Antihyperlipidemic activity
A. vera is known for its antihyperlipidemic property wherein it
has beneficial effects on the prevention of fatty streak development
and may help to reduce the development of atherosclerosis
through modification of risk factors.42 A. vera leaf gel efficacy has
been checked in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized
double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial wherein it
reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels significantly.42 A recent
study also demonstrated that administration of phytosterols isolated
from A. vera gel reduces visceral fat mass and improves hyperglycemia
in Zucker diabetic fatty rats.80 Dried pulp of Aloe
succotrina leaves produced significant antihyperlipidemic effect in
high-fat diet- and fructose-induced hyperlipidemic rats, where it
significant decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, total triglycerides,
low-density lipoproteinecholesterol, very low-density
lipoprotein, and high-density lipoproteinecholesterol.81 Previous
reports also suggested that A. vera gel-treated polycystic ovarian
syndrome (PCOS) rats exhibited significant reduction in plasma
triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, with an increase in highdensity
lipoproteinecholesterol PCOS condition wherein hyperlipidemia
is one of main consequences. The gel treatment also
caused reversion of abnormal estrous cyclicity, glucose intolerance,
and lipid metabolizing enzyme activities, bringing them to normal.
It has phytocomponents with antihyperlipidemic effects and has
shown efficacy also in management of PCOS but also the associated
metabolic complications.79,