Aloe Species Research Articles

Aloe belitsakensis (Asphodelaceae): a new species from north-western Madagascar

Madagascar is a major centre of diversity for the leaf-succulent genus Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319) accounting for roughly a third of Aloe species (Carter et al. 2011). Approximately 128 species and 161 taxa are known from the region and all are restricted to Madagascar (Rakotoarisoa et al. 2014) and/or the nearby Mascarene archipelago. New taxa are described from these islands at a rate that rivals the ongoing discovery of aloes elsewhere in their natural range, on the African continent or Arabian Peninsula (Crouch et al. 2013). Extinction risks are alarmingly high among species of Aloe in this region. Conservatively, 39% of species are known to be threatened, and this figure is likely to be significantly higher (Rakotoarisoa et al. 2014), since several species have not been observed or collected for many decades. The Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre (KMCC) aims to record and collect the rare and threatened flora of Madagascar to ensure its conservation, and the genus Aloe is a priority for the dryland programme.

The killer of Socrates: Coniine and Related Alkaloids in the Plant Kingdom.

Coniine, a polyketide-derived alkaloid, is poisonous to humans and animals. It is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, which leads to inhibition of the nervous system, eventually causing death by suffocation in mammals. Coniine’s most famous victim is Socrates who was sentenced to death by poison chalice containing poison hemlock in 399 BC. In chemistry, coniine holds two historical records: It is the first alkaloid the chemical structure of which was established (in 1881), and that was chemically synthesized (in 1886). In plants, coniine and twelve closely related alkaloids are known from poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.), and several Sarracenia and Aloe species. Recent work confirmed its biosynthetic polyketide origin. Biosynthesis commences by carbon backbone formation from butyryl-CoA and two malonyl-CoA building blocks catalyzed by polyketide synthase. A transamination reaction incorporates nitrogen from l-alanine and non-enzymatic cyclization leads to γ-coniceine, the first hemlock alkaloid in the pathway. Ultimately, reduction of γ-coniceine to coniine is facilitated by NADPH-dependent γ-coniceine reductase. Although coniine is notorious for its toxicity, there is no consensus on its ecological roles, especially in the carnivorous pitcher plants where it occurs. Lately there has been renewed interest in coniine’s medical uses particularly for pain relief without an addictive side effect.

A New Species of Cremnophytic Aloe from the Republic of Zambia

A New Species of Cremnophytic <i>Aloe</i> from the Republic of Zambia

Medicinal Mascarene Aloes: An audit of their phytotherapeutic potential

A phytochemical and biological investigation of the endemic Mascarene Aloes (Aloe spp.), including A. tormentorii (Marais) L.E.Newton & G.D.Rowley, A. purpurea Lam, A. macra Haw., A. lomatophylloides Balf.f and A. vera (synonym A. barbadensis Mill.), which are used in the traditional folk medicine of the Mascarene Islands, was initiated. Methanolic extracts of the Aloes under study were analysed using high resolution LC-UV-MS/MS and compounds belonging to the class of anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones and flavone C-glycosides were detected. The Mascarene Aloes could be distinguished from A. vera by the absence of 2″-O-feruloylaloesin and 7-O-methylaloeresin. GC–MS analysis of monosaccharides revealed the presence of arabinose, fucose, xylose, mannose and galactose in all the Mascarene Aloes and in A. vera. The crude extracts of all Aloes analysed displayed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only extracts of A. macra were active against P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while none of the Aloe extracts inhibited Propionibacterium acnes. A. macra displayed anti-tyrosinase activity, exhibiting 50% inhibition at 0.95mg/mL, and extracts of A. purpurea (Mauritius) and A. vera displayed activity in a wound healing-scratch assay. In vitro cytotoxicity screening of crude methanolic extracts of the Aloes, using the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) showed that only A. purpurea (Réunion) elicited a modest toxic effect against HL60 cells, with a percentage toxicity of 8.2% (A. purpurea-Réunion) and none of the Aloe extracts elicited a toxic effect against MRC 5 fibroblast cells at a concentration of 0.1mg/mL. Mascarene Aloe species possess noteworthy pharmacological attributes associated with their rich phytochemical profiles.

A New Species of Aloe from the Lúrio Waterfalls in Mozambique

A New Species of <i>Aloe</i> from the Lúrio Waterfalls in Mozambique

Notes on the flowering and pollination of the endemic grassland &lt;i&gt;Aloe reitzii&lt;/i&gt; var. &lt;i&gt;reitzii&lt;/i&gt; (Asphodelaceae)

Background: Aloe reitzii var. reitzii is a succulent with a restricted distribution in the montane grassland of eastern South Africa. It is a summer (late January–March) flowering succulent that grows on rocky outcrops at 1000 m–1600 m, and the conspicuous inflorescences suggest a pollination system focused towards birds.Objectives: To understand more about the pollination biology of A. reitzii var. reitzii.Methods: Nectar standing crop (flower volume and concentration) and the proportion of plants flowering were recorded. Camera traps and observations were used to record visitors to A. reitzii var. reitzii inflorescences.Results: Nectar volume was 36 μL ± 27 μL per flower (range 6 μL–93 μL; n = 27) and concentration was 16.5% ± 1.7% (range 13.5% – 19.5%). Camera trap observations, where 18.9% of all plants were observed flowering, recorded the three bird species Cape Weaver, Ploceus capensis, Malachite Sunbird, Nectarinia famosa and Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris afer (60.4%, 27.1% and 12.5% of plant visits, respectively) visiting inflorescences.Conclusion: Because birds are important pollinators for many Aloe species, it is assumed that the bird species detected visiting A. reitzii var. reitzii are similarly important pollinators. At least 10 invertebrate species and sengi (Elephantulus sp.) were also recorded as visitors to flowers, but they may be less important pollinators than specialist and generalist avian nectarivores. This study provides further insight into the pollination biology of a diverse, and ecologically important, succulent genus in Africa.

Profile of bioactive secondary metabolites and antioxidant capacity of leaf exudates from eighteen Aloe species

Over the past years, interest in the phytochemical profile of Aloe species (family: Xanthorrhoeaceae) has been on the rise, compelled by its popularity as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations, food supplements and drug design. It is surprising that only few Aloe spp. have been grown and commercialized; this might be due to the very limited knowledge of their potent bioactive compounds. The phytochemical profile of eighteen Aloe species was investigated using colorimetric assays, triple quadrupole and time-of-flight mass spectrometry, focusing on bioactive secondary metabolites in leaf exudates. The phytochemical profile of leaf exudates from different species was widely diverse and included free and glycosylated chromones (mainly aloeresins, with a content of aloeresin A up to 843.4g 100g−1) followed by the anthraquinones aloin (0.66–4.96g 100g−1) and hydroxyaloins. Among the examined species A. marlothii, and A. melanacantha were found to be richest in total polyphenols (14.3 and 6.4g gallic acid equivalents 100g−1), flavonoids (up to 7.1g rutin equivalents 100g−1), flavonols (up to 5.0g rutin equivalents 100g−1), and presented the highest antioxidant activity (up to 810.3μmolg−1 trolox for DPPH, and 453.4μmolg−1 trolox for ORAC), aloin, and aloeresin A contents. A second cluster, including A. arborescens and A. nyeriensis, was characterized by high contents of total phenolics and aloenin. These findings highlight for the first time the complex profile of phytochemicals in aloe leaf exudates and open new horizons to the industrial use of these Aloe species, which could represent a smart approach to increase the growers’ income.

The Types of Aloe species and their Multi-Function in Southern Ethiopia the Cases of Hammer District

The Types of Aloe species and their Multi-Function in Southern Ethiopia the Cases of Hammer District

Flexible Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) Electrodes for Plant Monitoring.

Detecting the bio-potential changes of plants would be useful for monitoring their growth and health in the field. A sensitive plant monitoring system with flexible boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes prepared from BDD powder and resin (Nafion or Vylon-KE1830) was investigated. The properties of the electrodes were compared with those of small BDD plate-type electrodes by monitoring the bioelectric potentials of potted Aloe and hybrid species in the genus Opuntia. While flexible BDD electrodes have wide potential windows, their cyclic voltammograms are different from those of the BDD plate. Further, the potential gap between a pair of electrodes attached to the plants changes as the plants are stimulated artificially with a finger touch, suggesting that the bioelectric potentials in the plant also changed, manifesting as changes in the potential gap between the electrodes. The BDD electrodes were assessed for their response reproducibility to a finger stimulus for 30 days. It was concluded that the plant monitoring system worked well with flexible BDD electrodes. Further, the electrodes were stable, and as reliable as the BDD plate electrodes in this study. Thus, a flexible and inexpensive BDD electrode system was successfully fabricated for monitoring the bioelectric potential changes in plants.

ALOE SECUNDIFLORA SAP YIELD AND QUALITY VARIATION IN KWALE, KENYA

Aloe secundiflora contributes to over 90% of traded aloe gum in Kenya. It is also the most common aloe species grown in Kwale County for commercial exploitation. The sap quantity and quality variation of Aloe secundliflora in the County was studied to provide information for investment decisions. Samples were obtained from 41 sites from 10 locations in Kinango and Msambweni sub-counties. All the aloe plants within a circular sample plot (0.01 ha) at the centre of each farm were counted and recorded. The total area of each farm was established using a GPS. The mean sap yield was obtained from 3 leaves (large, medium and small) from at least 10 aloe plants per plot. The moisture and ash contents of the sap were established at KEFRI Karura laboratories using standard procedures. The results indicate a significant (P&lt;0.05) variation in the number of harvestable leaves per aloe plant (mean 13; Range 5 to 31), with sites. The mean sap yield per aloe plant was 68.3 ml (Range 8.3 to 380 ml) but no significant variation with sites. It is estimated that the potential aloe gum yield is 175.3 Kg per hectare (worth about KShs. 45,578), the mean moisture content is 36.6 % (ranging from 27. 8 to 41 %) while the mean ash content is 2.7 % (ranging from 1.3 to 3.4%). It is observed that the Aloe secundiflora grown in Kwale has an acceptable ash and moisture content but a low sap yield. It is concluded that Aloe secundiflora in Kwale has acceptable ash content but a low sap yield. It is recommended that higher yielding varieties of indigenous aloes be produced and promoted for commercial exploitation. Financial analysis of aloe growing should also be carried out to establish the profitability of the enterprise.

Antioxidant, Brine Shrimp Lethality, and Antiproliferative Properties of Gel and Leaf Extracts of Aloe schweinfurthii and Aloe vera

ABSTRACTLeaf and gel extracts of Aloe schweinfurthii and A. vera were subjected to in vitro antioxidant assay using 2,2-diphennyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), brine shrimp lethality bioassay, and cytotoxicity using the MTT assay with two human cancer cell lines: Rd and Hep-2c. Extracts of A. schweinfurthii gel had IC50 values of 44.59; A. vera gel, 41.48, and A. vera leaf, 38.84 µg.mL–1, had similar DPPH radical-scavenging properties and were more active than A. schweinfurthii leaf. Ascorbic acid had an IC50 of 9.26 ± 0.14 µg.mL–1. Aloe vera leaf (LC50 = 325 ± 5.38 µg.mL–1) was more active than the other three extracts in the BSL assay. The gel extracts of A. schweinfurthii (CC50 = 4.06 µg.mL–1on Rd and 9.00 µg.mL–1 on Hep-2c) and A. vera (CC50 = 4.31 µg.mL–1 on Rd, 9.06 µg.mL–1 on Hep-2c) elicited similar and more potent cytotoxicity comparable to cyclophosphamide, with CC50 = 2.2 µg.mL–1 on Rd and 2.66 µg.mL–1 on Hep-2c. Leaf extracts were less active than gel extracts. This study showed that A. schweinfurthii gel, A. vera gel and leaf had weak DPPH activity which were similar. Aloe vera and A. schweinfurthii did not elicit potent cytotoxicity in BSL assay. The gels from both Aloe species displayed antipoliferative activity on Rd and Hep-2c, two human cell cancer lines.

ALOE SECUNDIFLORA SAP YIELD AND QUALITY VARIATION IN KWALE, KENYA

Aloe secundiflora contributes to over 90% of traded aloe gum in Kenya. It is also the most common aloe species grown in Kwale County for commercial exploitation. The sap quantity and quality variation of Aloe secundliflora in the County was studied to provide information for investment decisions. Samples were obtained from 41 sites from 10 locations in Kinango and Msambweni sub-counties. All the aloe plants within a circular sample plot (0.01 ha) at the centre of each farm were counted and recorded. The total area of each farm was established using a GPS. The mean sap yield was obtained from 3 leaves (large, medium and small) from at least 10 aloe plants per plot. The moisture and ash contents of the sap were established at KEFRI Karura laboratories using standard procedures. The results indicate a significant (P&lt;0.05) variation in the number of harvestable leaves per aloe plant (mean 13; Range 5 to 31), with sites. The mean sap yield per aloe plant was 68.3 ml (Range 8.3 to 380 ml) but no significant variation with sites. It is estimated that the potential aloe gum yield is 175.3 Kg per hectare (worth about KShs. 45,578), the mean moisture content is 36.6 % (ranging from 27. 8 to 41 %) while the mean ash content is 2.7 % (ranging from 1.3 to 3.4%). It is observed that the Aloe secundiflora grown in Kwale has an acceptable ash and moisture content but a low sap yield. It is concluded that Aloe secundiflora in Kwale has acceptable ash content but a low sap yield. It is recommended that higher yielding varieties of indigenous aloes be produced and promoted for commercial exploitation. Financial analysis of aloe growing should also be carried out to establish the profitability of the enterprise.

Variation in Phytochemical Composition Reveals Distinct Divergence of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. From Other Aloe Species: Rationale Behind Selective Preference of Aloe vera in Nutritional and Therapeutic Use.

In the present study, we have phytochemically characterized 5 different abundant Aloe species, including Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., using silylation followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technique and compared the data using multivariate statistical analysis. The results demonstrated clear distinction of the overall phytochemical profile of A vera, highlighted by its divergent spatial arrangement in the component plot. Lowest correlation of the phytochemical profiles were found between A vera and A aristata Haw. (−0.626), whereas highest correlation resided between A aristata and A aspera Haw. (0.899). Among the individual phytochemicals, palmitic acid was identified in highest abundance cumulatively, and carboxylic acids were the most predominant phytochemical species in all the Aloe species. Compared to A vera, linear correlation analysis revealed highest and lowest correlation with A aspera (R 2 = 0.9162) and A aristata (R 2 = 0.6745), respectively. Therefore, A vera demonstrated distinct spatial allocation, reflecting its greater phytochemical variability.

Phytochemical investigation of Aloe pulcherrima roots and evaluation for its antibacterial and antiplasmodial activities.

Medicinal plants with documented traditional uses remain an important source for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. Evidence shows that majority of the Ethiopian population are still dependent on traditional medicine. Aloe pulcherrima Gilbert & Sebsebe is one of the endemic Aloe species traditionally used for the treatment of malaria and wound healing in central, Southern and Northern part of Ethiopia. The aim of the current study was, therefore, to isolate active compounds from roots of A. pulcherrima and evaluate for their antibacterial and antiplasmodial activities using standard test strains. Bioassay-guided sequential extraction and column chrom-atographic separation were employed for the isolation of bioactive pure compounds. The structures of the compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectro-scopic techniques. Disk diffusion method was employed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the isolated compounds against four bacterial strains specifically (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853). The malaria SYBR Green I-based in vitro assay technique was used for in vitro antiplasmodial activity evaluation of the compounds against chloroquine resistant (D6) and -sensitive (W2) strains of P. falciparum. Three compounds, chrysophanol, aloesaponarin I and aloesaponarin II were isolated from the acetone extracts of roots of A. pulcherrima. Evaluation of antibacterial activities revealed that aloesaponarin I and aloesaponarin II had significant activities against all the bacterial strains with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 18–27 mm as compared to the reference drug (gentamicin), which displayed inhibition zone diameter ranging between 20 mm (B. subtilis) and 25 mm (P. aeruginosa). The isolated compounds showed moderate in vitro antiplasmodial activity against both chloroquine resistant (W2) -sensitive (D6) strains. Isolation of chrysophanol, aloesaponarin I and aloesaponarin II from roots of A. pulcherrima is the first report of its kind. The finding could be used for further comprehensive evaluation of the isolated compounds for their antibacterial and antimalarial activities besides consideration of the same for potent drug development.

Understanding surface structure and chemistry of single crystal lanthanum aluminate

The surface crystallography and chemistry of a LaAlO3 single crystal, a material mainly used as a substrate to deposit technologically important thin films (e.g. for superconducting and magnetic devices), was analysed using surface X-ray diffraction and low energy ion scattering spectroscopy. The surface was determined to be terminated by Al-O species, and was significantly different from the idealised bulk structure. Termination reversal was not observed at higher temperature (600 °C) and chamber pressure of 10−10 Torr, but rather an increased Al-O occupancy occurred, which was accompanied by a larger outwards relaxation of Al from the bulk positions. Changing the oxygen pressure to 10−6 Torr enriched the Al site occupancy fraction at the outermost surface from 0.245(10) to 0.325(9). In contrast the LaO, which is located at the next sub-surface atomic layer, showed no chemical enrichment and the structural relaxation was lower than for the top AlO2 layer. Knowledge of the surface structure will aid the understanding of how and which type of interface will be formed when LaAlO3 is used as a substrate as a function of temperature and pressure, and so lead to improved design of device structures.

In vitro wound healing and cytotoxic activity of the gel and whole-leaf materials from selected aloe species

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAloe vera is one of the most important medicinal plants in the world with applications in the cosmetic industry and also in the tonic or health drink product market. Different parts of Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii are used as traditional medicines for different applications. Although wound healing has been shown for certain aloe gel materials (e.g. A. vera ) previously, there are conflicting reports on this medicinal application of aloe leaf gel materials. Aim of the studyThe present study aimed at determining the wound healing properties of the gel and whole-leaf materials of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii, as well as their cytotoxic effects on normal human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT). Materials and methodsNuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to chemically fingerprint the aloe gel and whole-leaf materials by identifying characteristic marker molecules of aloe gel and whole-leaf materials. An MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the various aloe whole-leaf and gel materials on HaCaT cells. Wound healing and in vitro cell migration were investigated with HaCaT cells by means of the CytoSelect™ assay kit. ResultsThe in vitro wound healing assay suggested that all the aloe gel and whole-leaf materials examined, exhibited faster wound healing activity than the untreated control group. After 48h, all the aloe gel and whole-leaf materials almost completely caused full wound closure, displaying 98.07% (A. marlothii whole-leaf), 98.00% (A. vera gel), 97.20% (A. marlothii gel), 96.00% (A. vera whole-leaf), 94.00% (A. ferox gel) and 81.30% (A. ferox whole-leaf) wound closure, respectively. It was noteworthy that the gel materials of all the three aloe species exhibited significantly faster (p<0.05) wound healing actions when compared to their respective whole-leaf materials at 32h. ConclusionThe gel and whole-leaf materials of A. vera, A. ferox and A. marlothii have shown the ability to heal wounds at a faster rate and to a larger extent than untreated keratinocytes. The MTT assay results suggested that the gel and whole-leaf materials of all the selected Aloe species showed negligible toxicity towards the HaCaT cells.

Comparative study of antioxidant properties of extracts of various Aloe species

Nowadays, a search for sources of the most biologically active antioxidant compounds among various herbs is an urgent problem. In this connection, several succulent plants from the Aloe genus are of special interest, because their preparations are widely used in domestic medicine. In this study, we measured the antioxidant activity (AOA) of an alcoholic extract of leaves of 15 Aloe species by amperometric and chemiluminescent methods and performed a comparative analysis of the results. We observed a considerable difference between the AOA values for the several Aloe species and explained this fact. The most active antioxidant among the samples proved to be the A. pillansii representative of the Aloe genus. Both methods demonstrated that the extracts from leaves of this Aloe species exhibited the high AOA. The A. broomii and A. spinosissima also had rather high AOA along with the A. pillansii and A. arborescens. The newly discovered Aloe species could be as promising a source of biologically active compounds as the traditionally used A. arborescens and A. vera.

Antimicrobial Activity, Phenolic Content, and Cytotoxicity of Medicinal Plant Extracts Used for Treating Dermatological Diseases and Wound Healing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Medicinal plants used for wound healing and skin diseases are the key to unlocking the doors to combating problematic skin diseases as resistance of pathogens to pharmaceuticals and allopathic management continues to increase. The study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial efficacies, phenolic content, and cytotoxicity effects of 11 medicinal plant extracts commonly used for treating skin conditions and wound healing in traditional medicine within KwaZulu-Natal. Eleven plant species were separated into different plant parts (bulbs, roots, leaves) and extracted with different solvents. The extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity against six Gram-positive and seven Gram-negative bacterial strains and four fungi commonly associated with skin conditions using disc diffusion and microdilution techniques. The aqueous methanolic extracts were screened for phenolic content while cytotoxicity tests were performed on all extracts using the brine shrimp lethality and tetrazolium–based colorimetric (MTT) assays. Extracts from Aloe ferox, A. arborescens, and Hypericum aethiopicum were the most active against almost all of the tested bacterial and fungal strains. All plant species exhibited some degree of antimicrobial activity. Total phenolic levels, flavonoids and tannins were also higher for A. ferox, followed by A. arborescens and H. aethiopicum, respectively. The cytotoxicity results of all plant extracts were in the range of 90–100% survival after 24 h in the brine shrimp assay. Extracts considered lethal would demonstrate >50% shrimp death. The MTT cytotoxicity test yielded LC50 values of >1 mg/mL on all extracts indicating that they are not cytotoxic. The observed antimicrobial efficacy demonstrated by some plant species and the general lack of cytotoxic effects on all the tested extracts presents some promising and beneficial aspects of these medicinal plant extracts in the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. The two Aloe species and H. aethiopicum were among the best extracts that exhibited consistently good antimicrobial activity and warrants further investigations and possible isolation of bioactive principles.

Identification and discrimination of three common Aloe species by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate analysis.

Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis and Aloe ferox are the most widely cultivated and used among 500 aloe species due to their potent bioactivity. However, the difference of aloe species is neglected and labeled only one name Aloe in the market without specifying aloe species discrimination in general. Furthermore, differences in bioactivity and side effects from different aloe species have not been well investigated. This study develops an effective method for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of three common aloe species using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on methanol concentration, extraction time and solvent-to-material ratio. A partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to identify the three aloe species. The developed HPLC-MS/MS method coupled with multivariate analysis can be applied to discriminate three aloe species successfully.

Molecular characterization of some Indian Aloe vera populations through RAPD and ITS markers

The most important and well-known medicinal plant among ~400 species of the genus Aloe is Aloe vera. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Identification and assessment of genetic relationship among the populations and cultivars is needed for conservation and sustainable utilization of this commercially important plant. DNA fingerprinting with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) of ribosomal DNA sequence analysis were carried out to assess the genetic diversity among populations of Aloe vera collected from geographically different four districts of West Bengal and Jodhpur, Rajasthan. RAPD profiles yielded 158 amplicons showing ~87.34% polymorphism. Analyses of ITS sequences showed that in contrast to ITS2, the length and %GC content (53.6–77.3%) of ITS1 varied within populations. Multiple sequence alignment data reveal that substitutions, insertions, and deletions have arisen at various positions in the ITS regions suggesting polymorphism. A 5′-GGCGCGATGGGCGCCAAGGAA-3′ sequence in ITS1 is conserved in all populations, except AvS4. RAPD dendrogram and topologies of the NJ, Parsimony and ML tree generated from ITS1 sequence revealed that there is a close genetic similarity among AvS1, AvS4, and AvS7 populations. These genetic studies may contribute to plant improvement programs of A. vera.