Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe
For the health condition: Surgery (healing from)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aloe, particularly Aloe vera, has a long history of traditional use for promoting wound healing, including in the context of healing after surgery. Traditional medicine systems in regions such as Egypt, India, and China have utilized Aloe extracts, gels, and juices for centuries to soothe skin, reduce inflammation, and support the repair of minor wounds and burns. The mucilaginous gel found in Aloe leaves is often applied topically to wounds, and this practice has been passed down through generations as a home remedy for skin healing.
Scientific evidence for Aloe’s effectiveness in supporting surgical wound healing is limited and mixed. Some small clinical trials and laboratory studies suggest Aloe gel may have properties that promote epithelialization and reduce inflammation, which could theoretically benefit surgical wounds. However, the data are not robust, with some studies showing no significant benefit compared to standard treatments. Major medical organizations and systematic reviews generally conclude that while Aloe may be soothing and safe for minor wounds, its efficacy for post-surgical healing specifically is not well established and cannot be recommended as a primary therapy.
In summary, Aloe’s use for healing after surgery is primarily based on tradition, with limited scientific backing. It may be used as a complementary approach, but patients should follow standard medical advice for post-surgical care.
Other ingredients used for Surgery (healing from)
aloe verabovine gelatin
bromelain
collagen
gelatin
hyaluronic acid
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-leucine
l-proline
magnesium
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
omega-3 fatty acids
papain
protease
serratiopeptidase
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
Animal Tissue
Antler
Asiaticoside
Albumin
Acemannan
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bone Protein
Connective tissue growth factor
Drynaria
Egg protein
Other health conditions supported by Aloe
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Lesions
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers