A new study, looking at diabetes-induced rats has discovered Aloe Vera can help prevent nephropathy induced by diabetes in humans. Nephropathy induced diabetes is often a result of chronic
kidney disease, occurring in 40% of all chronic kidney disease patients.
Chronic kidney disease is a disease where the kidneys stop functioning properly or decrease in function. The kidneys are blood filters in the human body, which extract waste and toxins and allow them to be expelled in urine. Without their function, the waste and toxins begin to build up in the blood stream and cause damage to other organs or, in this case, cause diabetes.
Aloe vera is a plant originating in the Arabian Peninsula but can grow in many other tropic climates. Aside from being used for decorative purposes and being able to be grown indoors, it can be
used for cosmetic and medical purposes, It may be effective in improving the symptoms of heartburn, belching, and vomiting.
Additionally, it can be used for cooling sunburn, reducing itchiness and inflammation and for treating acne and psoriasis. It is also know to help heals wounds, and improves digestion. Scientists say the results of this study suggest aloe vera has lipid-lowering and anti-oxidative effects on diabetes-induced nephropathy, at least on rats.
Lipids are fats, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In the experiment, mice were fed them with Streptozotocin to induce diabetes. This caused the mice to develop oxidative stress and elevated levels of lipids causing them to develop diabetic nephropathy after eight weeks.
The mice were then treated with aloe vera extract and saw their condition actually improve. Additionally, it was found that the aloe vera performed better against nephropathy than another drug,
Lisinopril. Lisinopril is designed to be an anti-hypertensive drug and is meant to prevent kidney problems in those suffering from diabetes.
While this provides some interesting possibilities for the future, there are a few methods chronic kidney disease patients can use to prevent diabetes. The biggest way, experts say is to have a healthy lifestyle with features such as low in carbohydrates and sugars.
In addition, patients should exercise regularly, give up any drugs, smoking or drinking and maintain constant watch over blood sugar.
