EFFICACY OF THE ALOE VERA (ALOE BARBADENSIS MILLER) SPRAY IN

ACCELERATING THE FADING OF SCARS

A Research Paper
Presented to the Senior High School Faculty
Southwestern University PHINMA

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for Capstone Project
and Inquiries, Investigations, and Immersion

Dumaguit, Jev Knurley

Mendez, Steven
Merquita, Jan Danielle
Supangan, Zephaniah
Romanillos, Arman Van II
March 2019
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale of the Study

Most jobs in the Philippines particularly in Cebu are not in the office since it

is in its developing stage. Most of them came from the construction sites, streets,

and coastal areas thus this makes Filipinos exposed to hazards that can cause a

wound which eventually will turn into scar. Another thing is that, Philippines is one

of the most air polluted Asian country. Air pollution brings bacteria that can cause

acne and will subsequently turn into a scar. Scars make people more conscious

about themselves and that leads them low self-esteem.

Furthermore, one thing that protect humans from this hazards is the skin.

Skin is the largest organ and an essential part of the body because it is the body’s

first line of defense. Skin is also sensitive because it can easily be wounded. Skin

has more than one function, it also works as a waterproof, and it insulates the body

against intense temperature, harmful UV rays, and dangerous chemicals. In

addition, skin injuries can result to wounds, acnes, cuts or scrapes and burns. They

begin to heal after an injury that damages the surface of the skin that will eventually

turns into scars. Scars heal and will fade but will not disappear, its appearance

differ from size, shape and color depending on your age, skin color and types of

skin conditions. Scars can be treated both surgical and laser treatment but not

everyone else are able to afford these treatments. According to van Aalst (2016),

if a person gets a scar it will remain there always and there is no such thing as

removing scars. However, once a scar gets old, it will be less noticeable.
 Forthwith, Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is the gift of nature; it is been

used medicinally for centuries. It is a plant that has a sap with a moisturizing and

soothing property. People had already used it as a treatment for different kinds of

skin infections like burns, wounds, and other kinds of skin conditions. In fact, this

plant is one of the remedies in accelerating the fading of scars. There are several

studies that prove that it has the ability to fade scars faster than its healing period.

It is rich in vitamins, which are antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin

E. These antioxidants help prevent harmful chemical reaction. According to Roy

(2017), scars can be difficult to get rid of, but there are methods for scar treatment

that can fade the appearance of scars. It is one of the remedies that can help scar

fade faster by strengthening the collagen structure within the scar. The

glycoprotein in Aloe Vera gel helps the skin to stop inflammation and pain. The

polysaccharides promote skin growth and repair. However, some studies stated

that there is no effect in applying it in scars.

This led the proponents to conduct this research because of the hidden

capability of Aloe Vera extract in fading scars in short span of time. This research

will also be helpful to people who are ashamed of their scars. And by the end of

this study the researchers will know the effectiveness of Aloe Vera in fading scars

by making an Aloe Vera extract by applying it on a scar.

Theoretical Background
 This section of the paper discusses the theories about the properties of Aloe

Vera that can help fade scars. Its capacities to aid scars have been known since

the ancient times. The development of technology in fading scars has been

introduced to people but this has greater risks, besides, it is more expensive than

using herbal medicinal plants like Aloe Vera. This succulent plant is a natural

remedy used by those people in centuries for scars treatment and proven to be

healthier and safety. The researchers believe that usage of Aloe Vera as a

treatment in fading scars is still relevant today.

In line with the researchers’ principle, this study on Aloe Vera as a remedy

to fade scars incorporates the inference of Goldman (2016). He professed that

when you have a wound, burn, or acne, your body’s first response is to bleed.

Secondly, it molds a blood clot. This clot is called fibroblast and is the protection

against the external world that’s responsible for replacing the scab with a scar

tissue. Scar is composed of the same things as normal skin (a protein called

collagen), primarily it looks and feels different. While scars can be treated and

improved its appearance but it really won’t disappear.

Moreover, the claim that one of the remedies for fading scars is Aloe Vera

gel reinforced by the fact that “Aloe Vera is one thing that can help scars heal faster

by strengthening the collagen structure within the scar. It should not be used on

open wounds, but on healing wounds, it can hasten healing and lessen scar

formation” (Roy, 2017). This statement directly proves that Aloe Vera is more than

just a plant but can be used as treatment for lessening the appearance of scars.
This affirmation tells that it is convenient to use this plant to hasten the healing

period of wounds and produce a meager scar.

Furthermore, Aloe Vera gel contains multi-benefits. In reckoning to what

Oliveira (2009) articulated, he phrased that healing, anti-inflammatory, skin

protection, bactericidal and laxative properties, and detoxifying agents are all

present in Aloe Vera. He also enunciated that in addition to its present vitamin C,

E, complex B and folic acid it also includes minerals, essential amino acids and

polysaccharides that quicken tissue growth and cell regeneration.

Lastly, integrating with Koshland Science Musuem (2015), they confide that

rats share an astonishing; almost 100% genes that are just like humans. They

added that rats are the best way to showcase the best path to examine the nature

of different gene interactions with human. And, a lot of human bodily systems are

present in rats, which make it more accessible for some researchers to study the

effects of all sequences of every drug and medications on the human body.

Review of Related Literature

In support to what Goldman said, Brar (2018) stated that scars are

permanent in the damage areas of the skin. He said that there is no such thing as

removing scars, however, scars can be faded or lessen in appearance over time.

van Aalst (2016), supports both Brar and Goldman statements by stating that if a

person has a scar then it will always be there forever but when a scar matures, it

will become less obvious. But according to Romero (2017) there are factors that

influence the scars healing time. Like age and skin type that you can’t control.
Romero stated that the most important thing to do in order for scars to heal quickly

is to have proper care. He also said that scars take one (1) year to be fully healed.

According to Mooers (2014), he already used Aloe Vera personally and it

has good results. Aloe Vera is helping to hasten the healing of acne and marks

than they normally would. Aloe Vera is an awesome treatment to heal scar,

however it might cause irritation, redness and sun sensitivity to other people that

will use it. This supports what Roy said. In addition, Tiwari (2017), expound that

Aloe Vera is a great remedy that help to overcome in fading scars. Tiwari also said

that you will start noticing the changes of scars appearance after 2-3 weeks from

the day of use of the Aloe Vera. Despite the marketing hype of Aloe Vera,

According to Kalivas (2018), that there is a huge marketing hype of Aloe Vera that

supports Aloe Vera gel can soothe skin, remove scars and do all sorts of things.

Aloe Vera is still being studied by scientists and still don’t have definite data about

Aloe Vera being used as a remedy for scars. In support, Sidgwick (2015) stated

that literature about Aloe Vera’s use in wound healing and skin scarring in

particular is lacking.

In accordance with Oliveira, Meininger (2017) stated that the gel from the

Aloe Vera contains a substance that eases pain and swelling while it promotes

healing, skin growth, skin repair. Sharma (2017) also stated that Aloe Vera gel has

soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties that help the skin to repair itself and

lessen irritation. Also, Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that cut down on

skin irritations. Nonetheless, Dr. Artemi (2016), expounded that research has

clearly shown that the use of vitamin E as a remedy for scars has no beneficial
effect. Dr. Artemi added that scars have a natural process of slow and gradual

improvement of a period of 12 months that will happen whether vitamin E cream

is applied or not. Lastly, Dr. Artemi said that Dermatologists have now considered

a scientific fact that applying of vitamin E on scars has no value.

Review of Related Studies

According to Bayat et al. (2014) that by simply changing the cascades

involve in the wound healing process the regenerative response of the skin can be

restored without any consequences on wound strength, healing rate, or incidence

of wound infection. Future treatments hold the promise of substantially improving

the cosmetic result of injury, trauma, and elective injury with scarring no longer an

inevitable consequence of skin healing.

The study of Akhoondinasab et al. (2014) is about the comparison of the

healing effect of Aloe Vera and Silver Sulfadiazine in burn injuries in experimental

rat model. The result of their study showed that Aloe Vera is more effective and it

has a shorter period of time in healing than Silver Sulfadiazine, however rat skins

and human skins are very different. Rats have loose skins while humans have tight

skins. Akhoondinasab et al. concluded through their findings that Aloe Vera maybe

an effective treatment for first and second-degree burns. Akhoondinasab et al. also

recommends Aloe Vera in the healing of burn injuries as an inexpensive and

available herbal medicine.

Sahu et al. (2013) has concluded in their study that the vitamins in the Aloe

Vera gel relieve human life and health in various ways. Aloe Vera has importance

in everyday life to soothe a variety of skin ailments because it has a skin

moisturizing and anti-ageing properties, which makes it beneficial to humans. Aloe

Vera or also called the wonder plant is known for being an antiseptic, anti-

inflammatory agent, and helps relieving diseases. However, Sahu et al. stated that

Aloe Vera needs more research for better utilization for human kind.
Theoretical Framework

This section of the paper shows a table of theories that support the research

process. This table also shows what the study is all about. This table also serves

as the guide of the researchers in the research process.

Goldman (2016)
Roy (2017) Oliveira (2009)

A wound results to
scars. Scars won’t Aloe Vera can help Aloe Vera has anti-
disappear. lessen the scar oxidants and
formation. polysaccharides.

Figure1. This table shows the theory that is being used in the research process.
Statement of the Problem

The sole purpose of this study is to recognize the efficacy of the Aloe Vera

(A. barbadensis miiller) in accelerating the fading of scars. Specifically, at the

accomplishment of this research the researchers will answer the following

questions:

1. What is the rate of effectivity in hastening the fading of scars in a week?

1.1 Experimental control (Aloe Vera Gel Extract)

1.1.1 Size

1.1.2 Color

1.2 Positive Control (Sebo De Macho)

1.2.1 Size

1.2.2 Color

2. Is there a significant difference between the experimental and positive

control?

3. Is there a possibility for the people to consider using the Aloe Vera Gel

Extract in treating their scar over Sebo De Macho?

Hypothesis of the Study

Ho:Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller gel extract will have the same number

of the scars’ fading days with the positive control (Sebo De Macho).

Ho: Positive control group (Sebo de macho) will have the same number of

the scars’ fading days with the experimental control group Aloe Vera (A.

barbadensis miller) gel extract.

Ho: Experimental control group and Positive control group will have the

same number of the scars’ fading days.

Ha: Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller) gel extract will have less number of

the scars’ fading days compared to the positive control (Sebo De Macho).

Ha: Positive control group (Sebo de macho) will have more number of the

scars’ fading days than the Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller) gel extract.

Ha: Experimental control group will have less number of the fading days of

the scars.
Significance of the Study

The outcome that will be accumulated by this study will become a resource

of valuable information of the following:

Teenagers. The findings of this study will able to help and guide the

teenagers who are in hormonal stage and prone to acne.

Entrepreneurs. The findings of this study will help entrepreneurs to further

improve their cosmetics in connection with Aloe Vera. They are able to identify the

effectiveness of the Aloe Vera as a remedy to fade scars.

Dermatologists. The findings of this study will able dermatologists to

understand and be more knowledgeable about the importance and effectiveness

of Aloe Vera in treating scars.

Future Researchers. The findings of this study will able to motivate and

support future researchers in proceeding to better understand on how Aloe Vera

is used to lessen the appearance of scars through maintaining information from

this study.
Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller) gel extract as a

remedy for accelerating on the fading of scars. Since the researchers are

focusing on the accelerating of the fading scars, this research is only applicable

to scars. The study will be conducted at Southwestern University PHINMA

Laboratory, Cebu City during the academic year 2018-2019.

However, this research is only limited to fading scars and should not be

applied to open wounds. The researchers does not recommend this research

because the researcher don’t know yet on what are the effects of the product.
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This research uses a mixed research particularly experimental method to

identify the efficacy of Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller) Gel Extract as remedy to

hasten the fading period of scars and a survey method to know if the community

will accept new product to fade scar. Through this process and the results that will

be accumulated, the researcher will obtain the important findings.

Research Environment

The researchers will be setting their experiment at Southwestern University-

PHINMA Laboratory at Urgello, Cebu City. The average venue can accommodate

the researchers’ number.

Research Subject/Respondents

The research’s subject for the experiment will be an albino mouse (will be

classified as mouse 1 and mouse 2), which is being wounded so that a scar will

occur. The selection of survey’s subjects will be the individuals who suffers from

acne scars, burn scars and etc.

Research Instrument

For this study, the researchers will be performing an experiment to certain

albino rats to acquire the essential information that would resolve the problem.

Cellphone cameras will be used for documentation of the results. And, with the use

of sources from internet, articles, and journals related to Aloe Vera as a remedy to
fade Scars, the researchers can have a firm support and references to arrive with

a significant solution to the problems. There will also be a survey questionnaire to

collect information.

Research Procedure

The researchers will attain the data through experimental method first.

There will be two albino mice (Mouse 1 as the experimental and Mouse 2 as the

positive control). The rats will be wounded by a professional veterinarian and will

be observed until their wounds will turn into scars. After the albino mice wounds

developed into a scar, the researchers will spray the A. barbadensis Miller Gel

Extract to the mouse 1 and apply Sebu deMacho to mouse 2. After spraying the

Gel Extract and applying Sebu deMacho, the researchers will observe Mice one

(1) and two (2) for a week. After the experimental results, survey will follow.

Gathering of data

This research will be subjecting animal skin specifically Albino mice for

experiment and for the convenience of the study. Also, it will be subjecting people

who suffered from scars for the survey. The study will be through numerous

phases. Phase 1 would be the extraction of Aloe Vera gel fillet from the plant with

a knife cutting from the tip to its spine and soak it to the water to remove

unnecessary yellow resin known as Aloin that can cause irritation to skin. The

second phase will be the mixture of Aloe Vera gel and vitamin C in a blender for

seconds to preserve its contents, pouring it in a spray bottle and refrigerate it. The

last phase for the experiment will be the testing of the product to the subject.
Subjects will be categorized into two, Mouse 1 as the experimental control &

Mouse 2 as the positive control. Mice 1 and 2 will be cut in the back to make a

wound and to form scar. Mouse 1 will be applied with Aloe Vera gel extract for one

week and Sebo de Macho will be applied to Mouse 2 for a week also. Each day

will be observed frequently and will be recorded through taking of pictures. The

development of skin texture, color and size will be reckoned as the effectiveness

of Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller) Gel Extract as remedy to fade scars in a short

period of time than the Sebo de Macho. The end phase will be the analyzing of

data gathered in the survey.

Treatment of the data

For the researchers to recognize the efficacy of Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis

miller) gel extract to the subject the researches will consider a whole week to see

vivid results on the scars if it will fade faster than Sebu deMacho. The researchers

will apply the gel extract to mouse 1, while the researchers will apply Sebo de

macho to mouse 2. This is for the researchers to observe if the gel accelerates the

fading of scars faster than the other product. Afterwards, the statistics that will be

collected through t-test (two populations), particularly, this will enable the

researchers to take in whether it will accept Ha and reject Ho or vice-versa through

(𝑥1 −𝑥2 )
this formula:𝑡 = . As well as, this will allow the proponents to conclude
𝑠2 𝑠2
√ 1+ 2
𝑛1 𝑛2

if the hypothesis of the study is true.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

This section of the paper is operational definition of terms that are being

used in the research process.

Aloe Vera according to Meriam-Webster dictionary, Aloe Vera is a thick a

liquid that is produced by a kind of aloe plant and used in medicines, cosmetics,

etc. In this research process, it is used as a natural remedy that is used in the

research process to accelerate the fading of scars.

Glycoprotein according to Meriam-Webster dictionary, glycoprotein is

any of a class of proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to the

polypeptide chain. Also called glycopeptide. Glycoprotein in this research is used

as a vitamin inside an Aloe Vera gel that will help to stop inflammation and pain.

Polysaccharides according to Meriam-Webster dictionary,

a carbohydrate (e.g., starch, cellulose, or glycogen) whose molecules consist of a

number of sugar molecules bonded together. Polysaccharides in this research are

used to help the scars inpromoting skin growth and repair.

Scar according to Meriam-Webster dictionary, it is a mark left on the skin or

within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely. The

subject in the research process that is being applied with an Aloe Vera extract to

accelerate its fading process.

Wound according to Meriam-Webster dictionary, it is an injury to living

tissue caused by a cut. In this research, it is one of the causes of scars.

 CHAPTER II

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This section of the paper overseen the presentation, analysis and

interpretation of data collected by the researchers. This study intent to

know the compelling effect of the Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis miller) Gel as

an agent to hasten the healing period of the scar versus the Sebo De

Macho. The researches applied experimental study where the

documentary data gathering was more applicable. The sequence of the

discussion will inflow: 1) Controlled group one (1) (Experimental

control: Aloe vera gel), 2) Controlled group two (2) (Positive control:

Sebo De Macho) 3) significant between the experimental and positive

control 4) interpretation of the data gathered by the survey.

1. Experimental control with the change in size and appearance

This discussion presents the experimental control that was tested

by the product (Aloe Vera Gel). The scar on the Albino Rats takes two

(2) weeks to fade to match its older appearance with its size from 8mm

to 4mm and its color starts to fade. This result accredited the claim of

Brar (2018), he annunciated that scars cannot be removed but scars

only fade or lessen its appearance over in the run of time considering

that there will be a new skin cell that generates under the skin that
thrust upward that causes the top dead cells break away and fall off

from the epidermis.

Trial 1

Controlled Group Experimental Control (Aloe Vera Gel)

Size (mm) Appearance

1-2 8 mm Scars as is
3-4 8mm Scars as is
5-6 8mm Side of scars fades
7-8 6mm Side of scars fades
9-10 6mm Comparable
appearance from its
previous color
11-12 4mm Comparable
appearance from its
previous color
13-14 4mm Comparable
appearance from its
previous color
Figure 1.1 Experimental control result table

The table 1.1 presents a significant result of the scar of an Albino

rat that was tested by the Aloe Vera Extract Gel, presenting that in

several days in the experimental control group, scars starts to develop

in day nine (9) days which can be comparable to its previous appearance

and its size and in accords with Brar (2018), it is true then that scar

lessen in the latter of time and will produce another tissue to eliminate

dead skin. Therefore, that the usual healing period of the scars will be
up to two (2) weeks before it completely fades. Researchers commend

that with the use of Aloe Vera extract gel; it can lessen its fading

duration up to 8mm to 4mm scar size shown in the result in

experimental control group. This affirmation proved the statement given

by Roy (2017) that Aloe Vera helps scar fade faster. Given this point,

proponents can assume that Aloe Vera gel extract bears effectively to

hasten the period of downsizing a scar.

Trial 2

Controlled Group Experimental Control (Aloe Vera Gel)

Size (mm) Appearance

1-2 8mm Scars as is
3-4 8mm Scars as is
5-6 8mm Side of scars fades
7-8 6mm Comparable appearance
from its previous color

9-10 6mm Comparable appearance

from its previous color

11-12 4mm Comparable appearance

from its previous color

13-14 4mm Comparable appearance

from its previous color
Figure 1.2 Experimental control result table

The table 1.2 shows a significant result of the scar of an Albino rat

that was tested by the Aloe Vera Extract Gel, presenting that in several

days in the experimental control group, scars starts to develop in day

seven (7) days which can be comparable to its previous appearance and

its size

B. Positive control with the change in size and appearance

This discussion presents the positive control that was tested by

the Sebo De Macho. The scar on the second group of one (1) Albino Rats

also takes two (2) weeks to fade in distinguishable color and size but

only it was able to downsize it from 8mm to 6mm.

Trial 1

Controlled Group Positive Control (Sebo De Macho)

Size (mm) Appearance

1-2 8 mm Scars as is

3-4 8mm Scars as is

5-6 8mm Scars as is

7-8 7mm Side of scars fades

9-10 7mm Side of scars fades

11-12 6mm Side of scars fades

13-14 6mm Comparable appearance

from its previous color
Figure 2.1. Positive control result table
 The table 2.1 presents a significant result of the scar of Albino rat

that was tested by Sebo De Macho, with the same days of observation,

it was able to hasten the fading of scars but not as much effective as

the Aloe vera gel.

Trial 2

Controlled Group Positive Control (Sebo De Macho)

Size (mm) Appearance

1-2 8 mm Scars as is

3-4 8mm Scars as is

5-6 8mm Scars as is

7-8 7mm Side of scars fades

9-10 7mm Side of scars fades

11-12 6mm Comparable

appearance from its
previous color

13-14 6mm Comparable

appearance from its
previous color
Figure 2.2. Positive control result table

The table 2.2 presents a significant result of the scar of Albino rat

that was tested by Sebo De Macho in second time, still with the same
days of observation, it was able to hasten the fading of scars but not as

much effective as the Aloe vera gel.

C. Significant difference between experimental and positive

control

This discussion presents the comparison between the

experimental and positive control results by the two products (Aloe vera

gel & Sebo De Macho) in the Albino Rats. The experiments outcome

differentiates the result of each in two (2) controlled groups. The result

in first trial of experimental control of Albino Rats shows that in the nine

(9) days, it was able to fade the scars much faster than in the trial (1)

of the positive control group which took thirteen (1) days to fade.

As stated the researchers uses a T-test method to identify the

significant difference between the two. Since, the values of both the

level of significance and the degrees of freedom, researchers can

already plot them in the t-table.

Now, the researchers need to locate the level of significance

vertically and the degrees of freedom horizontally. Since the researchers

are using .05 level of significance and it is two-tailed then researchers

can find it in the 7th column. For the degrees of freedom, researchers

can find it in the 20th row. Since .05 level of significance and the degrees

of freedom, which is 20, both pass by the value 2.086, then this is the
value that researchers are going to compare to the t-value, which is

6.45.

Take note that if the research’s t-score is lesser than or greater

than our t-value, then researchers will reject Ho and accept Ha. On the

other hand, if the t-score is equal to the t-value, researchers will accept

Ho and reject Ha.

Researchers have the value of t-value, which is 6.45, and the

value of t-score, which is 2.086. Our t-score is lesser than the t-value

(2.086 < 6.45), this means that there is a significant difference with the

two samples. Since there is a significant difference with the two

samples, then researchers will be going to accept Ha and reject Ho. This

means that the Aloe Vera extract gel that was made by the researchers

was more effective compared to Sebo De Macho

People considering Aloe Vera gel

Per se of the survey, the gathered information results positive

feedbacks from the demographic population in Urgello Street. As the

results tallied, 69% responded that if the product will be better and can

result to positive effects, they might consider using such product than

the one preferred in market which is the Sebo De Macho.