Aloe vera in Periodontology: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacological Mechanisms, Clinical Efficacy and Safety

The past decade has witnessed a resurgent global interest in herbal remedies, driven by the search for safer, cost-effective alternatives to conventional allopathic agents .Among these natural remedies, Aloe vera has emerged as a clinically viable agent in modern dentistry. This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic role of Aloe vera in periodontal applications due to its anti-inflammatory (host modulation), antimicrobial, bio-inductive (wound healing), and antioxidant properties . Recent clinical evidence spanning 2022–2026 demonstrates that Aloe vera provides improvement in plaque index, gingival index, pocket reduction, early healing index and clinical attachment levels comparable to the gold standard, Chlorhexidine, while exhibiting remarkable biocompatibility and enhancing systemic glycaemic markers in diabetic populations. Furthermore, accompanying side effects of tooth staining, taste alteration and mucosal irritation are not observed with Aloe vera. However, its therapeutic utilization requires an understanding of its toxicological boundaries, including potential hypokalemia and secondary drug interactions. This article critically analyses the cellular mechanisms, contemporary clinical trials, meta-analysis and systemic reviews for efficacy and safety parameters of Aloe vera in periodontal therapy.