The Effectiveness of Aloe-Based Drink in Reducing Glycated Albumin and Insulin Resistance of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) has an important role in the pathology that forms the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Glycated Albumin (GA) has a role as an index of glycemic control associated with MetS. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a plant that has anti-diabetic and anti-hypercholesterolemic function. This study aims to investigate the effect of Aloe-based drink on GA and IR in MetS. This study was a true experimental using pre-post randomized control group design. Thirty-eight MetS subjects were divided into two groups: treatment group (n=19) which was provided by 165 g/d of Aloe-based drink for 4 weeks; and the control group (n=19). Both groups were given education regarding of management of MetS. GA was measured by using an ELISA method and IR calculated by HOMA-IR of both groups and statistically analyzed at baseline and the end of treatment. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. At the end of the study, the treatment group showed reduction of GA and HOMA-IR statistically significant (∆GA=-4.3±2.35%; p<0.001; ∆HOMA-IR=-1.6 ±1.87; p=0.001). Compared to control group, the change of GA and HOMA-IR in intervention group were also significantly different (p<0.001; p<0.001). Aloe-based drink was proven to reduce GA and IR in the MetS.