An enquiry into the effects of Aloe vera extract on depression in people with prediabetes

Background and objective: The associations between depression and diabetes incidence have long been discussed. Nonetheless, depression is not easily diagnosed in diabetic individuals. This study aimed to determine the effects of Aloe vera extract in two doses on depression in prediabetic patients. Materials and Method: This is a randomized double-blind, clinical trial where 72 prediabetic individuals were incorporated. The trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of clinical Trials with the number :IRCT2013041112984N1.The procedures and objectives of study were explained to them, and they provided written informed consent. The participants were allocated into three groups using block randomization procedure (two treatment groups by Aloe vera extracts of 300 and 500 mg and a placebo group). The participants received two capsules per day for eight weeks, one in the morning and one in the evening. Beck s depression inventory was completed by the participants before intervention and after completion of the eight-week intervention. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-square, and paired t test. Findings: After the 8th week of intervention, there was a significant difference in depression mean scores only in the 500 mg Aloe vera capsule group (P=0.034). In fact, depression scores in the 500 mg group decreased more than the 300 mg group (P=0.046). Conclusion: Aloe vera extract can considerably reduce depression mean scores in prediabetic individuals during eight weeks of application

کلیدواژه ها:

Aloe vera ، prediabetes ، herbal medicine ، daily depression ، Beck s depression inventory