The effect of Aloe vera on fasting blood glucose levels in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Context: Aloe vera is a traditional medicinal plant that shows a wide range of biological activities. Previous studies demonstrated the antihyperglycemic effect of Aloe vera but with inconsistent results. Aims: To quantitatively summarize the effect of Aloe vera on fasting blood glucose in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus by a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, Science Direct, Proquest, and Google Scholar were used to identify clinical trials evaluating the effect of Aloe vera on fasting blood glucose published between 2011 and 2021. The inclusion criteria were: (1) original research with a clinical trial design evaluating the effect of Aloe vera on fasting blood glucose in pre-diabetes and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus; (2) providing the data of the mean fasting blood glucose and standard deviation in both control and intervention group, and; (3) Aloe vera was used as the only intervention. The pooled effect of Aloe vera on fasting blood glucose was evaluated using the random effect model, and publication bias was assessed by Funnel plots and Fail Safe-N. Results: A total of 25 trials were included from 13 publications involving 642 patients. The results showed that Aloe vera significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (-0.35 [95% CI, -1454, -0.616] mg/dL; p<0.001) compared to control. Aloe vera might have a more remarkable effect in males, BMI not more than 30 mg/kg2, type 2 diabetes mellitus, administered for ≥ 8 weeks, dose at 200 mg, and capsule administration. However, a high heterogeneity across the studies was found. Conclusions: Aloe vera may reduce fasting blood glucose in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, further study with a well-design and standardized preparation is needed to emphasize the effect of Aloe vera on blood glucose control.

Aloe Vera: Potential to Reduce Fasting Blood Sugar Levels in Prediabetes

“…An earlier meta-analysis study claimed that Aloe vera significantly lowered fasting blood glucose in the intervention group compared to controls (Budiastutik et al, 2022). Some studies use Aloe vera in capsules, gels, and juice (Soni et al, 2014;Surya et al, 2020).…”

Paradigm of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Type 2 Diabetes

“…Patients have used it for a long time to help lower plasma glucose concentration in people with diabetes or prediabetes. Some substances found in Aloe vera called chromium and alprogen can help fix damaged insulin cells in the pancreas, improve the working of insulin, and reduce high blood sugar levels [31].…”

“…A systematic review and meta-analysis was published in 2022 and included 642 patients, and found reduced FPC in patients with prediabetes and T2D. However, the sample size of the clinical trials was small in size, and most of the studies' periods were short [31]. The previous clinical studies did not notice any negative herb-drug interaction [25].…”

Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of healthy juices containing aloe vera gel and probiotics and their antidiabetic effects on albino rats

“…These components contribute to its potent antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties ( 30 , 31 ). Furthermore, aloe vera is an effective agent in combating most diseases ( 32 ) and can decrease blood glucose in diabetic patients ( 33 ). There are many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in aloe vera gel ( 34 ), which is used to enhance the nutritional quality of some juices and can be consumed because of its beneficial influence on health ( 35 ).…”