Comparative analysis of some bioactive compounds in leaves of different Aloe species

Abstract

AbstractAlthough a vast number ofAloespecies are known, only theAloe veraandAloe arborescensspecies are currently used by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current study aims to complete the existent literature data with new information on the phytochemical composition of some lesser-knownAloespecies, with the main focus on carotenoids and fatty acids. Among the analyzed species,Aloe aculeataandAloe feroxhad the highest content in carotenoids, the major pigments being lutein and β-carotene (according to HPLC analysis). The fatty acid profile of eachAloespecies was analysed by GC–MS. Linolenic and linoleic acids were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids found in higher percent inAloe ferox,Aloe spectabilisandAloe marlothii. Instead,Aloe aculeataproved to have a distinct fatty acid profile, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Species such asAloe arborescensandAloe marlothiiproved to have the highest antioxidant potential according to data of DPPH, ORAC, HPS assays, even if the richest one in vitamin C was found to beAloe spectabilis.Though the scientific research is mainly focused on the common speciesAloe barbadensis, the current data suggests that otherAloespecies could receive more attention from industry part, being great sources of bioactive compounds.