Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (대한소화기 기능성질환 운동학회)
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Aloe vera Is Effective and Safe in Short-term Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

  • Hong, Seung Wook (Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chun, Jaeyoung (Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Sunmin (Department of Food and Nutrition, Hoseo University) ;
  • Lee, Hyun Jung (Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Im, Jong Pil (Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Joo Sung (Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2018.04.23
  • Accepted : 2018.07.12
  • Published : 2018.10.30
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Abstract

Background/Aims To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Aloe vera (AV) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies dated between 1st January 1960 and 30th December 2017. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared AV to placebo in patients with IBS. The primary outcome was standardized mean difference of the change in severity of IBS symptoms as measured by patient-rated scales. Secondary outcomes included response rate of IBS symptoms and adverse events. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q and $I^2$ statistics. Results Three RCTs with a total of 151 patients with IBS were included. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference for patients with AV compared to those with placebo regarding improvement in IBS symptom score (standardized mean difference, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.07-0.75; P = 0.020). Using intention-to-treat analysis, the AV patients showed significantly better response rates of IBS symptoms compared to placebo (pooled risk ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.73; P = 0.030). No adverse events related with AV were found in included studies. There was no significant heterogeneity of effects across studies (P = 0.900; $I^2=0%$). Conclusion AV is effective and safe for the treatment of patients with IBS compared to placebo.

Keywords

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