Comparative Effects of Dried Aloe Vera Gel on Blood Sugar (glucose) in Type-I and Type-II Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background:  The interest of using medicinal plants is getting publicity now a day. This may be due to the increased awareness regarding pharmaceutical products made synthetically and about side effects that occurs by using them against specific disease. One such medicinal plant i.e., Aloe vera holds many properties like healing of wounds. Curing joints pain, treating peptic ulcers and digestive problems, wounds and cuts are healed by employing Aloe on it. Aloe vera holds ability to work against inflammatory responses as well as being antifungal, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and anti-cancerous properties due to presence of active compounds.

Objective: The purpose of conducting this study was to estimate the effect of dried Aloe vera gel powder on blood glucose level of diabetic (Type-I and Type-II) patients.

Methodology: The current study was conducted in the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Food Nutrition and Home Sciences at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis) for present study was obtained from Botanical Garden, Dept. of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. All materials were procured in fresh unprocessed form. The stems were thoroughly washed with tap water and gelt was obtained from the stems by slicing and then dried in an air circulating oven in the laboratory. Among phytochemical testing two tests were carried out involving total phenolics content and total flavonoids content. These tests confirmed the presence of active compounds in Aloe gel. Aloe vera gel in its dry form had antioxidant effects and possess poly phenols and phytosterols that play important role in maintaining blood sugar level between Type-II patients.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Aloe vera is effective for maintaining blood glucose to a great extent, but its response varied between Type-I and Type-II patients. Drastic change in blood glucose concentration was observed in patients who fall under the category of NIDDM. While there is a least effect among patients of IDDM.