The effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel on the quality of life in patients with systolic heart failure: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

This trial was designed to evaluate the effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel (AVG) on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with systolic heart failure (HF). Forty-two patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive either AVG 150 mg or harmonized placebo capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, six-minute walk test (6MWT), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and STOP-BANG questionnaires. Post-intervention, AVG group indicated a significant reduction in the total score of MLHFQ (p< 0.001). The changes in MLHFQ and NYHA class were statistically significant after taking medication (p< 0.001 and p= 0.004, respectively). The change of 6MWT in the AVG group was more advanced; however, it was not statistically significant (p= 0.353). Moreover, in the AVG group, the severity of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea decreased (p< 0.001, p= 0.01 respectively) and the sleep quality improved as well (p< 0.001). There were significantly fewer adverse events reported in the AVG group (p= 0.047). Therefore, AVG combined with standard medical therapy could provide more clinical benefits for patients with systolic HF.