THE CHEMOTAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF ROOT ANTHRAQUINONES AND PRE-ANTHRAQUINONES IN THE GENUS LOMATOPHYLLUM (ASPHODELACEAE)

The roots of seven species of Lomatophyllum were analysed by TLC and H PLC for the presence of nine different anthraquinones and pre-anthraqu inones which are all known to be characteristic constituents of the su bterranean metabolism of Aloe. Chrysophanol and asphodelin were detect ed in all the samples analysed. In addition, the 1-methyl-8-hydroxyant hraquinones aloesaponarin I, aloesaponarin it and Iaccaic acid D-methy l ester, together with the corresponding pre-anthraquinones were detec ted in all seven species. The results support the inclusion of Lomatop hyllum in Aloe.