Search

The genus Aloe is widely used for medicinal purposes throughout its predominantly African distribution, but detailed knowledge of the contemporary value of aloes is patchy. The main aim of this study was to determine the value of Aloe in the Highlands of Ethiopia, a region of rich Aloe diversity, by documenting local uses and perceptions of the sustainability of the species used. Amhara and Tigray community members participated in semi-structured interviews from 110 respondents aged 24-72. Eleven species of Aloe were recorded for medicine, social and environmental uses, animal food, and as bee plants managed for honey production. Of these, the majority of use records were for human medicine to treat malaria and wounds. We found no evidence of non-sustainable harvesting for medicine, but extensive habitat loss and interest in the commercial uses of Aloe present acute threats and indicate the vulnerability of Aloe species in the central and northern Highlands of Ethiopia.

The aim of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) is to end hunger, improve food security and nutrition and promote sustainable crop production by 2050. However, climate change, increasing soil salinization and the inadequate availability of fresh water have negatively affected crop production around the world including South Africa, making it difficult to meet the required target. This necessitates the use of wild edible plants that are adapted to adverse conditions such as drought and salinity in order to mitigate this problem. The genus Trachyandra (Asphodelaceae) consist of three edible species (T. ciliata, T. divaricata and T. falcata) which are native to the dry saline environments of the western Cape coastal sand dunes. The genus is less studied with no record of cultivated species, although the existing literature states that T. ciliata, (wild cabbage) was originally used as a food source by the indigenous Khoi-san people who lived on the South African Cape coast. Colonization and removal of indigenous people from cultural lands led to erosion and detachment from the knowledge of the land and its useful plants. The species is used in selected restaurants where the inflorescence is steamed and eaten as a vegetable or added into a stew. This review explores the importance of Asphodelaceae family, T. ciliata as a vegetable crop and its potential as a pharmaceutical candidate. Furthermore, this review examines potential technological advances such as hydroponics that could be used for sustainable crop production of T. ciliata. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was utilized in the selection of articles in this review. The existing literature provided useful information on the potential of T. ciliata as a vegetable crop and the importance of using halophytes to achieve food security. This appraisal is expected to serve as a template for researchers, food enthusiasts, potential farmers and policy makers who may be keen in exploring further nutritional composition and medicinal potential of this plant.&nbsp

The confident identification to species rank of fragmentary and sterile plant material is often challenged by the absence of diagnostic characters, which are present in intact specimens, reproductive parts, and plants in habitat. Here, we consider leaf surface micromorphology for the identification of the genus Aloe in the Horn of Africa region. Primary and secondary sculpturing of the leaf epidermis and stomata were characterised from SEM micrographs of 35 taxa representing 31 species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae). Detailed comparison revealed that leaf surface characters are conserved between species and within-species variation is modest. Closely related taxa in the Aloe adigratana—A. camperi—A. sinana species complex could be distinguished using leaf surface micromorphology alone. These characters also guide species delimitation; in the species complex including A. schoelleri and A. steudneri, a narrow circumscription is supported, whereas with A. ankoberensis and A. pulcherrima, a wider circumscription merits consideration. The observed trait combinations are characteristic of plants in xeric environments, with the most notable feature being stomata that are most deeply sunken in species in more arid habitats. Our findings support the use of comparative study of micromorphological leaf surface characters for species identification and taxonomy in the genus Aloe.

Aloe ×selmarii (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a hybrid between A. davyana var. davyana and A. parvibracteata, is described. Although the natural distribution ranges of the parent species do not overlap, this nothospecies is often encountered as a result of the cultivation of A. parvibracteata outside its natural range, in areas where A. davyana var. davyana occurs naturally.

A new species of Aloe, A. uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), is described from northwestern Angola. It is a non-proliferous, single-stemmed species that bears narrowly elongated, acuminate racemes with orange to pale reddish flowers. Aloe uigensis is compared to some long-known as well as recently described species of Aloe from Angola, but does not have close relatives with which it can be confused in the country.

Bulbine abyssinica, Bulbine frutescens and Bulbine natalensis of the Asphodelaceae family have been used for many years, traditionally for the treatment of skin related conditions such as wounds, scars, burns ad rashes. To date, these plants have been studied for various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and even anti-platelet activity. This review article aims to discuss the ethnobotanical uses and medicinal activity from the perspective of abiotic stress impacts, specifically elevated carbon dioxide and high temperature. Literature sources obtained from Google Scholar, Science Direct, theses and books were used to search for the ethnobotanical, traditional uses, and pharmacological studies of the species. In addition, articles around the concurrent and separate studies of elevated CO₂ and temperature impacts on medicinal activities of other medicinal plant species were also sourced for reference purposes because there have not been any reported studies discussing the impacts of the aforementioned abiotic factors on the species.

Bulbine natalensis, an emerging medicinal herb on the global market with androgenic properties, is often formulated in dietary supplements that promote perceived sexual enhancement. However, to date, comprehensive safety studies of B. natalensis are lacking, particularly those related to its herb-drug interaction potential. The purpose of this study was to assess the inductive and inhibitory effects of extracts and pure compounds of B. natalensis on human cytochrome P-450 isozymes in vitro. Our findings demonstrated that both water and methanolic extracts of B. natalensis as well as knipholone, bulbine-knipholone, and 6′-O-methylknipholone dose-dependently increased mRNA expression encoded by CYP2B6, CYP1A2, and ABCB1 genes. Functional analyses showed that water (60 to 2.20 µg/mL) and methanolic (30 to 3.75 µg/mL) extracts and knipholones (10 to 0.33 µM) increased CYP2B6 and CYP1A2 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, water extract (60 µg/mL), methanolic extract (30 µg/mL), and knipholone (10 µM) caused activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor up to 11.1 ± 0.7, 8.9 ± 0.6, and 7.1 ± 2.0-fold, respectively. Furthermore, inhibition studies revealed that methanolic extract attenuated the activity of metabolically active CYP1A2 (IC50, 22.6 ± 0.4 µg/mL) and CYP2B6 (IC50, 34.2 ± 6.6 µg/mL) proteins, whereas water extracts had no inhibitory effect on either isoform. These findings suggest that chronic consumption of B. natalensis may affect normal homeostasis of select CYPs with subsequent risks for HDIs when concomitantly ingested with conventional medications that are substrates of CYP2B6 and CYP1A2. However, more in-depth translational studies are required to validate our current findings and their clinical relevance.

Aloe vera belongs to the family of Asphodelaceae, the oldest medicinal herb ever found and the world's most common medicinal plant. It is known as Ghritkumari, is used in medicine sources of homeopathy, ayurvedic, and allopathy. The species is a good source of repository of chemical ingredients that shows a precise range of biological activities such as wound healing, burn treatment, mitigating frost bite damage, defense against, lung cancer, intestinal problems, x-ray damage to the body, raising and decreasing high density and low lipoprotein content, reduction of diabetic blood sugar, battle against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and strengthening of the immune system. Aloe vera leaves are used to create drinks, perfume, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments. The plant's key ingredients are different kinds of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, saponins, amino acids, and salicylic acids. The plant is a good source of antioxidants. It also contains folic acid and vitamin A, C, E and B12. Aloe vera gel includes important ingredients, including the essential amino acids required by the human body. The plant can be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. This research article is an effort towards Aloe Vera's industrial and ethnobotanical characteristics.

This study was set to investigate the comparative morphological and anatomical characteristics of Aloe vera barbadensis Miller and Aloe vera var. chinensis(Haw) Berger. These are evergreen perennials belonging to Asphodelaceae Juss. in the Order Asparagales Link. The former measures up to 80±20cm in height with lanceolate leaves and rosette habit. The leaves have spiny margins decorated with whitish spots on both foliar surfaces which disappear at maturity. The tubular flowers are orange and densely clustered at the stem apex; corolla is yellowish, tubular and up to 2.5±0.5cm in length whereas the latter is 40±10cm in height with rather lightly green rosette leaves and foliar white spots on foliar surfaces maintained at maturity. The two plants are fleshy and succulent with mild bitter taste. Leaves are amphistomatic with tetracytic sunken stomata. The cells of the epidermal layer are nucleated mostly hexagonal and includepentagonal, heptagonal to square or rounded. Stomatal indices for Aloe vera barbadensis adaxial foliar layer is 7.92 % and abaxial 4.76% while Aloe vera var. chinensis adaxial surface is 7.92% and abaxial 3.85%, not significant. Anatomical studies revealed the cell types from the epidermis, hypodermis, general cortex to the pith are similar in mid-ribs, petioles, stems and nodes. The roots have piths and vasculation is closed type. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in both species, whereas combined anthraquinone was observed absent in both plants. Cardenolide, phlobatannins and free anthraquinones were present in Aloe vera var. chinesis but absent in Aloe vera barbadensis while cyanogenic glycoside was absent in Aloe vera var chinensis but present in Aloe vera barbadensis. The species are used in natural medicine. The information contained in this research would further aid in the taxonomic delimitations of these plants. Keywords: Comparative, Aloe vera, phytochemistry, morphology, anatomy, Asphodelaceae.

Assessment of plant species in particular rare and endemic is essential for monitoring and conservation planning. I aimed to support conservation activities by addressing knowledge of the status of Aloe dhufarensis Lavranos, one of the endemic plants in the Arabian Peninsula. Information on the status and distribution range of A. dhufarensis in the Arabian Peninsula is almost absent. To Assess A. dhufarensis according to IUCN categories, Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) were created and measured using ArcMap 10.8. The species is described and illustrated; the distribution of the species was mapped. The evaluation and the conservation status of this plant species are reported according to the context of IUCN Red List guidelines and criteria.

Following the reinstatement of Aloe davyana Schönland (1905: 288) (Fig. 1A) as an accepted taxon at the rank of species, rather than at that of variety under A. greatheadii Schönland (1904: 121) (Smith et al. 2020), we here reinstate A. davyana var. subolifera Groenewald (1939: t. 732). Aloe davyana var. subolifera was accepted by all aloe researchers until it was placed in the synonymy of a broadened concept of A. greatheadii var. davyana (Schönl.) Glen & Hardy (1987: 490), a view with which we do not agree.

An endangered and rare species Aloe pseudorubroviolacea from the plant family Asphodelaceae which is presently recorded as endangered in Saudi Arabia collected from Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia its GPS Latitude and Longitude coordinates 19.8345, 41.5481. The chloroplast matK and rbcL gene was considered in this study based on molecular identification the size is about 571 and 664 bp respectively. From the sequence analysis the gene matK and rbcL confirm that this species is very much closely related with A. rubroviolacea and also inter related with the species Astroloba rubriflora, Chrysopogon gryllus, Chortolirion angolense shows about 98.7% sequence homology. The partial matK and rbcL gene sequence discriminate Aloe pseudorubroviolacea from the closely related plant species, A. rubroviolacea. The gene sequence of rbcL discriminates the species from Chrysopogon gryllus and Chortolirion angolense, demonstrates the nucleotide variations in 3 different sites (623C/T; 653C/T; 700C/A). This study showed that matK and rbcL sequence region of chloroplast gene used to authenticate the samples of A. pseudorubroviolacea and which provide to help in correct identification and conservation process of this medicinally valuable endangered plant species.

Aloe davyana (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a winter-flowering aloe that is endemic to the north-central interior of South Africa, is reinstated at the rank of species based on plant size, clumping habit, leaf colour and ornamentation, inflorescence architecture, and several flower characters. In the past it was sometimes treated as A. greatheadii var. davyana.

Aloe marlothii Berger (1905: 87) (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) (Fig. 1), a single-stemmed, tree-like aloe, occurs widespread in northeastern South Africa and adjacent parts of Botswana, for example near Lobatse in the southeast of the country from where it was originally described (Fig. 2), Zimbabwe, and Mozambique (see maps in Klopper & Smith 2010: 92, Fig. 32 and Van Wyk & Smith 2014: 68). Wherever A. marlothii co-occurs with other species of Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319), hybrids are produced (Reynolds 1950, Smith & Figueiredo 2015). Aloe globuligemma Pole-Evans (1915: 30, Plates X [Figs 1 and 2] and XI [Figs 1, 2, and 3]) (Fig. 3), a stemless, medium-sized aloe, is restricted to the more subtropical parts of northeastern South Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and Mozambique (see map in Van Wyk & Smith 2014: 158). Where these two species, A. globuligemma and A. marlothii, co-occur, for example at Lebowakgomo, about 50 km southeast of Polokwane, the capital of South Africa’s Limpopo province, a bewildering range of striking hybrids with considerable horticultural potential are found (Reynolds 1950: 446, 484, Retief 2018). This hybrid also occurs a bit further south of the Lebowakgomo location, as well as elsewhere in the Limpopo province, in Sekhukhuneland in the vicinity of Steelpoort and Ohrigstad.

Walker et al. (2019: 12) suggested that the name Aloe zeyheri (Barber 1870a: 80) (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) was merely proposed and not validly published for the species of tree aloe today known as Aloidendron barberae (Dyer 1874a: 566) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9) (Fig. 1A–C). Aloidendron barberae occurs naturally along the eastern seaboard of South Africa, and slightly inland, and caused quite a stir in botanical circles when it was first and more or less simultaneously collected in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

Aloe arborescens Miller (1768: no. 3 on first page headed “ALO ALO”) (Fig. 1A) is a parent of some intergeneric alooid hybrids, as well as of interspecific hybrids in Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319), that have become popular in domestic and even industrial-scale horticulture [see for example Smith & Figueiredo 2015: 20, and Figueiredo & Smith 2019 on A. ×caesia Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck (1817: 29)]. Numerous forms of A. arborescens have additionally been provided with cultivar names (Van Jaarsveld 2002, Smith et al. 2021). Where A. arborescens and A. hardyi Glen (1987: plate 1942) (Figs 1B, C) are grown together, these two species hybridise with great ease and offspring of this hybrid are increasingly found in cultivation. However, to date the hybrid with the formula A. arborescens × A. hardyi does not have a name to enable easy communication about it. We here describe this increasingly common horticultural hybrid as A. ×engelbrechtii Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo (Figs 2A, B).

Two new species of Aloe were found in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar during a Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre (KMCC) Team expedition in November 2014. The first species, Aloe vatovavensis is rare in this habitat. The second, Aloe rakotonasoloi, exhibits characters that are intermediate between the features of Aloe s.str. and the related genus Lomatophyllum (now Aloe sect. Lomatophyllum). Despite being one of the most species-rich areas for plant diversity, only a few species of Aloe—typically those of Aloe sect. Lomatophyllum—have been recorded in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar to-date.

The KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa has a varied topography, geology and climate and presents diverse habitats that support a rich and diverse flora. Aloes are well represented in KwaZulu-Natal, with four genera [Aloe L., Aloiampelos Klopper & Gideon F.Sm., Aloidendron (A.Berger) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. and Aristaloe Boatwr. & J.C.Manning] and 49 taxa occurring in the province. Fourteen of these are endemic and eleven near-endemic to the province. A floristic treatment of the aloes of KwaZulu-Natal is presented in the form of a synoptic review. Included are an identification key to the aloes that occur naturally in the province, species-level distribution maps and accompanying images, so providing for the first time, an atlas of aloe occurrence in this part of the subcontinent.

Context Persimmon tannin (extract of Diospyros kaki L.f [Ebenaceae]) and Aloe gel (extract of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. [Asphodelaceae]) are known as anti-radiation agents. However, radiation resistance of the persimmon tannin-Aloe gel composite remains inconclusive. Objective To investigate the capacity of the persimmon tannin-Aloe gel composite to protect against ionising radiation at the cellular level. Materials and methods HaCaT (human epidermal keratinocytes) cells were pre-treated with PT-A-1 (the mass ratio of persimmon tannin and Aloe gel was 2:1) or the single component (persimmon tannin or Aloe gel) at various concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μg/mL. Control group: medium with no HaCaT cells), and then radiated with X-rays (radiation dose: 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 Gy). Cell viability, cell apoptosis, and radiation-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were analysed by CCK-8, Hoechst 33258 staining/flow cytometry, and 2′,7′-dichlorfluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, respectively, for 12 or 24 h incubation after radiation. Results The optimal radiation dose and post-radiation incubation period were determined to be 8 Gy and 12 h. CCK-8 activity detection showed that the cell activity was 77.85% (p

Schifani, Enrico, Mazza, Giuseppe (2021): Hercinothrips dimidiatus (Thysanoptera, Thripidae), an emerging pest of Aloe arborescens [Asphodelaceae] newly recorded from Italy. Zootaxa 5039 (3): 440-442, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5039.3.9

The little-known Aloe labiaflava (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), which has for long been regarded as a hybrid between A. davyana and A. longibracteata, is reinstated as an accepted species endemic to a small area in the western Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It differs from both A. davyana and A. longibracteata in several reproductive morphological characters not present in these two species, especially by almost invariably producing only a single inflorescence per flowering season and by having a perianth that is distinctly flared at the mouth, with especially the external, apical ⅓ of the perianth conspicuously yellow.

Although most species of Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319) flower in winter, the comparatively few taxa of this genus that occur naturally above South Africa’s climatically severe Great Escarpment tend to flower during spring when temperatures are on the increase. Two such species are A. broomii Schönland (1907: 137) and A. grandidentata Salm-Dyck (1822: 3 [species no. 2]).

Background Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae) has traditional reputability in treatment of diarrhea and constipation but no scientific study has been reported for its gastrointestinal effects. Present study was conducted to evaluate antidiarrheal and laxative activities of the plant. Methods Aqueous-ethanol crude extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius (At.Cr) was subjected to phytochemical screening and liquid-liquid fractionation. In vivo studies of charcoal meal intestinal transit test, antidiarrheal activity against castor oil induced diarrhea and laxative activity were performed in mice. In vitro experiments were conducted upon rabbit jejunum preparations using standard tissue bath techniques. Results Phytochemical screening indicated presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and phenols in At.Cr. In charcoal meal intestinal transit test, At.Cr increased (p p p + (80 mM) and K+ (25 mM) mediated contractions, similar to verapamil. Pre-incubation of jejunum preparations with At.Cr resulted in rightward nonparallel shift in Ca+ 2 concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. The spasmolytic activity was concentrated in ethylacetate fraction. Aqueous fraction exhibited spasmogenicity upon spontaneous contractions, which was blocked in presence of verapamil, but remained unaffected by other tested antagonists. Conclusion The Asphodelus tenuifolius crude extract possesses gut modulatory activity, which may normalize gut functions in diarrhea and constipation. The spasmolytic activity of the extract was found to be mediated through Ca+ 2 channel blocking action. The spasmogenic activity, found partitioned in aqueous fraction, possibly involves Ca+ 2 influx through voltage gated Ca+ 2 channels. The study supports ethnic uses of the plant in diarrhea and constipation.

The genus Aloe (Asphodelaceae) is well known in Tanzania for its medicinal uses, yet its ethnobotany has not previously been systematically studied in the region. To document the indigenous knowledge of Aloe species, data were collected using semi-structured interviews from 180 respondents of different gender and age groups at four study sites in Tanzania. Thirty-seven uses of Aloe were recorded for 11 species; the majority were for human medicine (73%), and the most frequently mentioned ailment treated was malaria. Leaves were the most frequently used part of the plant. Respondents in the 21–45 and 45 + age groups reported the greatest diversity of uses of Aloe species across the sites, suggesting that the transmission of plant use traditions to younger generation in the 15–20 age group may be waning. Perceived declines in wild populations of Aloe indicate the vulnerability of species and associated indigenous knowledge, and the need for their conservation.

A comprehensive checklist of 2902 vascular plant species for Namaqualand (Western and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa) is presented, in which the local traditional and contemporary human uses of 384 taxa are indicated. Information was obtained through a literature study and extensive field survey work, including rigorous and detailed interviews and field walks. Of the total of 383 useful plant species, 240 are used in traditional medicine, 185 are edible, and 216 are used in crafts and other miscellaneous uses. Several species are used in more than one of the three main use categories. A total of 119 vascular plant families is represented in Namaqualand, of which 78 include species that are used locally for medicine, food and crafts. Species from 66 families are used for medicinal purposes, 53 include edible species and 57 include species used for crafts and other miscellaneous uses. The families that contribute the highest numbers of useful plant species are Asteraceae (51 spp.), Geraniaceae (23 spp.), Aizoaceae (22 spp.), Apocynaceae (18 spp.), Iridaceae (17 spp.), Asphodelaceae (13 spp.), Fabaceae (13 spp.), Lamiaceae (11 spp.), Apiaceae (10 spp.) and Amaryllidaceae (9 spp.). There are 45 new species-records of plants with human uses and 147 newly reported uses (38 medicinal, 51 edible and 58 crafts and miscellaneous uses). The checklist was used for a regression analysis of the total number of available plant species per family (as independent variable) and the total number of species per family that are used in Namaqualand (as dependent variable). Residual values of predicted vs actual numbers of species show an over-representation of especially Asteraceae (+ 21), Geraniaceae (+ 16) and Apocynaceae (+ 11) and an under-representation of Aizoaceae (− 17), Hyacinthaceae (− 7) and Poaceae (− 6). The inventory data and results are not only of importance in understanding the broader plant use patterns of the Khoi-San legacy in the Succulent Karoo Biome, but also contribute to the conservation of the cultural heritage of the people of Namaqualand, and as a source of ethnobotanical data for future research and comparative analyses.

The present investigation attempts to compare the pharmacological properties and phytochemical profile of four extracts (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, and water) of Asphodeline taurica (Pall.) Endl. roots from Bulgaria and Turkey. The Bulgarian ethyl acetate extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH, CUPRAC, and phosphomolybdenum assay, and strongest inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The Turkish aqueous extract exhibited the strongest ABTS scavenging and ferric reducing power while its methanol extract was the most effective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitor. On the other hand, the Turkish dichloromethane extract showed the highest lipase inhibition. UHPLC/Orbitrap MS analysis showed a wide array of individual phenolics; six free anthraquinones, two bianthraquinones, three bianthracenes, three anthraquinone glycosides and one bianthracen glycoside were identified. The present data suggest that A. taurica roots can be considered as a valuable source of biologically active phytocompounds with functional properties for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

A phylogeny of Dianella is presented based on Bayesian and maximum parsimony analyses of a combined molecular data set using three chloroplast markers (trnQUUG–5'rps16, 3'rps16–5'trnK(UUU) and rpl1...

A new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae) is described from Somaliland. It differs from other species in forming large clumps and in having sap that is initially yellow but quickly turns bright red and then dark red or reddish-brown, paniculate red-flowered inflorescences and uniformly coloured leaves with red teeth. Its recognition raises the number of species known from the combined area of Somaliland and Somalia s.s. from 31 to 36. A map portraying species density of Aloe by country, as that genus is now interpreted, shows that Aloe has its highest density on islands in the Indian Ocean but that, within Africa, the greatest density is in countries along the eastern highlands. The data also reinforce the importance of field botanists in determining a country’s known plant diversity.

Aloe belonging to the family Asphodelaceae family, formerly Liliaceae, is a genus of herbaceous and succulents. Shoot tip of 2-3 cm were collected from offshoot of Aloe barbadensis and Aloe littoralis, explants were surface sterilized, after were inoculated with MS medium containing various concentrations of BA (0.5, 1, 2 mg/L), IAA (0.5, 1 mg/L). The cultures were incubated at 25 ± 2°C under a 16 h photoperiod. In A. barbadensis and A. littoralis, the best treatment for highest shoot number and bud proliferation was MS medium containing 2 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L IAA. Maximum percentage of proliferated shoot buds (90% and 95%) from a single explant were obtained in MS medium after 4-5 weeks of the second and the first subcultures, respectively. Both of the species were adventitious root induced in MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L IAA after the second subculture. Genome size of the regenerated plants in A. barbadensis and A. littoralis species were differed in different treatments (from 30.66 pg to 39.62 pg, 2C value). One sample T-test showed significant difference (P=0.001) between genome sizes of two species studied when A. littoralis showed higher C-value in comparison to A. barbadensis. Different genome sizes were also indicated among treatments and subcultures. The mixoploids identified in flow cytometry histograms by the presence of two or three peaks of in A. barbadensis and A. littoralis histograms in apple regenerated plants in different treatments and subcultures in treatment 2 (BA 1 mg/L, IAA 0.5 mg/L).

Aloe arborescens Mill. ‘Estelle Potgieter’ (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a new cultivar, is established in this variable species. Aloes at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa, are discussed.

A new species of Bulbine, B. audreyae N.R.Crouch & Gideon F.Sm. (Asphodelaceae subfam. Asphodeloideae), with grass tuft-like leaves, is described from southern South Africa. The species is illustrated and compared with B. lagopus (Thunb.) N.E.Br.

Currently, the food industry searches for innovation and the use of natural and more economical resources. With this in mind, the industrial application of whey was used to elaborate a yogurt-type fermented milk drink with Aloe vera L. crystals (Asphodelaceae) and Passiflora ligularis Juss. (Passifloraceae). For this purpose, A. vera crystals and granadilla or passionfruit pulp, were extracted and added to the four formulations established. Physicochemical, bromatological, microbiological, and sensory analyses (hedonic test) were carried out. The formulations with the highest content of A. vera (F4) and granadilla (F2) showed the best results in bromatological, microbiological, and sensory properties. The A. vera crystals and the granadilla pulp are of great industrial value due to the improvement that their addition gave to the physicochemical, bromatological, microbiological, and sensory properties of the yogurt-type fermented milk drink. Resumen Actualmente, la industria alimentaria busca la innovación y el aprovechamiento de recursos naturales que sean más económicos. Pensando en ello, este trabajo tuvo como finalidad el aprovechamiento industrial del lactosuero mediante la elaboración de una bebida láctea fermentada tipo yogur con cristales de Aloe vera L. (Asphodelaceae) y Passiflora ligularis Juss. (Passifloraceae). Para esto, se extrajeron cristales de A. vera y pulpa de granadilla, y se adicionaron a las cuatro formulaciones establecidas. Se realizaron análisis fisicoquímicos, bromatológicos, microbiológicos y sensoriales (prueba hedónica). Las formulaciones que tuvieron mayor contenido de A. vera (F4) y granadilla (F2) presentaron los mejores resultados en las propiedades bromatológicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales. Se estableció que los cristales de A. vera y la pulpa de granadilla pueden ser de gran valor industrial, dado que su adición mejoró las propiedades fisicoquímicas, bromatológicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales de la bebida láctea fermentada tipo yogur.

Cactaceae and Asphodelaceae are native desert plants known for their high mucilage content, which is a polysaccharide of growing interest in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, powdered mucilage was obtained from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and aloe vera (AV) leaves, and their molecular, morphological, and thermal properties were investigated and compared. Additionally, their dietary fiber content was determined. Three-dimensional molecular models were calculated for both mucilages using ab initio methods. Vibrational spectra (FTIR and Raman) revealed intramolecular interactions and functional groups that were specified with the help of theoretical ab initio and semi-empirical calculations. SEM micrographs measured at magnifications of 500× and 2000× demonstrated significantly different superficial and internal morphologies between these two mucilages. Thermal analysis using DSC/TGA demonstrated superior thermal stability for the OFI mucilage. The dietary fiber content in OFI mucilage was more than double that of AV mucilage. Our results show that both dehydrated mucilages present adequate thermal and nutritional properties to be used as functional ingredients in industrial formulations, however, OFI mucilage exhibited better physicochemical and functional characteristics than AV mucilage as a raw material.

The genus Corynotheca F.Muell. ex Benth. is revised and Corynotheca borealis R.L.Barrett, Keighery & T.Macfarlane is described as a new species from the east Kimberley region of Western Australia and the adjacent Northern Territory. Corynotheca dichotoma (F.Muell.) F.Muell. ex Benth. is reinstated for a species growing on yellow sands in the Mid west of Western Australia. The taxonomic and geographic limits of varieties of C. micrantha (Lindl.) Druce are reconsidered and all are recognised at specific rank. Four new combinations are made: Corynotheca divaricata (R.J.F.Hend.) R.L.Barrett & T.Macfarlane, Corynotheca elongata (R.J.F.Hend.) R.L.Barrett & T.Macfarlane, Corynotheca gracilis (R.J.F.Hend.) R.L.Barrett & T.Macfarlane and Corynotheca panda (R.J.F.Hend.) R.L.Barrett & T.Macfarlane. All are illustrated and a revised key to the thirteen species of Corynotheca recognised is provided.

Background Bulbine natalensis Baker and Bulbine frutescens (L.) Willd., belonging to the family Asphodelaceae, are widely distributed in South Africa and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and skin remedies. Objective The aim of this study is to develop an analytical method for chemical profiling and identification of components in Bulbine species, which would be useful for herbal identification and understanding of the biological activity of B. natalensis in terms of safety and benefits to human health. Method The anthraquinone-type compounds were structurally characterized from the extracts of dried stem and roots of Bulbine species and dietary supplements using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF) with negative and positive ion electrospray. The calculated accurate masses of the protonated and deprotonated molecules and fragment ions were used for identification of the components from two Bulbine species. Results A total of 55 anthraquinone-type compounds, including 11 standard compounds, were identified in the crude extracts of two Bulbine species. Two Bulbine species and dietary supplements were clustered into different groups and possible chemical markers were identified. Conclusions The developed analytical method provided a fast and economic method for quality assessment of Bulbine species in dietary supplements based on anthraquinone-type compounds. Highlights This study reports holistic chemical profiling of Bulbine species using LC-QToF. The developed analytical method enabled non-targeted analysis of components in B. natalensis and B. frutescens, and is recommended for commercial and regulatory purposes.

Background Kniphofia foliosa is a flamboyant robust perennial herb which has dense clumps and tick upright rhizomes with leaves at the base. In Ethiopia, it has several vernacular names including Abelbila, Ashenda, Amelmela, Yeznjero Ageda, Shemetmetie and Yezinjero Ageda. The plant is endemic to Ethiopian highlands, where its rhizomes are traditionally used for the treatment of malaria, abdominal cramps and wound healing. In the present study, the 80% methanol extract of K. foliosa rhizomes and its constituents are tested against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Methods Isolation was carried out using column and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC). The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (ESI–MS, 1D and 2D-NMR). Peters’ 4-day suppressive test against P. berghei in mice was utilized for in vivo anti-malarial evaluation of the test substances. Results Two compounds, namely knipholone and dianellin were isolated from the 80% methanolic extract of K. foliosa rhizomes, and characterized. The hydroalcoholic extract (400 mg/kg) and knipholone (200 mg/kg) showed the highest activity with chemosuppression values of 61.52 and 60.16%, respectively. From the dose–response plot, the median effective (ED50) doses of knipholone and dianellin were determined to be 81.25 and 92.31 mg/kg, respectively. Molecular docking study revealed that knipholone had a strong binding affinity to Plasmodium falciparum l-lactate dehydrogenase (pfLDH) target. Conclusion Results of the current study support the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of malaria.

Background Bulbine natalensis is an African-folk medicinal plant used as a dietary supplement for enhancing sexual function and muscle strength in males by presumably boosting testosterone levels, but no scientific information is available about the possible herb-drug interaction (HDI) risk when bulbine-containing supplements are concomitantly taken with prescription drugs. Purpose This study was aimed to investigate the HDI potential of B. natalensis in terms of the pregnane X receptor (PXR)-mediated induction of major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzyme isoforms (i.e., CYP3A4 and CYP2C9) as well as inhibition of their catalytic activity. Results We found that a methanolic extract of B. natalensis activated PXR (EC50 6.2 ± 0.6 µg/ml) in HepG2 cells resulting in increased mRNA expression of CYP3A4 (2.40 ± 0.01 fold) and CYP2C9 (3.37 ± 0.3 fold) at 30 µg/ml which was reflected in increased activites of the two enzymes. Among the constituents of B. natalensis, knipholone was the most potent PXR activator (EC50 0.3 ± 0.1 µM) followed by bulbine-knipholone (EC50 2.0 ± 0.5 µM), and 6′-methylknipholone (EC50 4.0 ± 0.5 µM). Knipholone was also the most effective in increasing the expression of CYP3A4 (8.47 ± 2.5 fold) and CYP2C9 (2.64 ± 0.3 fold) at 10 µM. Docking studies further confirmed the unique structural features associated with knipholones for their superior inductive potentials in the activation of PXR compared to other anthraquinones. In a CYP inhibition assay, the methanolic extract as well as the anthraquinones strongly inhibited the catalytic activity of CYP2C9 while, inhibition of CYP3A4 was weak. Conclusions These results suggest that consumption of B. natalensis may pose a potential risk for HDI if taken with conventional medications that are substrates of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 and may contribute to unanticipated adverse reactions or therapeutic failures. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish their clinical relevancy.

Aloe verais a species from Asphodelaceae plant family having unique characteristics such as drought resistance and also possesses numerous medicinal properties. However, the genetic basis of these phenotypes is yet unknown, primarily due to the unavailability of its genome sequence. In this study, we report the firstAloe veradraft genome sequence comprising of 13.83 Gbp and harboring 86,177 coding genes. It is also the first genome from the Asphodelaceae plant family and is the largest angiosperm genome sequenced and assembled till date. Further, we report the first genome-wide phylogeny of monocots withAloe verausing 1,440 one-to-one orthologs that resolves the genome-wide phylogenetic position ofAloe verawith respect to the other monocots. The comprehensive comparative analysis ofAloe veragenome with the other available high-quality monocot genomes revealed adaptive evolution in several genes of the drought stress response, CAM pathway, and circadian rhythm inAloe vera. Further, genes involved in DNA damage response, a key pathway in several biotic and abiotic stress response mechanisms, were found to be positively selected. This provides the genetic basis of the evolution of drought stress tolerance capabilities ofAloe vera. This also substantiates the previously suggested notion that the evolution of unique characters in this species is perhaps due to selection and adaptive evolution rather than the phylogenetic divergence or isolation.

Asphodelus tenuifolius is traditionally used in the management of rheumatic pain and inflamed body parts. The current study validated its traditional use as an anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory agent using a series of in vivo models. Carrageenan and histamine-induced acute oedema models were employed to study the effects of n-hexane (n-HeAT) and ethanolic (EeAT) extracts on acute inflammatory mediators and were found to inhibit oedema formation in a dose-dependent manner. Formalin and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) were injected into the hind paw of rats for the induction of arthritis. In the formalin model both n-HeAT and EeAT showed significantly better (p

A new species of Aloe from the Indian Desert, India, is described and illustrated as Aloe trinervis sp. nov. The new species shows similarity with Aloe vera in having succulent, rosette leaves, persistent bracts, free tepals, and six stamens but differs in the recurved teeth instead of deltoid teeth on the leaf margins, 3-nerved bracts, branched and taller inflorescences (90–95 cm long), longer flowers of 31–34 mm in length, flowers with a pale green color being brownish at middle, and longer stamens (29–33 mm). A detailed description with data on its distribution and relevant taxonomic notes, comparative morphological, and color photo plate are provided for easy identification of the proposed new species, A. trinervis in relation to A. vera.

Summary: The nomenclature associated with the name Aloe greenii is reviewed. The name was validly published in 1875 by William Robinson, and five years later, in 1880, the same binomial was republished by John G. Baker for what is today interpreted as a maculate aloe endemic to eastern southern Africa. The name A. greenii Baker is therefore a later homonym of A. greenii Rob. However, the descriptive statement included in the protologue of A. greenii Rob. is inadequate to confidently restrict the use of this name to any known species, and its application remains unresolved. A replacement name, A. viridiana Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo, is here published for material thus far known as A. greenii Baker.

The nothogeneric name ×Gonimara Gideon F.Sm. & Molteno is established for the hybrid between Gonialoe variegata (L.) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning [= Aloe variegata L.] and Kumara plicatilis (L.) G.D.Rowley [= Aloe plicatilis (L.) Burm.f.]. We do not treat Tulista Raf. as including Gonialoe (Baker) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning. The nothogeneric name ×Kumalista G.D.Rowley, in which ×K. corderoyi (A.Berger) G.D.Rowley was included, is therefore a synonym of ×Gonimara, and ×K. corderoyi, the only nothospecies known in ×Gonimara, is a synonym of ×G. corderoyi (A.Berger) Gideon F.Sm. & Molteno. We also provide notes on, and clarify the typification of, the name Aloe variegata, the basionym of Gonialoe variegata.

Bulbine frutescens, a plant native to southern Africa, is used traditionally in the management of conditions related to HIV/AIDS and to promote wound healing. This study investigated the in vitro anti-HIV and antioxidant potential of B. frutescens in order to determine its possible contribution to alleviating HIV/AIDS and its traditional success as a wound healing agent. The extract of the aerial parts of B. frutescens was tested for in vitro inhibitory activity on HIV-1 protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase enzymes all of which have an essential role in the HIV replication cycle. Since antioxidants contribute to wound healing, the plant extract was studied for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing power and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity. In addition, phytochemical analysis of the extract was conducted using standard procedures. The extract demonstrated good inhibitory activity against HIV-1 PR and RT with IC50 values of 0.18 ± 0.01 and 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. It also demonstrated potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 17.94 ± 0.72 and 26.21 ± 0.39 μg/mL for DPPH and H2O2, respectively. The reducing power of B. frutescens extract was found to be concentration dependent. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids and flavonoids. The content of one of the major component detected, flavonoids, was 71.60 ± 0.05 mg QE/g extract. This study demonstrates that B. frutescens extract has anti-HIV potential and the traditional use of the plant as a wound healing agent could be through its high antioxidant activity.

Background: B. abyssinica is a succulent member of the genus Bulbine (Asphodelaceae). It occurs from the Eastern Cape, through Swaziland and further north to Ethiopia. The species is used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, dysentery, bilharzia, cracked lips and diabetes. The tea leaf is used to treat cough, vaginal and bladder problems. Whereas B. abyssinica has ethno medicinal value, not much data concerning its phytonutrient, macro and micro element composition can be found in literature.Materials and Methods: Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the nutritional quantitative composition of the plant using standard procedures.Results: The proximate analysis revealed the carbohydrate, crude fibre, moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fat contents as 74.8%, 8.9%, 8.8%, 8%, 7.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The species showed high levels of oxalates and phytic acids, moderate levels of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phenols, while tannins were in low levels. Vitamin A, C and E contents were 12, 12.3 and 22.1 mg/100g, respectively. Amongst the mineral elements investigated, potassium and calcium were in high levels. Magnesium, iron, sodium, aluminium and phosphorus were moderately present, while manganese, zinc and copper where in low amounts. These vitamins and mineral elements were within their recommended daily allowance in humans.Conclusion: The amount of these phytochemicals suggests the plant can serve as nutritional supplements which are vital in maintaining good health status. These findings also suggest the potential role of B. abyssinica in the treatment of infections and some chronic diseases, especially diabetes mellitus.Keywords: Bulbine abyssinica, proximate composition, vitamins, mineral elements

As part of a revised generic classification of Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319) sensu lato (Grace et al. 2013), Aloidendron (Berger 1905: 56) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9) was established to accommodate six tree aloe species that Berger (1905) previously placed in two sections, Aloe sect. Aloidendron Berger (1905: 56) and A. sect. Dracoaloë Berger (1905: 56). The six species transferred to Aloidendron were: A. barberae (Dyer 1874: 566) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. dichotomum (Masson 1776: 310) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. eminens (Reynolds & Bally 1958: 187) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. pillansii (Guthrie 1928: 15) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. ramosissimum (Pillans 1939: 66) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), and A. tongaense (Van Jaarsveld 2010: 71) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 10). These tree aloes, but not A. sabaeum (Schweinf.) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning in Manning et al. (2014: 67) (see next paragraph), have been treated by Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015).