%0 Journal Article
%T Aloe vera: An Ancient Herb for Modern Dentistry¡ªA Literature Review
%A Arbaz Sajjad
%A Samia Subhani Sajjad
%J Journal of Dental Surgery
%D 2014
%R 10.1155/2014/210463
%X Objectives. To review composition, actions, and clinical applications of Aloe vera plant in dentistry and to establish its effectiveness as an invaluable adjunct in the treatment of dental diseases. Method. A manual and electronic literature (MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar) search was performed up to July 2013 for in vitro and in vivo studies and research presenting clinical, microbiological, immunological, and patient-centered data to validate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel in dentistry. A total of 38 titles, abstracts, and full-text studies were selected and reviewed. Aloe vera has various medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor which accelerates wound healing and helps in treating various lesions in oral cavity. Benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the gel of the leaves. Conclusion. The pharmacological attributes of Aloe vera have been revalidated in modern sciences through various in vivo and in vitro studies. The herb has immense potential as a dental therapeutic. Even though Aloe vera is a promising herb with various clinical applications in medicine and dentistry, more clinical research needs to be undertaken especially to validate and explain the action of acemannan hydrogel in accelerating the healing of aphthous ulcers and to validate the efficacy of Aloe gel on plaque and gingivitis, so that it can be established in the field of dentistry. 1. Introduction The use of natural products in the prevention and treatment of oral conditions has increased recently and could be of benefit to low socioeconomic level in urban and rural communities [1]. Among the various currently available herbal agents the most popular and currently receiving a lot of scientific attention is Aloe vera. The name Aloe vera is derived from the Arabic word ¡°Alloeh¡± meaning ¡°shining bitter substance,¡± while ¡°vera¡± in Latin means ¡°true¡±. The plant Aloe vera has a history dating back to biblical times. It is a perennial succulent xerophyte, which develops water-storage tissue in the leaves to survive in dry areas of low or erratic rainfall. The plant has stiff grey-green lance-shaped leaves containing clear gel in a central mucilaginous pulp. Benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the gel of the leaves [2]. There are over 250 species of Aloe grown around the world. Only two species are grown commercially: Aloe barbadensis Miller and Aloe arborescens. The Aloe plant is grown in warm,
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jds/2014/210463/