Molecular biology, phytochemistry and bioactivity of three endemic Aloe species from Mauritius and Réunion Islands.
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.
Ranghoo-Sanmukhiya
Mala
M
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius.
Govinden-Soulange
Joyce
J
Lavergne
Christophe
C
Khoyratty
Shannoo
S
Da Silva
Denis
D
Frederich
Michel
M
Kodja
Hippolyte
H
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
D000880:Anthraquinones; D018744:DNA, Plant; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; C057912:homoorientin; D047311:Luteolin