Lombok Medical Journal
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Lombok Medical Journal (InPress)

The Effects of Turmeric, Aloe Vera, and Honey as Natural Remedies for Reducing Scar Visibility_ A Pilot Clinical Trial

Nour Hatem (Faculty of Medicine, University of Mataram, Indonesia)
Wiriatul hasanah (Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar Islamic University, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.)
Shahd Rashad (Faculty of Medicine, University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt.)
Abdelaziz gomaa (Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.)
Muji iswanty (Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Managing scars effectively is often difficult because most clinical treatments are either too expensive or too invasive for many patients. While ingredients like turmeric, honey, and aloe vera have been used in traditional healing for centuries, we still lack enough clinical evidence on how they perform when combined into a single topical remedy. Purpose: This pilot trial was designed to test the safety and effectiveness of a simple, low-cost natural formulation in improving the appearance of both discolored (dyschromic) and raised (hypertrophic) scars. Methods: We followed ten participants with scars aged between 1 and 12 months. For four weeks, they applied a homemade blend of fresh aloe vera, honey, turmeric, lemon juice, and niacinamide twice daily. To ensure our results were objective, we used 3D imaging to measure scar height and tracked changes in pigmentation. We also gathered direct feedback from the participants regarding scar softness and redness. Results: The outcomes were notably positive. After the month-long treatment, 64% of the volunteers saw their scars flatten by at least 20%, with the most significant changes occurring in hypertrophic cases. Furthermore, 72% of the group showed visible lightening of their skin pigment. The formula worked best on acute scars (under six months old). Participants found the mixture easy to use and reported no side effects, other than a temporary yellow stain from the turmeric that faded quickly. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that this natural blend is a practical and affordable way to improve the texture and color of developing scars. While these initial results are promising, we believe larger, randomized trials are needed to standardize the recipe and confirm its long-term benefits.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

LMJ

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Mechanical Engineering Public Health

Description

Lombok Medical Journal (LMJ) is a peer-reviewed and open access journal that focuses on promoting medical sciences generated from basic sciences, clinical, community or public health research, and medical education to integrate researches in all aspects of human health. This journal publishes ...