Monograph: |
Aloes
The residue obtained by evaporating the juice of the leaves of
various species of aloe (Liliaceae).
The Ph. Eur. describes Barbados Aloes (Curasao aloes) ob-
tained from Aloe barhadensis containing not less
than 28% of hydroxyanthracene derivatives, calculated as an-
hydrous barbaloin and Cape Aloes {Aloe capensis) obtained
mainly from Aloe ferox and its hybrids containing not less
than 18% of hydroxyanthracene derivatives, calculated as an-
hydrous barbaloin.
Aloe (USP 23) is Cape Aloe or Curasao Aloe, yielding not
less than 50% of water-soluble extractive.
Barbados aloes is dark brown masses, slightly shiny or
opaque with a conchoidal fracture, or a brown powder. Cape
aloes is similar, but tinged with green. Barbados and Cape
aloes are partly soluble in boiling water, soluble in hot alco-
hol and practically insoluble in ether. Store in airtight con-
tainers. Protect from light.
Adverse Effects and Precautions
As for Senna. although aloes has a more drastic and
irritant action.
Uses and Administration
Aloes is an anthraquinone stimulant laxative but other less
toxic drugs are generally preferred.
It is used in homoeopathic medicine.
Aloe vera. Aloe vera gel is a mucilaginous preparation ob-
tained from the leaves of Aloe vera (=A. barbadensis) once all
the sap has drained away. It is widely used in cosmetics and
toiletries for a reported moisturising and revitalising action.
There are also claims for the beneficial and even curative
properties of aloe vera gel in the self-treatment of medical
conditions such as acne, haemorrhoids, psoriasis, anaemia,
arthritis, burns, cancer, depression, diabetes, glaucoma, mul-
tiple sclerosis, peptic ulcer, tuberculosis, and even blind-
ness. Evidence to support these claims is lacking.
Contraception. A combination of zinc acetate with
lyophilised aloe barbadensis has been reported to be an effec-
tive spermicide. and has been proposed as a vaginal contra-
ceptive.
ALOE used in oint and cream,accelerates wond healing,increases tissue
regeneration by stimulating growth factors at site, increases natural
collagen formation.
ALOE in sorexil oint. Increases levels of lysyl oxidase which indicates
the increase in crosslinking of newly synthesized collegen tissue.it
stimulates microcirculation in the wound area and improves improves
oxygen and nutrients.
It's analgesic effect reduces pain at the site area.It binds to the open
nerve endings and reduces the sensation of pain.It has a natural anti-
inflammatory effect also. Glycosides in aloe inhibits Arachidonic acid
pathway by acting on cyclo-oxygenase causing anti-inflammatory action.
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