The healing power of Aloe vera mucilage: induction of insulin-like growth factor gene expression and regeneration tissue in mouse damaged skin

Aloe vera (AV) (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a tropical plant which has been introduced for healing of burns and wounds. The current study was aimed to assess the effects AV mucilage on wound healing process in mouse damaged skin.

In this experimental study، 30 balb/c male mice with weight range 22±2 gr were divided into 5 groups without wound)negative control (، wound treated with physiological serum for a period of 8 days) sham-operated (، wound treated with physiological serum for a period of 16 days، wound treated with Aloe mucilage for a period of 8 days (experimental) and wound treated with Aloe mucilage for a period of 16 days (experimental). Two equal full-thickness wounds of 10±2 mm were made with taking full-thickness skin. On 8th and 16th post wounding day، sampling was performed to assess IGF (insulin-like growth factor) receptor gene expression by RT-PCR and histological changes. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and (Tukey’s hsd post hoc) statically tests.

AV mucilage treatments significantly increased IGF gene expressions compared to sham-operated group during 8 and 16 days following wounding (P<0. 05). AV treatments elevated re-epithelization production with increased mitotic activity in fibroblasts، fibrocytes، collagen fibers and angiogenesis in damaged areas.

AV mucilage may use as a strength wound healer to heal skin damages in many kinds of animal skin damages.