Study finds aloe vera effective against mouth ulcers
Researchers in Thailand have found that aloe vera may provide an effective treatment for mouth ulcers.
A study involving 54 patients found that a gel from the cactus-like plant alleviated the burning, stinging and pain associated with oral lichen planus, a common inflammatory disorder of the mouth.
Over four fifths of patients treated with aloe vera had a good response after eight weeks of treatment, compared to just four per cent of patients who received a placebo.
Researcher Dr Charoen Choonhakarn, a dermatologist at Thailand's Khon Kaen University, commented: "Aloe vera gel is a safe and effective treatment for oral lichen planus, and most likely mouth ulcers too."
Nina Goad, a spokeswoman for the British Association of Dermatologists, revealed: "Many cosmetic products contain botanical ingredients, as people like using products that are labelled 'natural' or contain natural plant extracts.
"Aloe vera is an ingredient that has proven anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. This is an interesting development for the treatment of mouth ulcers."
Researchers in Thailand have found that aloe vera may provide an effective treatment for mouth ulcers.
