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

Abstract

SUMMARYWhat is known and Objective: Aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Xanthorrhoeaceae family) has long been used in folk or traditional medicine for diabetes. Several studies have been conducted on the effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control, but the results appear inconsistent. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, http://clini caltrials.gov, Web of Science, Proquest, LILACS, HerbMed, NAPRALERT and CNKI to the end of January 2016 without language restriction. Historical search of relevant articles and personal contact with experts in the area were also undertaken. Studies were included if they were (1) randomized controlled trials of Aloe vera aimed at assessing glycaemic control in prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and (2) reporting fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or haemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ). Treatment effect was estimated with mean difference in the final value of FPG and HbA 1c between the treatment and the control groups. Results and discussion: Eight trials involving 470 patients (235 each for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes) were included. In prediabetes, Aloe vera significantly improved FPG (mean difference À0Á22 mmol/L, 95% CI À0Á32 mmol/L to À0Á12 mmol/L, P < 0Á0001), with no effect on HbA 1c (mean difference À2 mmol/ mol, 95% CI À5 mmol/mol to 1 mmol/mol). Aloe vera may improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, with a marginal improvement in FPG (mean differences À1Á17 mmol/L, 95% CI À2Á35 mmol/L to 0Á00 mmol/L, P = 0Á05) and a significant improvement in HbA 1c (mean difference À11 mmol/mol, 95% CI À19 mmol/mol to À2 mmol/mol, P = 0Á01). What is new and Conclusions: The current evidence suggests some potential benefit of Aloe vera in improving glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. However, given the limitations of the available evidence and the high heterogeneity in study results, high-quality, well-powered randomized controlled trials using standardized preparations are needed to quantify any beneficial effects of Aloe vera on glycaemic control.

Safety of 8-weeks oral administration of Arctium lappa L.

“…Many blood glycemic controllers have been reported as culinary ingredients and/or traditional medicine materials, such as Aloe vera [ 9 ], bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) [ 10 ], Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus ) [ 11 ], and Cinnamon sp. [ 12 ].…”

Needs and Resources of People With Type 2 Diabetes in Peri-urban Cochabamba, Bolivia: a People-centred Perspective

“…The same holds for the use of plants and herbs with potential of improving diabetes management such as ginseng [41], ginger [42] and aloe vera. Aloe vera has shown to reduce blood glucose levels, decrease blood lipids and promote healing of wounds such as venous ulcers [43].…”

Pharmacologically relevant drug interactions of sulfonylurea antidiabetics with common herbs

“…Aloe vera may exert it's hypoglycemic activity by improving insulin resistance (135)(136)(137), stimulating the release of insulin (138), inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase activity (139), increasing glucose utilization and suppressing glucose production (140).…”

“…Aloe vera was found to possess therapeutic properties such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing and immunostimulation activities (132)(133)(134). Aloe vera may exert its hypoglycemic activity by improving insulin resistance (135)(136)(137), stimulating the release of insulin (138), inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase activity (139), increasing glucose utilization and suppressing glucose production (140). Significant improvement in blood glucose level and lipid levels was seen in diabetic patients taking Aloe vera juice (15 mL two times daily) and glibenclamide (10 mg daily) concurrently (141).…”