Origin. - The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe vera (L.) Webb; Aloe Perryi Baker, Aloe Chinensis Baker, or other species of Aloe, plants resembling the so-called century plant (Agave Americana), indigenous in India and Northeastern Africa, and naturalized along the shores of the Mediterranean and the West Indies.

Dose. - 1/2-10 grains (0.03-0.6 Gm.).

Official Preparations

Extractum Aloes - Extracti Aloes - Extract of Aloes. - Dose, 1/2-6 grains (0.03-0.4 Gm.) [2 grains (0.125 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Aloe Purificata - Aloes Purificatae - Purified Aloes. - Dose, 1/2-10 grains (0.03-0.6 Gm.) [4 grains (0.25 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Pilulae Aloes - Pilulas (ace.) Aloes - Pills of Aloes. - Dose, 1 to 4 pills.

Pilulae Aloes et Forri - Pilulas (acc.) Aloes et Forri - Pills of Aloes and Iron. - Each pill contains about 1 grain (0.07 Gm.), each, of aloes, dried ferrous sulphate, and aromatic powder.

Dose. - 1 to 4 pills.

Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches - Pilulas (acc.) Aloes et Mastiches - Pills of Aloes and Mastich. - Each pill contains about 2 grains (0.13 Gm.), together with mastich and red rose (Lady Webster's Dinner Pill).

Dose. - 1 to 3 pills.

Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae - Pilulas (acc.) Aloes et Myrrhae - Pills of Aloes and Myrrh. - Each pill contains 2 grains (0.13 Gm.), together with myrrh and aromatic powder.

Dose. - 1 to 3 pills.

Pilulae Rhei Compositae - Pilulas (acc.) Rhei Compositas - Compound Pills of Rhubarb. - Each pill contains \\ grains (0.10 Gm.) of aloes.

Dose. - 1 to 3 pills.

Pilulae Laxativae Compositae - Pilulas Laxativae Compositae - Compound Laxative Pills (U. S. P.). - Each pill contains 1/5 grain (0.013 Gm. = 13 milligrammes) aloin, 1/128 grain (0.0005 Gm. =0.5 milligramme) strychnine, 1/8 grain (0.008 Gm. = 8 milligrammes) extract of belladonna leaves, and 1/16 grain (0.004 Gm. = 4 milligrammes) of ipecac.

Dose. - Average dose: 2 pills (U. S. P.).

Pilulae aloini, strychninse et belladonme (N. F.), contain, with the exception of the ipecac, the same active ingredients and in the same proportion (Hunt).

Tinctura Aloes - Tincturae Aloes - Tincture of Aloes (10 per cent.). Dose. - 1/2-1 fluidram (2.0-4.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae - Tincturae Aloes et Myrrhae - Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh (10 per cent. of each, with glycerin 10 per cent.).

Dose. - 1-2 1/2 fluidrams (2.0-10.0 Cc.) [80 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Tinctura Benzoini Compoisita - Tincturae Benzoini Compositae - Compound Tincture of Benzoin (2 per cent. of aloes).

Dose. -10-40 minims (0.6-2.6 Cc.), [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Aloinum - Aloini - Aloin (U. S. P.). - Origin. - A neutral principle obtained from several varieties of aloes.

Description and Properties. - Minute acicular crystals or a micro-crystalline powder, varying in color from yellow to yellowish-brown; odorless or possessing a slight odor of aloes, of a characteristic, bitter taste, and permanent in the air.

Dose. - 1/2-2 grains (0.03-0.12 Gm.) [1 grain (0.065 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Extractum Colocymthidis Compositum - Extracti Colocynthidis Compositi - Compound Extract of Colocynth. - Dose, 5-25 grains (0.3-1.6 Gm.) [7 1/2 grains (0.5 Gm.), U. S. P.]. (See Colocynth.)

Physiological Action. - Aloes has no local action, although the drug is readily absorbed from ulcers or abraded surfaces.

Internally it is stomachic, increasing the secretions from the gastro-intestinal tract. It probably increases the secretion of bile. Its principal action appears to be upon the colon, the muscular coat of which it stimulates, in addition to augmenting the secretion from the large intestine.

In from ten to fifteen hours after the ingestion of the drug it causes soft, dark-colored evacuations, its action being usually attended with more or less griping pain.

The blood-supply to the lower bowel and pelvic viscera is increased by aloes; and the drug, if used habitually, may bring on or aggravate hemorrhoids. The menstrual function is stimulated, the drug being a decided emmenagogue.

Aloes is readily absorbed; it is eliminated through the bowels and kidneys, and is found also in the milk.

Therapeutics. - The principal use of aloes is as a purgative in habitual constipation due to a torpid condition of the large intestine. Jaundice resulting from gastro-intestinal catarrh is well treated with aloes and blue pill.

Pills of aloes and iron are useful adjuvants to other remedies in the treatment of chlorosis. Amenorrhea, which is such a common condition in chlorosis, is relieved by aloes. Pills of aloes and iron are equally valuable in menorrhagia arising from debility.

Contraindications. - Aloes is ordinarily contraindicated in hemorrhoids, although those cases attended with a mucous discharge are frequently benefited by it, The drug is considered objectionable in pregnancy, in persons of plethoric, bilious, or hemorrhagic constitution, and in menorrhagia of the strong and full-blooded.

Administration. - When desired as a purgative, aloes in pill form is preferable to the liquid preparations, and the drug may be given alone or associated with other purgatives, tonics, or antispasmodics.

Aloin is perhaps to be preferred to aloes, as it gripes less and may be given in smaller doses. It is less certain, however.