UPLC/MS-QToF-based phytochemical profiling of red and green Aloe variants and its correlation with anti-inflammatory bioactivity

Aloe L. is widely recognized for its medicinal and nutritional properties. There are many phenotypic variants and from the same two variants of Aloe , namely, Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Green variant) and Aloe cameronii Hemsl. (Red variant) were selected for the current study. While A. vera has been extensively investigated and utilized in health foods and beverages, the phytochemical composition and biological potential of A. cameronii remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study comparatively investigated the phytochemical profiles and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf cortex and pulp of both Aloe variants. The methanolic extraction yield was higher in the leaf cortex than in the pulp for both Aloe variants. A. cameronii exhibited slightly higher extraction yields (pulp: 0.924 ± 0.076%; leaf cortex: 1.181 ± 0.052%) than A. vera (pulp: 0.846 ± 0.010%; leaf cortex: 1.071 ± 0.054%). HPTLC fingerprinting revealed a greater abundance of phytochemical constituents in A. cameronii than in A. vera , as evidenced by the higher number and intensity of TLC spots. Subsequent UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis performed in positive and negative ionization modes tentatively yielded 61 and 41 compounds in the pulp and leaf cortex of A. cameronii , respectively, compared with 32 and 30 compounds in the corresponding tissues of A. vera . Moreover, A. cameronii contained significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and proteins than A. vera . Both Aloe variants exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and reducing the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the superior phytochemical richness and anti-inflammatory potential of A. cameronii , highlighting its promise as a valuable source of functional bioactive compounds for future nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.