Effects of Aloe Vera and Swimming Training on Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background and Objectives: Exercise and nutrition are two effective factors in controlling diabetes-induced metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess effects of aloe vera and swimming training on lipid profile of the diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 diabetic rats were selected and divided into nine groups of eight rats, including 1) four weeks of aloe vera consumption (FAV), 2) six weeks of aloe vera consumption (SAV), 3) four weeks of swimming (FS), 4) six weeks of swimming (SS), 5) four weeks of aloe vera consumption with swimming (FAVS), 6) six weeks of aloe vera consumption with swimming (SAVS), 7) Week-1 diabetic control (DC), 8) Week-4 diabetic control (FDC), and 9) Week-6 diabetic control (SDC). Groups 1, 2, 5 and 6 received 100 mg kg -1 of aloe vera daily. Furthermore, Groups 3 and 5 swam for four weeks and Groups 4 and 6 for six weeks, five sessions per week and 30 minutes each session. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests ( P ≤0.05). Results: Results showed that training, aloe vera and aloe vera with training significantly decreased levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) ( P ≤0.05); four and six weeks of swimming trainings decreased TG, TC, LDL and VLDL ( P ≤0.05); and six weeks of aloe vera consumption decreased TG, TC, LDL and VLDL ( P ≤0.05). Conclusions: Four and six weeks of aloe vera consumption and swimming training include interactive lipid lowering effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.