Planta Med 2009; 75 - PD2
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234481

Aloes. Homonataloin and aloenin are important bioactive components for use in cosmetic and medicinal industries

E Chauser-Volfson Wolfson 1, Y Gutterman 1
  • 1Ben-Gurion University, Desert Research Institutes, Campus Sede-Boker, 84990 Israel

Aloes provide a fascinating subject for research from a chemical, biochemical, pharmaceutical, taxonomic, medical and economic point of view.

The genus Aloe contains about 420 species [1]. The majority of these plant species are desert plants which inhabit in the Desert of South Africa. Some of these species are tall trees in size of 0.5m or more, while the majority is shrubs 0.5 to 1.5m tall. Some plants species are very small, measuring only a few cm [2]. Aloe plant contains many biological activities compounds, such as anthrones and anthraquinones, chromones, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, polysaccharides and other components. As a continuation of our investigation (1991–2009) me have studied the content and distribution of aloenin and homonataloin in the leaves from 67 Aloe species, originated from South Africa and introduced during the 25 the last years in the Botanical Garden in the Negev Desert of Israel. It was found that 28% of this Aloe species contain homonataloin and only 5% contain aloenin. Aloe vera (barbadensis) does not contain aloenin. Aloenin could be useful as cancer chemopreventive agent against tumor promotion [3]. Aloenin is a major constituent which has significantly promoted hair growth. Aloenin also has demonstrated recuperative effects on human skin [4].

Homonataloin, which possessed antimalarial activity, inhibited the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum [5]. Aloe species containing aloenin and homonataloin (besides Aloe vera and Aloe ferox) are suitable as commercial sources of Aloes gel for use in the cosmetic and medicinal industries.

References: [1] Reynolds, T. (2004) Aloes: The genus Aloe. CRC Press.

[2] Van Wyk, B.E. et al. (1996) Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

[3] Shimpo, K. et al. (2002) Phytother. Res.16:491–493.

[4] Yamamoto, M. (1993) Jap. J. Tox. Env. Health 39:409–414.

[5] Van Zyl, R. et al. (2002) S. Afr. J. Bot. 68:106–110.