Comparison between the effect of precipitate and supernatant aloe vera gel on experimental cutaneous wound healing using optical coherence tomography

Background: Wound healing is a fundamental response to injured tissue that results in the restoration of tissue integrity. One of the famous herbs that promote wound healing is Aloe vera. Despite well known for its therapeutic effect, several studies reported inconclusive evidence regarding this. Besides, lack of evidence to postulate the superior effect of two components of Aloe vera which are the precipitate and supernatant. Objective: Study compares the effects of precipitate and supernatant in promoting tissue repair. Evaluation takes place by using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and is comparable with histopathology study. Methods: Twelve male mice were randomly divided into four groups (precipitate, supernatant, control 50% ethanol, and normal). 200 mg of Aloe vera was extracted. A standardized 2 cm longitudinal incision wound was created. All mice were given topical Aloe vera, 0.5 g each, once daily and assessment of wound surface was performed using OCT. The animals were sacrificed on day 10 to evaluate histopathologically. Results: R parameter from the OCT was utilized to analyze the data. There is no significant difference in the treatment effect between Aloe vera treated group and control on day 10 post-injury. Treated animals with precipitate did not differ significantly from supernatant treated group. Nevertheless, from histopathology analysis, precipitate showed better wound reepithelialisation, collagen formation and angionesis despite having numerous inflammatory cells. Conclusion: OCT using R parameter is not the best choice to detect wound healing. Nevertheless, from histopathological perspective, Aloe vera accelerates wound healing and precipitate Aloe vera gel does have a superior effect from supernatant in promoting wound healing.