Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising worldwide at an alarming rate. Over the last 30 years, the status of diabetes has changed from being considered as a mild disorder of the elderly to one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality affecting the youth and middle aged people. Aloe vera has been used in folk medicine as a remedy for various diseases. It is extensively studied in treating diabetes mellitus.

Aims and Objectives: This study evaluates the hypoglycemic effect of A. vera leaf dried powder and compares it with standard Metformin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: Diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 150 mg/kg. A pure extract of A. vera leaf was given orally once daily for 5 weeks in three graded doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg and compared with control (2 ml distilled water) and standard (metformin 50 mg/kg).

Results: The elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic rats were reduced by the treatment with A. vera leaf extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg which was comparable to 50 mg/kg of metformin with no statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Our study concludes that A. vera leaf extract has a favorable effect in reversing alloxan induced hyperglycemia in rats.

Key words: Antidiabetic; Hypoglycemia; Aloe vera; Alloxan; Metformin; Rats