Local Drug Delivery of Aloe Vera Gel in Chronic Periodontitis Patient.

Abstract

BACKGROUND- Since historical times, for both medical and dental therapy many herbal agents, like Aloe vera (AV), have been used. Aloe vera (AV)  belonging to the Liliaceae Family, presents  with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and immune boosting properties. It also promotes wound healing by accelerating epithelial cell migration and collagen maturation, facilitating tissue restoration. This study  aims at investigating the clinical effectiveness of locally delivered AV gel used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of  chronic periodontitis (CP).MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with probing depth (PD) ≥5mm and clinical attachment (CA) level ≥3mm were randomly divided into two groups. All patients underwent SRP. Aloe Vera gel was locally delivered in Group 1 patients and Placebo in Group 2 patients. Clinical recording of full mouth plaque index (PI),  bleeding index (BI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment (CA) level was done first at baseline and then at intervals of 3 months and 6 months.RESULT: Patients in AV group showed significantly greater mean reductions in PI, BI and PD and mean gain in CA level compared to those in placebo group from baseline to 3 months. Gain in CA level was significantly greater in AV group at all time intervals than the placebo group.CONCLUSION: Adjunctive use of AV gel LDD, in comparison to placebo gel LDD, is associated with greater reduction in PI, BI and PD as well as more gain in CA level in patients with CP.