Genetic diversity in Mauritius and antimicrobial evaluation: Case study of lomatophyllum species in the Mascarene Islands
Abstract
Lomatophyllum tormentorii and Lomatophyllum purpureum originate from Mauritius. Lomatophyllum macrum originates from Réunion Island. The three Lomatophyllum species are endemic medicinal plants. These endemic Aloes are used in the Mauritian and Réunion Island pharmacopoeia to treat bacterial infections and as antispasmodic. It has been proved that Lomatophyllum species and Aloe vera share some genetic similarities. Consequently we report the genetic diversity of the Lomatophyllum species by measuring the genetic distance, which they have with Aloe vera. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts showed that alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, phenols, saponins and tannins were present in all samples. The antimicrobial properties of L. tormentorii and L. purpureum were attributed to the presence of alkaloids, coumarins and saponins which are known to possess antimicrobial attributes. Moreover, some biologically active compounds within the Lomatophyllum were identified and their possible similarities with Aloe vera were unveiled. © 2011, RIS.