. 3±0.3 units/mg) compared to controls. Further, the enhanced collagen content and matrix metalloproteinase activity correlated with wound contraction rate following WTLP and Neosporin treatment. Histological analysis on day 9 confirmed complete epithelialization, re-establishment of skin structure and accelerated wound healing following WTLP treatment.

Conclusions

The thermostable serine proteases of Wrightia tinctoria latex are directly involved in the wound healing process. Our findings provide a biochemical basis for the role of WTLP in the enhancement of wound healing. The study supports traditional topical application of Wrightia tinctoria latex on fresh wounds to promote accelerated healing.     

A Biochemical and Cellular Approach to Explore the Antiproliferative and Prodifferentiative Activity of Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract

Aloe arborescens Miller, belonging to the Aloe genus (Liliaceae family), is one of the main varieties of Aloe used worldwide. Although less characterized than the commonest Aloe vera, Aloe arborescens is known to be richer in beneficial phytotherapeutic, anticancer, and radio‐protective properties. It is commonly used as a pharmaceutical ingredient for its effect in burn treatment and ability to increase skin wound healing properties. However, very few studies have addressed the biological effects of Aloe at molecular level. The aim of the research is to provide evidences for the antiproliferative properties of Aloe arborescens crude leaf extract using an integrated proteomic and cellular biological approach. We analysed the composition of an Aloe arborescens leaf extract by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis. We found it rich in Aloe‐emodin, a hydroxylanthraquinone with known antitumoral activity and in several compounds with anti‐oxidant properties. Accordingly, we show that the Aloe extract has antiproliferative effects on several human transformed cell lines and exhibits prodifferentiative effects on both primary and immortalized human keratinocyte. Proteomic analysis of whole cell extracts revealed the presence of proteins with a strong antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity specifically induced in human keratinocytes by Aloe treatment supporting its application as a therapeutical agent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oral administration of Aloe vera and honey reduces walker tumour growth by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis in tumour tissue

Cancer is diagnosed in approximately 11 million people and is responsible for almost 8 million deaths worldwide every year. Research in cancer control has shown the importance of co‐adjuvant therapies. Aloe vera may reduce tumour mass and metastasis rates, while honey may inhibit tumour growth. This study verified the influence of Aloe vera and honey on tumour growth and in the apoptosis process by assessing tumour size, the cell proliferation rate (Ki67‐LI) and Bax/Bcl‐2 expression at 7, 14 and 20 days after Walker 256 carcinoma implant in Wistar rats distributed into two groups: the WA group – tumour‐bearing rats that received a gavage with a 670 µL/kg dose of Aloe vera and honey solution daily, and the CW group – tumour‐bearing rats which received only a 0.9% NaCl solution. The effect of Aloe vera and honey against tumour growth was observed through a decrease in relative weight (%) and Ki67‐LI in tumours from the WA group compared with those from the CW group. The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio increased in tumours from the WA group at all tested timepoints. These data suggest Aloe vera and honey can modulate tumour growth by reducing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis susceptibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

芦荟在创伤愈合中的应用

对近几年芦荟在创面愈合中的应用进行归纳总结。芦荟具有抑菌、消炎、免疫调节、促肉芽组织形成、保湿、镇痛等药理作用,可用于抗菌、消肿生肌、修复组织损伤、促进创面愈合等;并对以芦荟为主体的一氧化氮缓释剂在创伤愈合中作用前景进行展望。     

Wound healing and antimicrobial potential of Carissa spinarum Linn. in albino mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carissa spinarum Linn. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as Jungle karunda, has been traditionally used as wound healing agent.

Aim of the study

To investigate in vivo wound healing and antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum.

Materials and methods

The effect of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum root extracted by cold maceration was evaluated on burn wound model in mice. The wound healing activity of 1% and 2.5% (w/w) extract was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content. Histological study of the granulation tissue was carried out to know the extent of collagen formation in the wound tissue. The antimicrobial activity of extract was also studied against the bacterial and fungal strain using agar dilution method.

Results

The results showed that Carissa spinarum root extract has significant wound healing activity as evident from the rate of wound contraction and epithelization. Hydroxyproline expressions and histological parameters were also well correlated with the healing pattern observed. Methanolic extract also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms.

Conclusions

The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Carissa spinarum in the management of wounds.     

Anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing activities of thymol, a monoterpene of the essential oil from Lippia gracilis, in rodents

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae) has long been recognized in folk medicine as a medicinal plant. The essential oil of Lippia gracilis has antimicrobial activity and is used externally to treat cutaneous diseases, burns, wounds, and ulcers. Recently, our research group demonstrated that the essential oil of Lippia gracilis leaves possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions and its major component identified was thymol. The objective of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of thymol in rodents.

Materials and methods

For the anti-inflammatory analysis the paw oedema and peritonitis models were used, followed by the assessment of the mieloperoxidase (MPO) activity, total cell counting, and histological analysis. The animals were treated (i.p., n=6/group) with thymol (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), or vehicle (1% Tween 80). In order to assess the wound healing potential, thymol was vehiculated into collagen-based dressing films and a biological wound healing test was conducted. The retraction index of the wounds and histological analysis were performed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21th days, split into three groups: undressed wounds (CTR), dressed with collagen-based films (COL), and dressed with collagen-based containing thymol (COLTHY) films.

Results

Thymol reduced significantly the oedema (100 mg/kg, P<0.001) and, besides, diminished the influx of leukocytes to the injured area (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), according to the assessment of MPO activity (P<0.001), total cell count (P<0.05), and histological analysis. Wounds dressed with COLTHY films showed significantly bigger wound retraction rates (7 and 14 day, P<0.05) and improved the granulation reaction, as well provided better collagenization density and arrangement during wound healing.

Conclusions

This study suggests that thymol is a promising compound to be used in treatment of inflammatory processes as well as wound healing. The pharmacological actions of Lippia gracilis in popular medicine practices may be related, at least in part, to the presence of thymol in the essential oil.     

白花檵木促大鼠皮肤伤口愈合物质基础初步研究

目的: 观察白花檵木粗提物(extract of Loropetalum chinens,ELC)促大鼠皮肤伤口愈合作用,并对粗提物分离提取得到的组分进行促愈合药理筛选,为白花檵木促皮肤愈合物质基础研究奠定工作基础。 方法: 应用酶解和溶剂萃取手段制备白花檵木粗提物,进而以有机溶剂对粗提物萃取,获得多种分离组分;采用大鼠皮肤割伤模型(incision wound model)和切除伤模型(excision wound model)2种国际常用体内模型研究白花檵木粗提物及分离组分的促愈合作用,对伤口进行愈合病理和免疫组织化学染色观察;对白花檵木粗提物进行初步分离,并采用大鼠皮肤割伤模型对分离提取产物进行促愈合作用筛选。 结果: 白花檵木粗提物可显著促进大鼠皮肤伤口的愈合速度,缩短愈合时间,增加愈合后皮肤抗拉强度,促进伤口处细胞及血管新生;白花檵木粗提物的初步分离提取组分中,石油醚层,乙酸乙酯层和正丁醇层促皮肤愈合作用较强,提示白花檵木的促愈合作用物质极性较小。 结论: 白花檵木粗提物具有显著促愈合作用,石油醚层、乙酸乙酯层和正丁醇层3种分离组分促愈合作用较强,推测白花檵木促愈合功效活性物质极性较小。     

Wound healing efficacy of Jatyadi Taila: in vivo evaluation in rat using excision wound model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Indian medicinal treatise there are several Ayurvedic formulations mentioned which have been claimed as potential wound healing agents like Madhu Ghrita and Jatyadi Taila. Jatyadi Taila (JT) is a medicated oil formulation (Taila) popularly used in the treatment of various topical wounds.

Aim of the study

Though JT has its composition recorded in ancient Ayurvedic texts, there have been minimal attempts to standardize its use in the management of wound. The current work evaluates the wound healing efficacy of JT and also provides evidence of the dermal absorption kinetics of Karanjin from JT.

Materials and methods

JT was subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation. Therapeutically active marker components β-sitosterol, lupeol and karanjin were detected and separated using HPTLC. As a part of safety evaluation, skin irritation potential of JT was evaluated on rabbit skin. Excision wound model in rats were used to evaluate the wound healing efficacy of JT. Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of excised skin tissues at wound sites were carried out. The HPTLC method developed was also validated to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of Karanjin from JT after topical application on pinna of rabbit.

Results

Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of JT revealed presence of flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, glycosides, steroids and alkaloids while resins were found to be absent. HPTLC confirmed the presence of karanjin, lupeol and β-sitosterol in JT. JT was found to be non-irritant when applied to the skin of rabbits. Topical application of JT on excision wounds caused significantly faster reduction in wound area as compared to the application of modern topical formulation (Neosporin^®) and untreated control wounds. Animals treated with JT showed significant increase in protein, hydroxyproline and hexosamine content in the granulation tissue when compared with the untreated controls. Wound healing potential of JT was found to be dose dependant. HPTLC method was successfully used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of Karanjin after topical application of JT on rabbit pinna.

Conclusions

Current work demonstrates a modern approach towards standardization of the use of traditional topical formulation JT. The results justify the traditional claim of JT for its use in the management of wounds.     

三七花总皂苷水凝胶促进大鼠急性皮肤创伤愈合作用研究

目的探讨三七花总皂苷水凝胶对皮肤创伤修复作用。方法切除大鼠全层皮肤,形成急性机械损伤动物模型。重组牛碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(rb-bFGF)凝胶做为阳性对照组,三七花总皂苷水凝胶(10 g/L、25 g/L、50 g/L)涂布创伤表面,每日1次,连续10日,比较不同处理方式对创面愈合时间、创面愈合率、创面血管形成、创面组织学的影响。结果三七花总皂苷水凝胶组(10 g/L、25 g/L、50 g/L)随时间和剂量的增加确实有提高创面愈合率和降低感染创面感染反应的作用,病理结果显示三七花总皂苷水凝胶明显促进创面炎性渗出物吸收、肉芽组织形成和表皮增生。结论三七花总皂苷水凝胶能够促进大鼠皮肤创伤的修复。     

Normal and delayed wound healing is improved by sesamol, an active constituent of Sesamum indicum (L.) in albino rats

Ethno-pharmacological relevance

The seeds of Sesamum indicum Linn. (Pedaliaceae) has been used traditionally for the treatment of wounds in Buldhana district of Maharashtra state. Sesamol is the main anti-oxidative constituent contained mainly in the processed sesame seed oil which has not been explored scientifically for its wound healing activity.

Aim of the study

To investigate the influence of sesamol (SM) on wound repair, both in normal and dexamethasone (DM) delayed healing processes in albino rats.

Materials and methods

Incision, excision and dead space wounds were inflicted on albino rats (180-220 g) of either sex, under ketamine anaesthesia. Group I served as control, group II received SM 50 mg/kg i.p., group III was treated with dexamethasone (DM) i.m. (0.17 mg/kg) and SM + DM was given to group IV. The tensile strength, wound contraction, hydroxyproline, lysyl oxidase and total RNA and DNA levels (in granulation tissue) were measured.

Results

The tensile strength significantly (p < 0.05) increased with SM at 471.40 ± 14.66 g when compared to control at 300.60 ± 9.16 g in normal and DM suppressed healing. No significant change was observed in duration of wound contraction and lysyl oxidase when compared to control at 2.98 ± 0.10 mg. SM treated rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) rise in hydroxyproline levels at 6.45 ± 0.45 mg when compared to control at 1.75 ± 0.20 mg.

Conclusion

These results indicate that sesamol could be a promising drug in normal as well as delayed wound healing processes.     

Topical Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) Extract Does Not Accelerate the Oral Wound Healing in Rats

The effect of topical application of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) extract was assessed on the healing of rat oral wounds in an in vivo model using 72 male Wistar rats divided into three groups (n = 24): control, placebo and Aloe Vera (0.5% extract hydroalcoholic). Traumatic ulcers were caused in the dorsum of the tongue using a 3‐mm punch tool. The Aloe Vera and placebo group received two daily applications. The animals were sacrificed after 1, 5, 10 and 14 days. Clinical analysis (ulcer area and percentage of repair) and histopathological analysis (degree of re‐epithelialization and inflammation) were performed. The comparison of the differences between scores based on group and experimental period, both in quantitative and semi‐quantitative analyses, was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The significance level was 5%. On day 1, all groups showed predominantly acute inflammatory infiltrate. On day 5, there was partial epithelialization and chronic inflammatory infiltrate. On the days 10 and 14 total repair of ulcers was observed. There was no significant difference between groups in the repair of mouth ulcers. It is concluded that treatment using Aloe Vera as an herbal formulation did not accelerate oral wound healing in rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.