Analysis and profiling of naturally occurring and processed Aloe vera using NMR spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy uses magnetic fields and radio waves to excite the nuclei within a sample; in turn, this causes the nuclei to re-emit electromagnetic energy that is computed on a spectrum that documents the intensity and absorbance. Overall, this analyzes the structure and dynamics of molecules. Aloe vera is renowned for its antioxidant properties and therapeutic topical or oral applications, used to treat sunburn, soothe minor skin burns, acne, and even help with indigestion. This experiment aims to quantify the metabolites present in the A. vera plant and in commercially processed A. vera gel, and to compare them in order to identify their similarities and differences. In doing so, the study seeks to determine the extent to which products derived from cultivated plants retain or lose specific substances and organic compounds during processing and refinement. Both samples were evaluated through metabolite extraction and NMR. The Biological Magnetic Resonance Data Bank (BMRB) was the database that each peak chosen from the NMR analysis was run through. Through comparison and research of the makeup of both the gel and A. vera plant, several options were obtained to determine what molecules were present in each sample. In total, the gel produced 81 options for specific metabolites, and the plant had a total of 50. Similarities between the two samples that were analyzed were D-Fructose-6-Phosphate, 2’-Deoxyguanosine 5’-monophosphate, Mannose compounds, and N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine diastereomers. The major difference between the two samples was the large query pool, as stated previously, and the appearance of preservatives in the gel sample.