Metabolic Syndrome and Functional Food

Randomized Double Blind Factorial Assay, Aloe Vera (AV) And/Or Cnidoscolus Chayamansa (CC) Versus Placebo, Reduction Of High Blood Glucose In Women With Metabolic Syndrome

High blood sugar and adiposity are part of Metabolic syndrome (about 24% of adults harbor it). The main approach, weight reduction, is often unattainable. Aloe Vera (barbadensis) (AV) and cnidoscolus chayamansa (McVaugh)(CC) are two vegetables that seem to have an effect on blood glucose and body weight.

The study aims to determine if the intake of aloe gel and/or Chaya infusion can reduce high blood sugar in adult women with pre-diabetes (Metabolic Syndrome).

Methods: A Factorial assay, double blind, cross-over-controlled with random assignment, to four treatments: AV and CC, AV and Placebo 1, Placebo 2 and CC, and Placebo 1 and Placebo 2, at the outpatient clinic of the university Hospital and a community clinic.

Two treatment periods of 4 weeks intermediated by one week for wash-out.

Inclusion criteria:

• Adult women living in Monterrey, Mexico with at least three of the following:

  • waist line equal or larger than 88 cm
  • fasting blood sugar between 100-140 mg/dL without symptoms or known glucose intolerance or diabetes treated only with diet
  • known high blood pressure or 2/3 readings systolic > 130 mmHg, diastolic > 85
  • HLD < 50 mg/dL or triglycerides > 150 mg/dL

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or nursing
• On anti-diabetic agents
• Diabetic symptoms or advanced DM complications
• Severe behavioral problems