Aloe, scientifically known as Aloe vera, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean region and Latin America. This herb, which has been extensively used in folk medicine, has also been researched for a variety of health benefits, including diabetes. Aloe may help improve blood sugar levels and also treat related skin problems. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are considering using aloe supplements, you should first talk to your doctor.
Folk Medicine
Aloe vera's long history of use as a medicinal herb has been noted as far back as 4th millennium BC in Egypt. In Oriental medicine, aloe has been primarily used to treat skin infections and heal wounds and burns. It has also been used as a laxative.
Aloe & Wound Healing
A common complication of diabetes affects the skin. Diabetics may develop ulcers, infections and skin wounds, particularly on the feet and legs. These wounds heal slower in diabetics than in healthy people. Aloe may help skin complications of diabetes -- it has been found in some studies to accelerate wound healing, treat skin ulcers and fight bacterial infections. Glycoprotein fraction and acemannan are two active ingredients of aloe that appear to be responsible for improving skin conditions.
Aloe & Blood Sugar Levels
Lophenol and cycloartanol, two natural compounds of aloe vera gel, helped improve glucose and cholesterol levels in obese animal subjects suffering from diabetes, according to a study published in June 2008 issue of "Obesity -- Research and Clinical Studies." The researchers also noted significant decrease in abdominal fat of the subjects during the treatment with aloe.
Based on a review of current research studies, Mayo clinic's rating is "C" , meaning that clinical studies results are mixed and further research is needed to assess the efficacy of aloe for managing diabetes.
Warnings
Aloe vera juice may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. When used for more than seven consecutive days, aloe may cause constipation problems, and long-term use of this herb has been linked with colon cancer. This supplement should not be used by people who have kidney, liver or heart problems. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should also avoid aloe products.
Considerations
Ask a qualified health care professional about optimal dosage of aloe and possible interactions with other herbs or drugs. Once you start using aloe supplements, you should closely monitor your sugar levels to prevent lowering blood glucose too much. Keep in mind that aloe vera does not replace any anti-diabetes drugs and is not approved by FDA to treat diabetes.
References
- Drugs.com: Aloe
- Mayo Clinic: Aloe, Evidence
- Merck Manual: Diabetes
- "Obesity, Research and Clinical Practice"; Administration of phytosterols isolated from Aloe Vera Gel Reduce Visceral Fat Mass and Improve Hyperglycemia in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats; E. Misawa et al; June 2008
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