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The effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum in nulliparous women
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Abstract
Background and objective:
Striae are linear depressions of the skin and causes psychological and sexual problems in person. Different methods are used to prevent and treat them but there is no definitive method. We compared the effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum.
Materials and methods:
In this double-blind clinical trial, 160 nulliparous women were enrolled and randomly divided into three case groups and one control group. The four groups were given 700 g Aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and base cream to use topically on the abdominal skin and forth group don't receive any medication as control group in five steps, they were examined study's variables (itching, erythema, and spread of striae) using statistical tests in SPSS.
Result:
The findings showed that Aloe vera and sweet almond oil creams are more effective than the base cream and the control group to decrease itching and erythema and to prevent the spread of striae on the surface of abdomen (p < .05); however, all three creams had a similar effect on the diameter and the number of striae (p > .05).
Conclusions:
Aloe vera and sweet almond oil creams reduce the itching of striae and prevent their progression.
... Result revealed that tested aloe vera cream was able to reduce itching, erythema and treat stretch marks (p<.05); as compared to the control group. (15) Mucopolysaccharides present in aloe vera aids in retaining moisture of the skin. The Aloe Vera plant has stiff lance-shaped gray-green leaves with a mucilaginous pulp and people have known this from ages for its therapeutic and skin-care benefits. ...
... The results of this study are consistent with the findings of the present research regarding the use of topical compounds on the severity of pregnancy striae erythema. Additionally, aloe vera gel contains vitamin C, and considering the effect of this vitamin on collagen production and its role in the skin, this correspondence can be significant (Hajhashemi et al., 2018). However, it should be noted that this correspondence cannot be fully accepted, as vitamin C alone was not used in the study. ...
... 8 Almond oil was also a part of research for its valuable effects on striae gravidarum and found to be helpful in this regard. 9 It also has other good effects such as sclerosing agent in treatment of rectal prolapse. 10 Prunus amygdalis has so many other different properties such as antioxidant and immunostimulant. ...
... Sweet almond oil is restorative to the skin barrier and has anti-pruritic properties [74]. Beeswax is known for its healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties [4,5]. ...
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance in patients with RDEB of an ointment with the following active ingredients: petroleum jelly (30%), cod liver oil (10%), beeswax, sunflower oil, BHT, sweet almond oil. The formulation does not contain antibiotics or corticosteroids. Methods: A prospective study was carried out on a cohort of ten patients diagnosed with RDEB confirmed by molecular biology that are followed at the Centre for Research in Genodermatosis and EB. Given the seriousness of the pathology and the difficulties in obtaining good results with the therapeutic resources available, a one-year pilot test was performed with the use of an off-label drug. The therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated as well as the tolerance and safety of the ointment. Patients with infected injuries, anaemic with hemoglobin levels lower than 8 g/dl or albumin levels lower than 3 g/dl were excluded from the study. Before starting the treatment, a complete blood test was carried out. Lesions were evaluated by a grading system considering the compromise, depth and edges of the injury. Photographs of the injuries were taken at the beginning and at weekly controls for the first month and later monthly. The ointment was applied after bathing on sterilised dressings, followed by the placement of secondary dressings that allowed the oxygenation of the lesions. Both applications were changed every 12 or 24 hours. Results: The drug was evaluated for the period of one-year in each patient. No adverse effects were observed. It was well tolerated and blood tests results were not affected. After 48 hours of initiating the treatment the patients reported: absence of pain, increase of average sleep, decrease in the use of analgesic medication, faster healing of blisters in the skin, diminishing the affected areas and significant improvement in life quality. Conclusions: Even though the number of patients in the study was small, the results obtained allow us to conclude that this medication may be beneficial to alleviate the signs and symptoms of patients with RDEB. Subsequent studies on a greater number of patients will allow the confirmation of the seen couraging results.
Low-grade chronic inflammation without obvious infection is defined as “inflammageing” and a key driver of skin ageing. Although the importance of modulating inflammageing for treating skin diseases and restoring cutaneous homeostasis is increasingly being recognized. However, the mechanisms underlying skin inflammageing, particularly those associated with natural treatments, have not been systematically elucidated. This review explores the signaling pathways associated with skin inflammageing, as well as the natural plants and compounds that directly or indirectly target these pathways. Nine signaling pathways and 60 plants/constituents related to skin anti-inflammageing are discussed, exploring plant mechanisms to mitigate skin inflammageing. Common natural plants with anti-inflammageing activity are detailed by active ingredients, mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and quantitative effects on skin inflammageing modulation. This review strengthens our understanding of these botanical ingredients as natural interventions against skin inflammageing and provides directions for future research.
Background: Pregnancy striae, or stretch marks, are highly prevalent and often a source of cosmetic concern for many women, presenting challenges in both prevention and treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D cream on pregnancy striae in the thigh area of first-time pregnant women. Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial involved 60 primigravida women, aged 18 - 20 weeks, referred to Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2022. Using blocked randomization, participants were assigned to two groups: The vitamin D cream intervention group (30 women) and the basic cream placebo group (30 women). Each cream was applied daily for 4 months, twice daily with a 12-hour interval. The severity of striae was assessed using the Atwal Scale before the intervention and at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after the intervention commenced. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency, minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney test). Results: At the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth weeks, the incidence of striae was as follows: Vitamin D group: 96.2%, 92.3%, 92.3%, and 88.5% without striae and 3.8%, 7.7%, 7.7%, and 11.5% with moderate erythema, respectively. Placebo group: 83.33%, 83.33%, 83.33%, and 66.67% without striae and 16.67%, 16.67%, 16.67%, and 33.33% with moderate erythema, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the severity of pregnancy striae at all follow-up times. Conclusions: Over the 4-month follow-up period, vitamin D cream did not demonstrate greater effectiveness than placebo in preventing or reducing the severity of pregnancy striae in the thigh area.
Ibu hamil trimester III dapat mengalami strech mark karena pertumbuhan usia kehamilan menyebabkan adanya peregangan pada kulit perut yang berlebihan pada saat hamil, dari pemeriksaan terhadap 20 ibu hamil trimester III ditemukan 5 orang ibu hamil mengalami Strech Marks. tingkat berat badan. Pengaplikasian Minyak Zaitun merupakan terapi untuk mengurangi Strech Mark. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan uji effektivitas minyak zaitun terhadap strech mark pada ibu hamil trimester III. Desain penelitian menggunakan desain pra-eksperimental dengan desain one group preetest-posttest. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 20 ibu hamil trimester III dengan pengambilan sampel secara purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian dengan menggunakan uji Wilcoxon diperoleh nilai p<0,005 (0,003) artinya ada pengaruh minyak zaitun terhadap strech marks pada ibu hamil trimester III. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah adanya pengaruh minyak zaitun terhadap strech mark pada ibu hamil trimester III, disarankan untuk menggunakan terapi olesan minyak zaitun sebagai SOP dalam asuhan kebidanan pada ibu hamil untuk mengurangi strech mark.
Aim: To evaluate potential effects of Almonds (Prunus Amygdalis) on sperm morphology as such and after administration of Atenolol. Methods: This laboratory-based randomized control trial was conducted out in the Physiology Department, Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad. The Laboratory of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad and CREAM lab of Army Medical College, Rawalpindi collaborated in this study from December, 2015 to July, 2016 on 120 Balb C mice. Animals were divided into four groups (n=30). Animals in group A(Control) were given 1 cc water and 1cc DMSO(Atenolol solvent). Group B mice were givenAtenolol 18 mg/Kg body weight/ml of DMSO, group C mice were given almonds extract 100mg/Kg. Group D mice (n=30) were given Atenolol 18 mg/Kg body weight/ml of DMSO, andalmond extract 100 mg/Kg, these agents were administered orally once daily for 3 months. After Results: Percentage of abnormal sperms was 1.580% ± 0.67% in-group A(control). Therewas significant increase in-group B (Atenolol) to 13.762% ± 5.31%. In-group C(Almond) it decreased to 1.242% ± 0.76% and in-group D(Atenolol+Almond) it was increased to 1.615 ± 0.96% as compared to group A but not significantly. Conclusion: Prunus Amygdalis not only has beneficial effects on sperm morphology innormal mice but can also reverse atenolol-induced abnormalities.
Although pregnancy is a time of health, the physiologic changes of pregnancy often bring discomfort. The family physician is ideally placed to normalize the pregnant woman's experience and to suggest remedies. This article examines several of the commonly experienced discomforts of pregnancy, places them in the context of maternal physiology, and offers specific suggestions for alleviating symptoms. By providing information, discussion, and reassurance, the family doctor can decrease the pregnant woman's anxiety and help her enjoy her pregnancy.
Aloe greatheadii var. davyana (Asphodelaceae) is used among rural South African communities to treat arthritis, skin cancer, burns, eczema, psoriasis, digestive problems, high blood pressure and diabetes, despite very little supporting scientific evidence. Due to increased interest by both the scientific community and industry regarding the medicinal uses of this plant species, we identified, quantified and compared the phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacities of two extracts of A. greatheadii; a leaf gel extract (LGE) and a 95 % aqueous ethanol leaf gel extract (ELGE), using various modified extraction procedures, GC-MS and spectrophotometry. Apart from extensively characterizing this medicinal plant with regards to its organic acid, polyphenols/phenolic acid, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, alkane, pyrimidine, indole, alkaloid, phytosterol, fatty acid and dicarboxylic acid contents and antioxidant capacities, we describe a modified extraction procedure for the purpose of general phytochemical characterization, and compare this to a 95 % aqueous ethanol extraction technique. From the results it is clear that A. greatheadii contains a variety of compounds with confirmed antioxidant capacity and other putative health benefits (such as blood glucose, cholesterol and cortisol lowering properties) relating to the prevention or treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and hypertension. The results also indicate that separate ethyl acetate/diethyl ether and hexane extractions of the LGE, better serve for general phytochemical characterization purposes, and 95 % aqueous ethanol extraction for concentrating selective groups of health related compounds, hence justifying its use for biological in vivo efficacy studies.
Anxiety can be a contributor to labor pain, which is known to be multifactorial. Because there is little information available on the efficacy of birth ball use for labor pain management, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of use of a birth ball on labor pain, contractions, and duration of the active phase of labor.
In this randomized controlled trial, 60 primiparous women aged 18 to 35 years were divided into birth ball and control groups. Pain scores were measured by a visual analogue scale.
Mean pain scores in the birth ball group were significantly lower than the mean pain scores in the control group (P < .05). There were no significant differences between duration of the active phase of labor or the interval between uterine contractions in the 2 groups (P > .05).
Although the use of a birth ball had no effect on the duration of the active phase of labor, the duration of uterine contractions, or the interval between contractions, this complementary treatment could reduce the intensity of pain during the active phase of labor.
Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists currently, almonds and almond oil have many properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects. Further, associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made, which consequently reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Further, some studies show a reduced incidence of colonic cancer. Moreover, cardiovascular benefits have also been identified with almond oil elevating the levels of so-called 'good cholesterol', high-density lipoproteins (HDL), whilst it reduces low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Historically, almond oil had been used in Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-Persian schools of Medicine to treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Further, it is through anecdotal evidence and clinical experiences that almond oil seemingly reduces hypertrophic scarring post-operatively, smoothes and rejuvenates skin. Almond oil has emollient and sclerosant properties and, therefore, has been used to improve complexion and skin tone. Further studies looking into the use of almond oil post-operatively for the reduction of scarring are suggested.
Covering peritoneal surfaces with aloe vera gel may prevent peritoneal trauma and hence postoperative peritoneal adhesions.
Forty Wistar albino out-bred female rats (mean weight, 180+/-25 g; mean age, 6 months) were divided into four groups. In Group 1, 0.1 mL aloe vera gel was injected into the peritoneal cavities. In Group 2, peritoneal adhesions were induced. In Group 3, adhesions were induced and the modeled area was covered by 0.1 mL aloe vera gel. In Group 4, the area was covered with aloe vera gel prior to adhesion induction. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 10 and the adhesions were scored both microscopically and macroscopically.
The mean macroscopic adhesion score in the four groups was 0, 5.8+/-0.42, 5.2+/-0.79, and 1.1+/-1.2 respectively, with the difference between Group 4 and Groups 2 (p<0.001) and 3 (p<0.05) statistically significant. The mean histopathological fibrosis values were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 4 (2.6+/-0.51 vs 1.2+/-0.91, p=0.002).
Aloe vera gel can effectively decrease adhesion formation if applied before, but not after, after peritoneal trauma. This effect is likely due not to its chemical properties but to its viscosity, providing a covering to prevent peritoneal trauma.
To assess whether application of cocoa butter lotion reduces the development of striae gravidarum (SG).
Multicentre, double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial.
Beirut and Tripoli, Lebanon.
Nulliparous women presenting for prenatal care.
Nulliparous women presenting in the first trimester were randomly assigned to receive a lotion containing cocoa butter or a placebo lotion. Women were instructed to apply the assigned lotion daily until delivery.
The development of striae over the abdomen, breasts and thighs postpartum.
Of 210 women enrolled, 175 (83%) completed the study. Ninety-one women received the study lotion and 84 received the placebo. There was no difference in the development of SG (45.1% versus 48.8%; P = 0.730) or the severity of SG between cases and controls. The results did not change when presence of stretch marks at enrolment or compliance with the regimen were taken into account.
Topical application of a lotion containing cocoa butter does not appear to reduce the likelihood of developing striae gravidarum.
Physiological striae are common in adolescence, occurring in the lumbar and gluteal regions, the upper thighs, breast, lower abdomen, and back. The lesions may be mistaken for nonaccidental injury, that is, physical abuse. We present four cases of adolescents with lesions thought to be due to physical abuse. Three of these cases were revealed during a school screening program for scoliosis; of the 2600 adolescents screened, aged 12 to 16 years, 168 were found to have striae. One case was found by a family physician when a young boy presented with low back pain. Since striae may be mistakenly ascribed to physical abuse, it is important for family physicians, nurses, and pediatricians to be familiar with this benign condition.
