Effect of topical aloe vera gel on gingival crevicular fluid interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-17 levels in patients with chronic periodontitis; A double-blind split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Cytokines play a prominent role in the induction of periodontal diseases. Aloe vera can ameliorate periodontal disease considering its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of topical aloe vera gel, associated with scaling and root planing (SRP), on interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels in chronic periodontitis patients. Patients and Methods: This study recruited 20 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis (with probing pocket depths of ≥5 mm). The control group subjects underwent only SRP; the test group subjects underwent SRP, followed by topical aloe vera gel application. Periodontal clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival index (GI), were determined; GCF levels of IL-1 and IL-17 were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline and one month postoperatively. Results: There were significant decreases in periodontal clinical parameters in both groups compared to the baseline. The test group exhibited a significant decrease in interleukin levels compared with the control group as follows; interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) (control; 61.78±14.54, test; 43.06±10.99 ng/mL) (P<0.001), IL-17 (control; 81.33±16.66, test; 57.04±16.26 ng/mL) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Topical aloe vera gel in combination with SRP significantly improved clinical parameters of periodontitis and decreased IL-1β and IL-17 GCF levels. Trial Registration: The trial protocol of the present study was approved by the Iranian registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20100412003690N11; https://en.irct.ir/trial/44975; ethical code #IR.TBZMED.REC.1398.1113).