Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe vera Leaves

This research evaluated the potential of using the methanol extract of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f (AVM) to prevent the formation of AGEs by means of the BSA/glucose assay, BSA-methylglyoxal assay, arginine-methylglyoxal assay, fructosamine, Nɛ-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), thiol groups, and carbonyl protein in vitro. The effect of AVM was also evaluated with regard to inhibiting the enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. For this, the plant was dried, ground, and subsequently macerated with methanol. Aloe vera methanol extract (AVM) significantly decreased the formation of AGEs, as well as the formation of fructosamine, CML, and carbonyl protein. The concentration of 5 mg/ml of AVM presented the best results. AVM significantly inhibited the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. As regards the content of thiol groups, a significant increase was observed during the four weeks of the experiment. So, we can conclude that Aloe vera methanol extract decreases the formation of AGEs and may inhibit the increase in postprandial glucose, suggesting that AVM can prevent diabetes complications associated with AGE.