Latin, Aloe (Gen., Aloes)

Eng., Aloes. Synonym, Gum Aloes. The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe Perryi Baker, yielding Socatrine Aloes; or

Aloe vera Linne, yielding Curacao Aloes; or

Aloe ferox Miller, yielding Cape Aloes.

Form

Brownish masses.

Odor And Taste

Disagreeable odor and bitter, nauseous taste.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

Active Constituents

Aloin (5 to 30 per cent.), etc. Average Dose.-4 grains (0.25 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Tincturae Aloes

Tincture of Aloes. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).

Aloes is contained in the Compound Extract of Colocynth and the Compound Tincture of Benzoin.

Aloinum (Gen., Aloini)

Eng., Aloin. An active principle obtained from Aloes.

Form

A yellowish powder.

Odor And Taste

Disagreeable odor and intensely bitter taste. Solubility.-In 65 parts of water and 10.75 parts of alcohol. Average Dose.-1/4 grain (0.015 Gm.).

Unofficial Preparation of Aloin.

Pilulae Laxativae Compositae

Eng., Compound Laxative Pills. Synonym, Pills Aloin, Strychnine, Belladonna and Ipecac; Pills A., S., B. and I.

Each pill contains about: Aloin, 0.0130 (gr. 1/5 ); Strychnine, 0.0005 (gr. 1/135); Ex. Belladon. Leaves, 0.0080 (gr. 1/8); Ipecac, 0.0040 (gr. 1/16).

Average Dose

2 pills.

Therapeutic Action

Purgative, emmenagogue, abortifacient. Uses.-For constipation, particularly of the chronic type, and for amenorrhea.

Administration

Of the preparations of and from Aloes, Aloin is the one most often used. It is usually prescribed as the Compound Laxative Pills or in some other combination of purgatives. Its employment is based to some extent on the belief that Aloes acts particularly on the lower part of the intestinal tract.

As a laxative in tuberculosis:

Aloe Aloes 229

or

Mas. Hydrargyri,

Aloes Pulv.,

Ipecacuanhae Pulv.,

Capsici Pulv.....................................................

.āā. gr. xij

8

M. ft. cap. no. xxiv. Sig.-One at night.

1 .Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

In the treatment of chlorosis associated with constipation:

Aloe Aloes 230

or

Aloes Pulv....................................................................

gr. xl

3

Mas. Ferri Carb.......................................................

3ij

8

Pulv. Aromatici .....................................................

q. s.

M. ft. cap. no. xl.

Sig

Two (2) at bedtime.

In the treatment of amenorrhea (to be used six days before expected period):

Aloe Aloes 231

or

Aloini................................................................................

gr. ij

13

Mas. Ferri Carb...........................................................

gr. xxx

2

00

Apiol...............................................................................

f3j

4

00

M. ft. cap. no. xij.

Sig

One morning and evening.