Aloe VerA And heAlth benefIts

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant which has been used for thousands of years. The health benefits of aloe vera is well known and the dental uses of this plant is multiple. Interest is gathering among researchers regarding the use of this plant. Studies have proved the antiseptic, anti inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties of aloe vera and the use of this plant is proved beneficial. This plant is proved to be non allergic and very good in building up the immune system. Aloe vera is gaining popularity in dentistry as it is completely natural and there is no side effects being reported with its use. This paper gives an overview of the uses of this miracle plant and its uses in dentistry. G. Sujatha et al., Aloe Vera in Dentistry www.jcdr. net Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2014 Oct, Vol-8(10): ZI01-ZI02 2 Lichen planus a dermatological disease affecting the oral cavity is successfully treated with aloe vera gel. Hayes SM has reported a case of successful treatment of lichen planus with aloe gel [6]. A study which was performed in 2010 to prove the efficacy of topical aloe vera in treatment of lichen planus in comparision with placebo showed a statistically significant result [23]. The dental directory is now come up with latex free aloe vera coated gloves mainly for cracked hands for the soothing, cooling, moisturizing effect of the substance [24]. Studies have demonstrated the antioxidant effect of some of the constituents of aloe vera gel. Three aloesin derivatives from aloe, namely isorabaichromone, feruoylaloesin, and p-coumaroylaloesin) showed potent free radical and superoxide anion activity. Similar studies have also confirmed the anti oxidation action of aloe vera gel [25,26]. conclusIon Aloe vera has a lot to offer in the field of dentistry, a lot of studies is on the way to utilize the effective antimicrobial property of the miracle plant. 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Antioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti inflammatory effects of aloesin derivatives in aloe vera, Planta Med. 2002;68:957-60. [26] Hu Y, Xu J, Hu Q. Evaluation of antioxidant potential of aloe vera. (Aloe barbadensis Miller) extracts. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51:7788-91. PartiCularS OF COntriButOrS: 1. Reader, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India. 2. Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital,Thalambur, Chennai, India. 3. Reader, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India. 4. Professor & H.O. D, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental College & Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India. name, addreSS, e-mail id OF the COrreSPOndinG authOr: Dr. G.Sujatha, Reader, Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India. Phone : 98840141244, E-mail : gsuja@rediffmail.com FinanCial Or Other COmPetinG intereStS: None. Date of Submission: jan 09, 2014 Date of Peer Review: Feb 27, 2014 Date of Acceptance: apr 18, 2014 Date of Publishing: Oct 20, 2014