The chemotaxonomic significance of root anthraquinones and pre-anthraquinones in the genus Lomatophyllum (asphodelaceae)

Abstract

The roots of seven species of Lomatophyllum were analysed by TLC and HPLC for the presence of nine different anthraquinones and pre-anthraquinones which are all known to be characteristic constituents of the subterranean metabolism of Aloe. Chrysophanol and asphodelin were detected in all the samples analysed. In addition, the 1-methyl-8-hydroxyanthraquinones aloesaponarin I, aloesaponarin II and laccaic acid d-methyl ester, together with the corersponding pre-anthraquinones were detected in all seven species. The results support the inclusion of Lomatophyllum in Aloe.