In vitro evaluation of biophysical properties of an artificial saliva produced from Aloe vera gel’

Saliva is a watery substance which serves many important roles, including lubrication and binding, initiating digestion and oral hygiene in all species. Xerostomia is a medical term for dry mouth sensation, which causes some oral problems like dental caries and halitosis. Different factors can influence salivary secretion including salivary gland infections, salivary stones and other medical disorders. The aim of this study was to develop an alternative formulation for artificial saliva originating from Aloe vera gel and evaluating it from a biophysical point of view. In this study, the minerals and antimicrobial substances of human saliva were substituted by the beneficial components found in Aloe vera gel and then, the rheological behavior of the formulation, such as viscosity, surface tension, pH, and mechanical properties of substitute salivary fluids were analyzed in order to determine the efficacy of this product. A new protocol was presented for the standardization of a type of artificial saliva which showed desired biophysical behavior which more closely resembled human saliva. However, more clinical studies are needed to present this product as a mouth or throat lubricant to reduce the complaints of patients suffering from abnormalities.