Efficacy of shockwave-enhanced Aloe vera gel on full-thickness wound healing: experimental study

Abstract

IntroductionTo investigate the efficacy of shockwave-enhanced Aloe vera gel on full-thickness wounds in rats.MethodsOverall, 45 adult male rats were selected. Under anaesthesia, a skin area of 6 cm2 on the upper back of each animal was surgically excised. Then, the rats were divided by a randomization process into 3 groups. In group A, 15 rats received combined administration of topical Aloe vera gel with shockwave therapy (600 shock pulses/session, 4 pulses/second, at 0.1 mJ/mm2 shock intensity). In group B, 15 rats received shockwave therapy with the same parameters as in group A, followed by topical application of Aloe vera gel for 150 seconds. In group C (control group), 15 rats received combined administration of topical Aloe vera gel with shockwave therapy while the device was switched off for 150 seconds. All groups received a total of 6 sessions: 2 sessions per week for 3 weeks. As outcome measures, wounded areas and shrinking rates were assessed at the third and sixth sessions in all groups.ResultsIn the last session, there were significant wound contraction and shrinking rate measures in group A when compared with those in the other experimental group and in the control group.ConclusionsExtracorporeal shockwave therapy may act as an efficient transdermal drug mediator as it maximized the healing effect of shockwave-combined Aloe vera gel on full-thickness wound healing.