brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) variation to aerobic exercise and aloe vera intake in women with type 2 diabetes

This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of aloe vera intake and eight weeks’ aerobic exercise on serum bdnf, glucose, and insulin levels in women with type 2 diabetes. in this experimental study, 32 women with type 2 diabetes were selected and randomly divided into four groups of control, supplement, and exercise, exercise + supplement. the exercise program was performed 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks (40 min of exercise with 50-60% of heart rate reserve in the first four weeks and 60 min of exercise with 60-80% of heart rate reserve in the second four weeks). the supplement taking groups received 400 mg/kg of oral aloe vera 3 days per week for 8 weeks. the data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ancova). a significant increase was observed in bdnf levels, insulin sensitivity of patients in the supplement, exercise, and exercise + supplement groups (p=0.001). the glucose and insulin levels, insulin resistance, bmi, and body fat percentage significantly decreased in the supplement, exercise, and exercise + supplement groups (p=0.001). it seems aloe vera intake and aerobic exercise to have protective effects against development of type 2 diabetes complications in women.