CHED 263 |
| Aloe is a succulent, perennial plant that belongs to the Lily (Liliaceae) family. It can be separated into two basic parts: gel and latex. The Aloe latex is a bitter, yellow exudate right beneath the outer skin of the leaves. The main active constituents of the latex are anthraquinones including aloins A and B, barbaloin, isobarbaloin, and emodin. Anthraquinones are crystallized pigments that help protect the skin. Topically, they absorb UV light, inhibit tyronase activity, and reduce the formation of melanin and hyper-pigmentation. Studies suggest that exposure to UV light is a major contributor to the development of melanoma. Occasional extreme sun exposure, or sunburn, is causally related to melanoma. Therefore, since anthraquinones reduce the formation of melanin as well as absorb UV light, they are ideal for treating sunburn. The goal of this experiment is to explore the distribution of anthraquinones throughout the aloe plant. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Analytical Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |