Randomized clinical trial: Effects of Aloe barbadensis Mill. extract on symptoms, fecal microbiota and fecal metabolite profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Background: Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe) with potential prebiotic effects has been suggested to reduce symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We therefore aimed to determine the effects of an Aloe extract on symptoms of IBS, and evaluate whether effects may be mediated by fecal microbiota and metabolites in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Methods: Patient with IBS diagnosed according to the ROME III criteria (all subtypes), received Aloe or control treatment (inulin) for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) was assessed, and fecal samples collected before and at end of treatment. Fecal microbiota composition and metabolomic profile were determined. Key results: In total, 160 IBS patients completed the study. The overall severity of IBS symptoms was reduced in both Aloe and control treatment groups (P