Aloe Vera Gel Effective Adjunct in improving periodontitis among diabetes patients, suggests study

A new study published in the International Journal of Dentistry revealed that Aloe vera (ALV) gel demonstrates comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine (CHX) in improving clinical periodontal parameters in diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis. It also contributes to better glycemic control and reduces inflammatory markers such as PGE₂ and cytokines. These findings support the use of ALV gel as a local adjunct to scaling and root surface debridement (RSD).

The study involved 80 participants who were diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis (stages 2 and 3). The cohort included both diabetic patients, particularly the individuals with partially controlled or uncontrolled blood sugar levels (HbA1c above 7%), and nondiabetic individuals. These participants were randomly assigned into four groups, where each group received RSD combined with either Aloe Vera gel or the commonly used antimicrobial chlorhexidine (CHX) gel.

This research evaluated clinical periodontal parameters at the start of the study and again after 3 months. These included plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level which are the key indicators of gum health. In addition, blood samples were analyzed to measure glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and inflammatory biomarkers such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cytokines including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6.

The patients treated with ALV showed reduced plaque accumulation, less gum bleeding, and shallower periodontal pockets. Also, the gel also contributed to measurable biochemical benefits such as the reductions in PGE2 levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines, along with decreased HbA1c and fasting glucose levels.

These results were consistent in both diabetic and nondiabetic participants and the statistical analysis confirmed that the improvements were significant, with p-values below 0.05.

Aloe Vera gel performed comparably to chlorhexidine, which is widely regarded as a gold standard in periodontal antimicrobial therapy. This positions ALV as a strong alternative for patients seeking treatments with fewer side effects or more natural origins.

Overall, the findings of this study suggest that subgingival application of Aloe Vera gel can be effectively used along with conventional root surface debridement. For high risk diabetic patients with impaired healing, this approach may improve oral health and better metabolic control.

Reference:

Mohammad, C. A., Aziz, H. W., Jalal, A. A., & Zardawi, F. M. (2026). Aloe vera gel as an adjunct to root surface debridement in type II diabetes with periodontitis. International Journal of Dentistry, 2026(1), 5544638. https://doi.org/10.1155/ijod/5544638