Homonataloin in Aloe species

Abstract

Homonataloin levels in exudates from cut leaves of a number of Aloe species from the Kew collection have been measured by absorption at 295 nm following separation by reversed phase HPLC. The level was found to be highest in the leaves just below the apex of the plant and to decrease in the older leaves. A range of concentrations was observed in the very variable species A. nyeriensis Christian but no taxonomically significant discontinuities were apparent. Other Aloe species containing homonataloin have been examined and levels from 14 per cent to 47 per cent of the exudate dry weight according to species were found.