Dietary Aloe Reduces Adipogenesis via the Activation of AMPK and Suppresses Obesity-related Inflammation in Obese Mice

Abstract

BackgroundMetabolic disorders, including type II diabetes and obesity, present major health risks in industrialized countries. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has become the focus of a great deal of attention as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated whether dietary aloe could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and adipogenesis.MethodsMale C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation.ResultsAloe QDM complex down-regulated fat size through suppressed expression of scavenger receptors on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) compared with HFD. Both white adipose tissue (WATs) and muscle exhibited increased AMPK activation through aloe supplementation, and in particular, the Aloe QDM complex. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and -6) and HIF1α mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration by the Aloe QDM complex. Further, the Aloe QDM complex decreased the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytosol in the WAT.ConclusionDietary aloe formula reduced obesity-induced inflammatory responses by activation of AMPK in muscle and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in the WAT. Additionally, the expression of scavenger receptors in the ATM and activation of AMPK in WAT led to reduction in the percent of body fat. Thus, we suggest that the effect of the Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and muscle are related to activation of AMPK and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation.

Effect ofAloe veraon glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Glucose storage and utilization were enhanced . Aloe formula including processed Aloe vera gel (PAG), aloesin, Aloe QDM (100 mg/kg of PAG containing 2% aloesin) and Aloe QDM complex ( Aloe QDM plus 500 mg/kg Chromium (Cr)‐enriched yeast containing 0·2% Cr) have been demonstrated to be involved in the activation of AMP kinase via the same mechanism of action as one of antihyperglycaemic agents, namely metformin . As the maximum effects of metformin in decreasing FPG and HbA 1c have been reported at approximately 6 months of administration in a placebo‐controlled study, it is possible that the effect of Aloe vera on FPG and HbA 1c would have been more pronounced if the treatment had lasted at least 6 months.…”

“…7,13 Aloe formula including processed Aloe vera gel (PAG), aloesin, Aloe QDM (100 mg/kg of PAG containing 2% aloesin) and Aloe QDM complex (Aloe QDM plus 500 mg/kg Chromium (Cr)-enriched yeast containing 0Á2% Cr) have been demonstrated to be involved in the activation of AMP kinase via the same mechanism of action as one of antihyperglycaemic agents, namely metformin. 12 As the maximum effects of metformin in decreasing FPG and HbA 1c have been reported at approximately 6 months of administration in a placebo-controlled study, 33 it is possible that the effect of Aloe vera on FPG and HbA 1c would have been more pronounced if the treatment had lasted at least 6 months. A significant reduction in HbA 1c by 11 mmol/mol, or 1Á0%, with Aloe vera observed in our meta-analysis may provide additional clinical benefit as each 1% reduction in mean HbA 1c has been reported to reduce the risk by 21% for any endpoint or death related to diabetes, 14% for myocardial infarction and 37% for microvascular complications.…”

“…A variety of herbs including Aloe vera ( Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Xanthorrhoeaceae family) have been used in folk or traditional medicine for diabetes . It has been reported to possess hypoglycaemic activity through direct glucose lowering effect and improving insulin resistance . However, results of clinical trials of the effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control appear contradictory .…”

“…[3][4][5] It has been reported to possess hypoglycaemic activity through direct glucose lowering effect and improving insulin resistance. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] However, results of clinical trials of the effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control appear contradictory. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes to establish its therapeutic benefit in these patients.…”

Effect ofAloe vera(Aloe barbadensisMiller) on survivability, extent of proteolysis and ACE inhibition of potential probiotic cultures in fermented milk

“…It contains polysaccharides such as glucomannan and acemannan with several medicinal uses . It has been used for centuries for treating obesity and diabetes, and has immunomodulatory, antiseptic, healing and antitumor activities . The combination of the above‐mentioned pathological disorders is associated with metabolic syndrome …”