A meta-analysis of studies posted this month in the The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine says people with diabetes and pre-diabetes may benefit from drinking aloe vera juice or taking powdered extracts. Oral administration of the prized desert plant was associated with significant decreases in both fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The data indicate that people with a FBG >200 mg/dL may benefit the most.
They report significant reductions in FBG and HbA1c of 46.6 mg/dL and 1.05%, respectively, and review the proposed mechanisms that could account for these anti-diabetic effects.
The studies included data from both fresh aloe juice and powdered extracts. Researchers are unsure exactly how the plant is able to help with blood sugar control, but they note the aloe vera plant contains at least 75 active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, anthraquinones, monosaccharide, polysaccharides, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, phytosterols, and amino acids. The trace elements of chromium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc are also important in the metabolism of glucose and may also be responsible for the plant’s benefits.
The studies reviewed show benefits when drinking 15 to 150 ml per day, or powdered extracts from 50 to 300 mg.
The article is available free for download on The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine website until July 29, 2016.