lemon yellow crystalline powder
Aloe exudant, used as a stimulant-laxative
Aloin is a naturally occurring substance found in various Aloe plant species. Aloin was originally used as a laxative in the treatment of constipation. Recent studies have investigated Aloin as an ant
ineoplastic agent that enhances melanogenesis and transglutaminase activity.
ChEBI: A C-glycosyl compound that is beta-D-glucopyranose in which the anomeric hydroxy group is replaced by a 4,5-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-10-oxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-yl moiety (the 9S d
astereoisomer).
Purgative activity in rats requires activation by Eubacterium sp. strain BAR or similar intestinal anaerobe, presumably by conversion to aloe-emodin anthrone.
Poison by subcutaneous andintravenous routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Whenheated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.A carthartic and purgative.
Aloin forms the monohydrate as lemon yellow crystals on crystallisation from H2O (450g/1.5L) which has a lower m ~70-80o than the anhydrous substance. [Cahn & Simonsen J Chem Soc 2573 1932, Hay & Haynes J Chem Soc 3141 1956.]
