The inspissated juice of various species of Aloe is included in all the pharmacopeias. It is used in its original form, as a watery extract or as a purified extract known as aloin.

Properties : Aloes differs considerably in color and appearance, but in all its forms it has a rather characteristic odor and a nauseous, very bitter taste. Aloes is partially soluble in water.

Action and Uses : Aloes belongs to the emodin group of cathartics acting on the large intestine. It is believed to cause pelvic congestion and to have an emmenagogue action. Its action is said to be enhanced by the addition of soap and iron. Its purgative action is slow, evacuation occurring only after some hours, the stools being soft, seldom watery.

Aloes is adapted to the treatment of constipation by daily laxative action, but should rarely be used as a purgative, because of its tendency to cause griping. Because of the pelvic congestion it produces, aloes is contraindicated in pregnancy and in the presence of hemorrhoids. It is an appropriate remedy in functional amenorrhea if the production of pelvic congestion is deemed advantageous.

Dosage: The purgative dose of aloes is from 0.15 to 0.3 gm. or from 2 to 5 grains. For the treatment of chronic constipation smaller doses, 0.03 to 0.05 gm. or to 1 grain, should be used. A preparation of belladonna ½ is usually combined with it.

Extractum Aloes.—Extract Of Aloes, U. S. P.

Dosage: 0.10 Gm. Or 2 Grains.