Potencial cicatrizante da Aloe vera (L.) em formas farmacêuticas semissólidas: revisão integrativa

Abstract

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, is a plant with phytotherapeutic properties that date back to several ancient cultures and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Its main characteristics include its emollient and softening properties, and especially its powerful healing effect. Aloe vera is known for stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts, promoting angiogenesis, stimulating the production of growth factors, aiding in the formation of the extracellular matrix, and increasing collagen production in the skin. In view of this, the present study aims to evaluate, through an integrative review, the healing potential of Aloe vera in semi solid pharmaceutical forms, such as hydrogels, creams, and ointments, in the treatment of wounds and burns. The research included studies published between 2019 and 2024, analyzing the effectiveness of Aloe vera in accelerating the healing process and reducing complications such as infections and inflammation. Peer-reviewed articles extracted from databases such as PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, among others, were used as a basis. The results demonstrated that formulations containing Aloe vera emerge as a promising and natural alternative for the treatment of wounds, where studies indicate that the plant significantly accelerates healing compared to conventional treatments, such as silver sulfadiazine. In addition to reducing healing time, Aloe vera also relieves pain and promotes more uniform tissue regeneration. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties contribute to these benefits, as evidenced in the clinical studies reviewed. The research suggests the need for further studies to standardize semi-solid Aloe vera formulations, since the lack of uniformity prevents the formulation of precise clinical guidelines on the vehicles used and the ideal concentration for the treatment of different types of wounds. However, it is concluded that Aloe vera stands out as an effective and affordable option for topical wound treatment, with the potential to be widely used in clinical practices, especially in regions with limited resources.