A pilot randomized placebo controlled trial of 2 Aloe vera supplements in patients with pre-diabetes/metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome confers an increased propensity to diabetes and cardiovascular disease [1]. Aloe vera, a species used for dermatological applications [2], exhibits effects on blood glucose in diabetic mice [3]. However, there is a paucity of data examining the safety and efficacy of Aloe in improving glycemia in pre-diabetic humans. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and antidiabetic effects of 2 aloe products, UP780, a chromone-enriched Aloe gel fillet powder and AC952, Aloe gel fillet powder standardized to 10% polysaccharide without chromone, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized 8-week trial in patients with metabolic syndrome. 45 patients were randomized to 2 tablets/day of Placebo, UP780 and AC952 (500mg bid) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood and urine were obtained at baseline and 8 weeks. Subjects did not report any side effects. There were no significant changes in the complete blood count, liver function creatinine, TSH, body weight indicating safety of both Aloe supplements. There was no significant change in the lipid panel with aloe. HbA1c, an accepted marker of glycemic control was significantly decreased with UP780 (5% reduction, p<0.01) and with AC952 (p<0.02). Furthermore, there was a trend to decreased fasting plasma glucose, AUC for the 2 hr OGTT and microalbumin:creatinine ratio in both UP780 and AC952 groups at 8 weeks compared to baseline. Thus, we report for the first time, in a randomized placebo controlled pilot trial, that 2 Aloe products, UP780 and AC952 significantly improved glycemic control in patients with metabolic syndrome, with UP780 demonstrating more significant benefits.

Acknowledgements: Unigen, Aloecorp.

References: 1. Devaraj et al. (2004) Endocrin and Metab Clinics

2. Cohen IK et al. (1992) Biochemical & Clinical Aspects. Philadelphia: Saunders.

3. Ajabnoor MA (1990)J Ethnopharmacol. 28:215–220