Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review

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#aloe #humans #necrosis #phytotherapy #plant-preparations

Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review

Richardson et al., 2005 | Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) | Systematic Review

Citation

Richardson J, Smith J E, ... Pilkington K. Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2005-Sep;17(6):478-84

Abstract

AIM: To systematically review and critically appraise the evidence for effectiveness of Aloe vera gel for radiation-induced skin reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Major biomedical databases and specialist complementary and alternative medicine databases were searched. Additionally, efforts were made to identify unpublished and ongoing research. Relevant research was systematically categorised by study type and appraised according to study design. Clinical commentaries were obtained for each study included in the review. RESULTS: One earlier systematic review on Aloe vera for a variety of conditions was located. Five published randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) were found, along with two additional RCTs that are not published. No non-RCTs, uncontrolled studies or qualitative studies were found. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence from clinical trials to suggest that topical Aloe vera is effective in preventing or minimising radiation-induced skin reactions in cancer patients. Further methodologically rigorous, sufficiently powered research studies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of currently used and novel therapies for the prevention, minimisation and management of radiation-induced skin reactions.

Key Findings

One earlier systematic review on Aloe vera for a variety of conditions was located. Five published randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) were found, along with two additional RCTs that are not published. No non-RCTs, uncontrolled studies or qualitative studies were found.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aloe
  • Humans
  • Necrosis
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations
  • Radiation Injuries
  • Radiodermatitis
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Skin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: aloe-vera

Provenance

  • PMID: 16149293
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09