Abstract

Two Aloe plant species were subjected to different treatment of pH (6.0, 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5) and moisture supplements at crop coefficient (kc 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) under cultivation practices. Aloe polysaccharide (acemannan) was found to be a major component in the leaves of Aloe plant. Acemannan is considered a major and the main active ingredient in Aloe gel. Therefore, knowledge of its chemical composition and physical properties are quite necessary for preparation of medicinal drugs. Results of experiments revealed that for both the plant species, lower soil pH (6.0), and moisture supplements (k_c > 0.3) were not suitable as their acemannan exhibit lower density, less solubility in the main solvent water, poor thermal stability, and less viscosity when compared to the control. But acemannan of higher pH (7.5) and moderate moisture (k_c 0.3) showed statically better physical properties than the other one. Acemannan of Aloe ferox showed higher dense and viscosity, higher solubility in water, and thermal stability than Aloe vera acemannan. In hydrolytes composition of Aloe polysaccharide, mannose saccharide was found to be the major concentration in A. vera acemannan and glucose in A. ferox acemannan. They were found statically and marginally different in their concentration under treatment of pH and moisture supplements.

Key words: Aloe polysaccharide, acemannan, physicochemical properties, Aloe gel.