Aloe vera juice may help manage blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. However, research on its effectiveness is limited and mixed.
Aloe vera is a popular household plant that has been used as a natural remedy for centuries due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
In fact, it contains over 75 active components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids.
Some research suggests that it may help people with diabetes and prediabetes regulate their blood sugar levels.
However, researchers agree that more studies in humans are needed to fully understand aloe vera’s potential role in managing diabetes, as well as to determine the optimal form, type, and dosage.
Aloe vera isn’t a substitute for prescribed diabetes medication and should only be used under medical supervision.
Keep reading to learn more about the possible benefits and risks of aloe vera for diabetes, and how to use it.
Several animal and in-vitro studies have found that consuming aloe vera in the form of juice, gel, or supplements may have some possible benefits for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
According to research reviews from
- slowing down glucose absorption after eating
- increasing the rate at which the body uses glucose for energy
- reducing the body’s production of glucose
A 2022 review also noted that aloe vera helped reduce blood lipid markers like triglycerides, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and liver enzyme levels in some animal studies, which may aid in blood sugar regulation. This effect may be due to certain plant-based compounds in aloe vera, including:
- Lophenol
- 24-methyl-lophenol
- 24-ethyl-lophenol
- cycloartanol
- 24-methy-lenecycloartanol
Lastly, aloe vera is
Some of the purported benefits of aloe vera may actually be drawbacks.
For example, the
However, if you’re already taking a medication to regulate your blood sugar levels, drinking a big glass of aloe vera juice or taking an aloe vera supplement may increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Aloe vera also has laxative effects, making it a possible remedy for constipation.
But taking any substance that has a laxative effect can reduce the effectiveness of other oral medications you might be taking because the body won’t absorb them as well. As such, you might experience problems like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if your diabetes medications aren’t working effectively.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying aloe vera for managing diabetes.
Aloe vera supplements and drinks are not officially recommended for people with diabetes. There’s currently no consensus about the type of preparation or dosage amount that would be most appropriate.
Participants in many of the research studies used a wide variety of types and dosage amounts of aloe vera. Some drank aloe vera juice, while others consumed a powder containing a component from the aloe vera plant called acemannan, a polysaccharide that can enhance the body’s immune responses.
With such a wide variety, it’s hard to determine an optimum dose and delivery method without additional research.
If you’re interested in trying aloe vera for managing diabetes, speak with a healthcare professional first to make sure it won’t conflict with any medications you’re already taking.
Some preliminary research suggests that aloe vera may be a potential natural remedy for managing diabetes, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it’s important to note that aloe vera is not currently recommended for managing diabetes. Aloe vera may affect your blood sugar levels, especially if you’re already using other medications to manage your diabetes.
The most effective way to regulate your blood sugar is to carefully follow your diabetes management plan. If you’re interested in taking aloe vera, speak with a healthcare professional first.