title: Molecular biology, phytochemistry and bioactivity of three endemic Aloe species from Mauritius and Réunion Islands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aloe tormentorii, A. purpurea and A. macra are used as multipurpose folk medicines in Réunion and Mauritius Islands and are mistaken for the introduced Aloe vera.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the phytochemical, antimicrobial and DNA profiles of Aloe endemic to Mauritius and Réunion with the profiles of A. vera. Methodology - Leaf extracts of these Aloe species were analysed using standard phytochemical screening techniques, TLC and by HPLC. These extracts were also assayed for antimicrobial activity using microdilution techniques. Genetic diversity was studied using RAPD markers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Phytochemical and antimicrobial assays and RAPD analysis showed that Mascarene Aloe species were very different from A. vera.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is the first report highlighting the differences between Aloe sp.p from Mascarene and Aloe vera at the metabolic and genomic level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius.
authors.forename: Mala
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ranghoo-Sanmukhiya
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Govinden-Soulange
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lavergne
authors.forename: Shannoo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khoyratty
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Da Silva
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frederich
authors.forename: Hippolyte
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kodja
mesh_terms: D000504:Aloe / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D000880:Anthraquinones / Q000032:analysis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D018744:DNA, Plant / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D035264:Flowers / Q000737:chemistry; D005612:Freeze Drying; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D014644:Genetic Variation; D047311:Luteolin / Q000032:analysis; D008436:Mauritius; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008967:Molecular Biology; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D017508:Reunion; D012997:Solvents; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000880:Anthraquinones; D018744:DNA, Plant; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; C057912:homoorientin; D047311:Luteolin