When used externally, besides acting as a moisturizer on burns and other wounds, aloe reduces

inflammation, possibly by blocking production 9f thromboxane A2' inactivating bradykinin, inhibiting

prostaglandin A2, and inhibiting oxidation of arachidonic acid.

Aloe's antipruritic effect may result from blockage of the conversion of histidine to histamine as a
result of the inhibition of histidine decarboxylase. Wound healing is believed to result from increased
blood flow to the wounded area.

Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that aloe juice and aloe gel preparations inhibit the growth
of bacteria and fungi commonly isolated from wounds and burns. Other studies have found
inconsistent activity in this regard. Conflicting results may be due to variable content of the aloe
preparations and deterioration of some of the active compounds. Because the identification and
stability of the active components are unknown, the clinical relevance of claims of antibacterial and
antifungal effects remains unknown.

One controlled trial comparing a gel formulation of aloe, allantoin, and silicon dioxide failed to show a significant
clinical benefit for the therapy of recurrent oral aphthous ulcers . Another trial failed to find benefit of an
acemannan hydrogel dressing derived from aloe vera over that of moist saline gauze for the treatment of
pressure ulcers .