Investigation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Aloe vera gel (97.5%) in the ultraviolet erythema test.
BACKGROUND
Aloe vera is a natural product that is frequently used in soothing skin care products such as aftersun lotions. In the present study we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of a highly concentrated A. vera gel in the UV erythema test in vivo.


METHODS
40 volunteers with skin types II and III were included in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III monocenter study. Test areas on the back were irradiated with the 1.5-fold minimal erythema dose of UVB. Subsequently, the test areas were treated occlusively on 2 subsequent days with A. vera gel (97.5%), the positive controls (0.25% prednicarbate, 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel and 1% hydrocortisone cream) and a placebo gel. Erythema values were determined photometrically after 24 and 48 h.


RESULTS
A. vera gel (97.5%) significantly reduced UV-induced erythema after 48 h, being superior to 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel. In contrast, 1% hydrocortisone in cream was more efficient than A. vera gel.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study after 48 h the A. vera gel (97.5%) displayed some anti-inflammatory effects superior to those of 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel. The A. vera gel tested here might be useful in the topical treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as UV-induced erythema.
Reuter
J
J
Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Jocher
A
A
Stump
J
J
Grossjohann
B
B
Franke
G
G
Schempp
C M
CM
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000504:Aloe; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001415:Back; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005782:Gels; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011239:Prednisolone; C035287:prednicarbate; D006854:Hydrocortisone