Biological Source:- Aloe is the dried juice of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis Miller (Curacao aloes), Aloe perry Baker (Socotrine aloes), hybrids of Aloe ferox Miller and Aloe africana Miller or Aloe spicata Baker (Cape aloes), belonging to family Liliaceae. Indian aloe is obtained from wild plants of Aloe vera.
Preperation:- Various methods are used to prepare aloes commercially in Africa, as well as in West Indies. Following is the general method of preparation.The fleshy and sessile leaves of aloe are cut near the bases and are arranged in wooden trough or kerosene tin or vessels of goat skin as to form the V shaped cavity by placing the cut-end downwards. The leaves are allowed to drain fully. The juice is taken to evaporating pans and concentrated. Method of its concentration and cooling results in physical variations in aloes. Vigorous concentration followed by quick cooling results in transparent and brittle product known as Vitreous or Lucid aloes. Slow concentration with gradual cooling produces Hepatic or Livery aloes.
Chemical Constituents:- All varieties of aloes contain a yellow coloured crystalline substance known as barbation (C-glycoside), resin and aloe-emodin, Isobarbalion is present in Curacao and Cape aloes. Cape aloes are characterized by the presence of an amorphous compound, B-barbalion, aloinosides A and B and capaloresinotannol with p-coumaric acid. The resin of curacao variety contains barbaloresinotannol with cinnamic acid.
USES:- Due to aloin (anthraquinone-derivative), it is used as irritant purgative. It is slow and uncertain in action. Now-a-days, aloin is preferred instead of crude drug. It acts on colon, to counter effect the gripping action of aloe, it is given with carminatives.Aloe-gel, a mucilaginous colourless viscid juice of aloe, now-a-days, is used in cosmetics as a protective i.e. it prevents wrinkles (due to aging) on face and also in the treatment of radiation burns. It clears skin blemishes and grows new and healthy tissues. It stimulates the growth of hairs. Externally, it is applied for painful inflammations. It is also a good moisturizer.
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