Effect of Aloe Vera on Oral Pathogens in Healthy Volunteers

Objective: To investigate the anti-bacterial effect of Aloe vera juice against Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus mutans in Thai healthy volunteers. Method: Fifty-three healthy volunteers (34 females and 19 males) participated. Prior to the experiment, subjects were interviewed for past history of allergy, current systemic diseases and medications. Subjects daily received 250 ml of fresh Aloe vera juice for 14 consecutive days. At day 0 and day 15 of the experiment, saliva collection and interpretation for the number of Lactobacillus bacteria and Streptococcus mutans were performed. The scores level of bacterial concentration at baseline and 14 days post-intervention were compared by the Wilcoxon matched paired signed ranks test. Result: Significant reduction in the score level of Lactobacillus bacteria concentration in saliva was found after 14 days post-intervention (p = 0.011).  While Aloe vera juice did not significantly decreased the score level of Streptococcus mutans (p = 0.734). Neither allergy nor side effects of daily drinking of Aloe vera juice for 14 consecutive days was detected. Conclusion: Our finding revealed anti-bacterial effect of Aloe vera juice against Lactobacillus bacteria concentration in Thai healthy volunteers without any side effects.