Aloe exudate: characterization by reversed phase HPLC and headspace GC-MS

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• Aloe exudates, derived from succulent aloe plants, are utilized as natural cathartic drugs and bittering agents in beverages.
• Variations in aloe composition can influence its efficacy and applications.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for quality control and product development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To tentatively characterize several commercial aloe exudates.
• To identify qualitative and quantitative differences in their chemical constituents.
• To correlate chemical profiles with traditional uses, particularly in bitter spirits.

Main Methods:

• Reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for evaluating aloe derivatives.
• Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for investigating the volatile fraction.
• Comparative analysis of aloe samples from different geographical origins.

Main Results:

• Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among aloe exudates from various origins.
• Kenya aloe and Aloe barbadensis samples exhibited high levels of isoaloeresin D and aloins via HPLC.
• Anisole was exclusively detected in Kenya aloe samples by GC-MS, while specific aloes (Mosselbay, Port Elizabeth) were linked to bitter spirits formulation.

Conclusions:

• The chemical profiles of commercial aloe exudates vary significantly based on origin.
• Specific compounds identified via HPLC and GC-MS can differentiate aloe types.
• The volatile composition of certain aloes may explain their preference in the formulation of bitter spirits.