Effect of Aloe Vera Drink on Short Term Memory among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Faridah Hanum Nasution

Department of Nutrition, Masters in Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro

ABSTRACT

Background: Various risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) increase oxidative stress, causing damage to tissue and neuron cells, which results in decreased cognitive function (memory). Flavonoids, anthraquinone, and polysaccharides are useful in preventing insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Flavonoids have the potential to enhance memory and learning by activating kinases. Aloe vera were shown in previous studies to contain various biologically active substances like e.g. phenolcarboxylic acids and flavonoids. This study aimed to determine the effect of Aloe vera drink on short term memory among patients with metabolic syndrome.

Subjects and Method:This was a quasi experiment. A total of 38 patientswith MS aged 35-38 years was selected for this study, consisting 19 patients in the intervention group and 19 patients in the control group. Aloe vera drink was given to patients in the intervention group 165 g/day for 30 days. The dependent variables were triglyceride, HDL-C, MDA, and memory. The independent variable was Aloe vera. Difference in means were tested by t test. Pearson correlation was used as a measure of association.

Results:After administration of Aloe vera,triglyceride and MDA levels decreased significantly, and HDL-C level increased significantly, in the intervention group. Memory was inversely correlated with triglyceride (r= -0.31; p= 0.041) and MDA (r= -0.27; p= 0.009). Memory was positively correlated with HDL-C (r= 0.47; p= 0.003).

Conclusion:Aloe vera drink is effective to decrease triglyceride and MDA and to increase HDL-C, and subsequently to increase memory.

Keywords: short-term memory, metabolic syndrome, Aloe vera drink.

Correspondence: Faridah Hanum Nasution. Department of Nutrition, Master of Nutrition Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University. Jl. Tirta sari No. I C. Tembalang, Semarang50275, Central Java. Email:faridahhanum395@gmail.com. Mobile: 085296708301.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/theicph.2019.05.13

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