Abstract
This work aimed to characterize compositional and bioactive features of Aloe vera leaf (fillet, mucilage, and rind) and flower. The edible fillet was analysed for its nutritional value, and all samples were studied for phenolic composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tyrosinase inhibition, and cytotoxic activities. Dietary fibre (mainly mannan) and available carbohydrates (mainly free glucose and fructose) were abundant macronutrients in fillet, which also contained high amounts of malic acid (5.75 g/100 g dw) and α-tocopherol (4.8 mg/100 g dw). The leaf samples presented similar phenolic profiles, with predominance of chromones and anthrones, and the highest contents were found in mucilage (131 mg/g) and rind (105 mg/g) extracts, which also revealed interesting antioxidant properties. On the other hand, the flower extract was rich in apigenin glycoside derivatives (4.48 mg/g), effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.025 mg/mL and MBC = 0.05 mg/mL) and capable of inhibiting the tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 4.85 mg/mL). The fillet, rind, and flower extracts also showed a powerful antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium funiculosum, and Candida albicans, higher than that of ketoconazole. Thus, the studied Aloe vera samples displayed high potential to be exploited by the food or cosmetic industries, among others.
Highlights
IntroductionAsphodelaceae currently naturalized in many tropical and sub-tropical countries
Aloe vera is a flowering succulent plant of the familyAsphodelaceae currently naturalized in many tropical and sub-tropical countries
These results show that fillet sample contained 8 g/100 g dw of fructose and
Summary
Asphodelaceae currently naturalized in many tropical and sub-tropical countries In traditional medicine, it has been widely used for centuries to treat skin disorders and other ailments, as well as for its purgative effect [1]. The dagger-shaped leaves are the most used part of the plant, in which two major fractions can be identified, namely the outer, photosynthetically active green cortex, usually known as rind, and the inner parenchyma, known as pulp or fillet. The leaf secretes two different exudates—the reddish-yellow latex produced by the pericyclic cells under the cutinized epidermis and the transparent, slippery mucilage or gel produced by the thin-walled tubular cells in the inner parenchyma [3,4]. It is used topically to treat wounds, minor burns, and skin irritations and internally to treat constipation, coughs, ulcers, and diabetes, among other ailments [1,7]
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