Hypoglycemic Effect of Aloe Vera Gel in High-Fat Diet-Induced Rats: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Hyperglycemia commonly accompanies high-fat diet–induced metabolic disorders and plays a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance. Natural products such as Aloe vera has been reported to possess potential hypoglycemic properties, but comparative evidence with standard drugs is limited. To evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Aloe Vera gel in highfat diet–induced rats and to compare its effect with atorvastatin.

Materials and methods: This experimental animal study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from February 2023 to January 2024. Thirty healthy adult male Long Evan rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6 each): Normal control, high-fat diet control, Aloe Veragel–treated, atorvastatin-treated and combinationtreated groups.  Hyperglycemia was induced by a high-fat diet. Aloe Vera gel (300 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) were administered orally. After 42 days, fasting blood sugar levels were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test.

Results: The high-fat diet control group showed significantly higher fasting blood sugar levels compared to the normal control group (p<0.001). Aloe Vera gel significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels compared to the hyperlipidemic control group (p<0.001). Atorvastatin alone did not show a significant hypoglycemic effect. The combination-treated group showed a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar compared to the hyperlipidemic control and atorvastatintreated groups.

Conclusion: Aloe Vera gel exhibited a significant hypoglycemic effect in high-fat diet–induced rats. Its effect was superior to atorvastatin alone and combination therapy provided additional benefit. Aloe Vera may be considered a potential natural agent for the management of diet-induced hyperglycemia.

JCMCTA 2026 ; 37 (1) : 97-101