Effects of Aloe Sterol Supplementation on Postprandial Blood Glucose Elevation after OGTT in Healthy Subjects―A 12—week Randomized Double—blind Placebo—controlled Parallel—group Trial―

Objectives　In our previous study, we confirmed the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Aloe vera gel and identified five minor plant sterols, named Aloe sterols, as active ingredients. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Aloe sterols on glucose metabolism. Methods　In total, 123 healthy adults with slightly elevated blood glucose levels participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Subjects were allocated to an Aloe sterol group or a placebo group. The Aloe sterol group received 3 capsules daily containing 40μg Aloe sterol and the placebo group received 3 capsules daily containing no Aloe sterol for 12 weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test was carried out and blood glucose AUC was calculated at 0 and 12 weeks. Results　During the experimental period, no significant differences in fasting blood glucose levels were observed between Aloe sterol and placebo groups. However, the changes at 0 and 12 weeks in blood glucose levels at 60 minutes after OGTT and blood glucose AUC were significantly lower in the Aloe sterol group than placebo group, even though there was no difference in blood insulin levels. In addition, the Matsuda Index was significantly different in the two groups on subgroup analysis. No serious adverse events related to test foods ingestion were observed in the two groups. Conclusions　This study indicated that dietary supplementation with Aloe sterol has the beneficial effect of lowering postprandial blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects. （UMIN000037132）