Is it possible to increase the aloin content of Aloe vera by the use of ultraviolet light?

J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Mar 6;61(9):2165-70. doi: 10.1021/jf304930q. Epub 2013 Feb 25.

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) treatments on the aloin content of Aloe vera L. gel have been analyzed. UV-A treatment to A. vera plants for 36 days led to an increase in the aloin concentration in gel, rind tissue, and latex, while a decrease in chlorophylls a and b occurred in the photosynthetic tissue as a consequence of UV treatment. The growth of Penicillium digitatum and Botrytis cinerea (artificially inoculated on the leaf surface) was drastically decreased in UV-A-treated leaves, which could be attributed to the increase in the aloin concentration by the UV-A treatment. In addition, UV-C treatment to detached leaves also led to an increase in the gel aloin concentration, at higher levels than occurred with UV-A treatment, although leaves showed severe lesions after 48 h of treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aloe / chemistry*
  • Aloe / radiation effects*
  • Botrytis / growth & development
  • Chlorophyll / analysis
  • Emodin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Emodin / analysis
  • Emodin / metabolism
  • Emodin / pharmacology
  • Fungicides, Industrial
  • Penicillium / growth & development
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Plant Leaves / microbiology
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Fungicides, Industrial
  • Chlorophyll
  • Emodin
  • alloin