Quantitative Analysis of Aloe Vera by NMR, Automated using the Assure-RMS Software

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with a wide range of uses from topical application to soothe burns to oral consumption to aid digestion. It is added to a wide range of health and beauty products. Analyzing Aloe vera extract in detail, components include glucose, acetylated mannose polymers, and malic acid. As the material ages, degradation products include acetic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, and fumaric acid. Common additives include the preservatives sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Depending on the formulation, other additives such as glycerol may be present. A ¹H-NMR spectroscopy-based method was previously developed to quantitate some of these components [1]. We have implemented and extended this method within the Assure-RMS software package to provide automated analysis of Aloe vera samples. The automated analysis will be described, first presenting the readily quantitated components, emphasizing the features of the spectra of these components that lend themselves to robust analysis. Then more problematic components will be examined. Strategies to improve the quantitation, including additional data and more sophisticated analysis, will be discussed. References: [1] Jiao et al. (2010)J of the AOAC International, 93: 842–848.