Effect of aloe vera gel on articular cartilage regeneration in dogs

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using aloe vera gel on articular cartilage regeneration in a canine model. About 6 mm osteochondral defects were induced on the trochlear groove of the distal extremity of the left femur bone of 18 adult dogs. These animals were divided into two equal groups, of 9 animals. The induced osteochondral defects were left without treatment for the first group (control group “C G”) While for the other group (treated group “T G”), the defect was occupied with 1 ml of aloe vera gel. Clinical, macroscopic, and histopathological evaluations were conducted on the 15th, 30th, and 45th day post-surgery. Clinical outcomes exhibited rapid and clear improvement in animals’ ability to use their limbs in standing and walking positions since the end of the first week following surgery in the treated group compared to the control group. Besides, the gross observation showed a relative disappearance of the osteochondral defect in the treated group rather than the control group at the end of the study. The histopathological data showed rapid and profound proliferation of the chondroblast and new cartilage formation with more angiogenesis and little development of granulation tissue at the end of the study in the treated group compared to the control group. In conclusion, aloe vera gel can enhance and accelerate the articular regenerative healing process to repair dog osteochondral defects.

Keywords

• aloe vera gel
• articular cartilage degeneration
• healing of articular cartilage