Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Aloe vera has been traditionally used for various skin and mucosal conditions due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. In recent years, its application for canker sores (aphthous ulcers) has received scientific attention. A number of randomized controlled trials and clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of topical aloe vera for this condition. The evidence suggests that aloe vera gel can help reduce pain, inflammation, and the size of canker sores, and may also accelerate the healing process.

A 2012 double-blind randomized clinical trial published in Dental Research Journal found that patients using topical aloe vera gel experienced significant improvement in ulcer size and pain compared to placebo. Another study in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine (2017) showed that aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as triamcinolone acetonide (a corticosteroid) in reducing ulcer size and pain intensity. The proposed mechanisms involve aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing effects, likely due to compounds such as acemannan.

While these results are promising, the body of evidence remains moderate, with some studies limited by small sample sizes or methodological weaknesses. Therefore, aloe vera use for canker sores is supported by scientific evidence, but more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety profile definitively. Nevertheless, topical aloe vera presents as a low-risk, accessible adjunctive therapy for minor aphthous ulcers.

More about aloe vera
More about Canker Sores

Other ingredients used for Canker Sores

Other health conditions supported by aloe vera

Products containing aloe vera

Nature's Sunshine CleanStart Mild
Nature's Sunshine Aloe Vera (Freeze Dried)
Nature's Sunshine Aloe Vera Gel
Nature's Sunshine Aloe Vera Juice
Nature's Sunshine Aloe Vera Juice (Whole Leaf)
Nature's Sunshine Liquid Cleanse