o

S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G Y

1 9 8 0 - 1 9 9 3

B y :

E . M . M o r s y

C o n s u l t a n t a n d D i r e c t o r o f A l o e T e c h n o l o g y A s s o c i a t i o n

( A T A )

. P h o e n i x , A Z U S A

= S e v e n t h E d i t i o n =

A s u b s i d i a r y o f

C I T A I n t e r n a t i o n a l ( U S A )

, I

S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G Y

1 9 8 0 - 1 9 9 3

B y :

E . M . M o r s y

C o n s u l t a n t a n d D i r e c t o r o f A l o e T e c h n o l o g y A s s o c i a t i o n

( A T A )

. P h o e n i x , A Z U S A

= S e v e n t h E d i t i o n =

A s u b s i d i a r y o f

C I T A I n t e r n a t i o n a l ( U S A )

A L O E V E R A

I S B N 0 - 9 3 7 4 2 5 - 2 6 - 5

P A R T I 1 - 1 5 1

C O N T E N T S

P r e f a c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 . T h e A l o e P l a n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U s e s o f A l o e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B o t a n i c a l S o u r c e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 .

H i s t o r y a n d C u l t u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e a n d t h e C u l t u r e s o f t h e W o r l d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 .

G r o w i n g t h e A l o e P l a n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I n t h e O p e n F i e l d s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G r o w i n g t h e A l o e P l a n t s H y d r o p o n i c a l l y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 . H i s t o l o g y o f t h e A l o e L e a f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 .

T h e H e a l i n g Q u a l i t i e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

O t h e r M e d i c i n a l A l o e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e C l a s s i c a l P h a r m a c e u t i c a l A l o e R e s i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G e l A n t i m i c r o b i a l A c t i v i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e f o r G a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l U l c e r s . . . . . . ' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e , a T u m o r I n h i b i t o r ? A n a p p r o a c h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C a s e s w h e n A l o e s h o u l d n ' t b e u s e d a s a D r u g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 . T h e F o r m e r a n d C u r r e n t O f f i c i a l S t a n d o f A l o e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P r e f a c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U n i t e d S t a t e s P h a r m a c o p o e i a X I X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B e n z o i n T i n c t u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B e n z o i n T i n c t u r e C o m p o u n d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U n i t e d S t a t e D i s p e n s a t o r y , U S D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U s e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B r i t i s h P h a r m a c o p o e i a , B . P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F o o d a n d D r u g A s m i n i s t r a t i o n , F D A

E u r o p e a n P h a r m a c o p o e i a

7 .

T h e A l o e L e a v e s a n d t h e G e l E x u d a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e G e l E x u d a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e A l o e G e l - P h y s i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E

1

6

7

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1 3

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2 8

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3 1

3 2

3 3

3 4

3 6

3 7

4 1

4 5

4 7 a

4 8

4 9

4 9

A L O E V E R A

C O N T E N T S

8 .

S t u d y o f t h e C h e m i c a l C o m p o s i t i o n o f T h e A l o e V e r a G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o i n , I t s I n t e r n a l C o n s u m p t i o n M e c h a n i s m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E m o d i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q u i n o n e s a n d T h e i r D e r i v a t i v e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A n t h r a q u i n o n e C o n t e n t o f t h e A l o e G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 .

S t u d y o f T h e N u t r i t i o n a l V a l u e o f A l o e V e r a G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G e l C a r b o h y d r a t e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 0 . N u t r i e n t s a n d T h e A l o e G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1 . G e n e r a l S t u d y o f T h e M i n e r a l C o n t e n t o f T h e G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 2 .

C o n t r i b u t i o n t o T h e K n o w l e d g e o f A l o e V e r a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C o m p a r i s o n B e t w e e n T h e N u t r i t i o n a l C o n t e n t s

o f T h e A l o e G e l f r o m P l a n t s G r o w n i n T h e O p e n F i e l d s

a n d P l a n t s G r o w n I n s i d e G r e e n h o u s e s H y d r o p o n i c a l l y . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 3 .

T e c h n o l o g y o f P r o c e s s i n g T h e A l o e V e r a G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e A l o e G e l E n z y m e s , G e n e r a l O v e r l o o k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T e m p e r a t u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B r o w n i n g - A P h y s i c a l P h e n o m e n o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B r o w n i n g - I t s I n h i b i t i o n b y P r o c e s s i n g - G e n e r a l S t u d y . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P h y s i o c h e m i c a l V i e w s o f T h e A l o e G e l D i s c o l o r a t i o n

( D a r k e n i n g , B r o w n i n g ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B r o w n i n g - M e c h a n i s m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e G e l P r o d u c t s a n d B a c t e r i a l A t t a c k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P r o c e s s i n g A l o e V e r a L e a v e s f o r S t a b i l i z a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F a c t o r s A f f e c t i n g S t a b i l i t y o f T h e G e l a n d I t s P r o d u c t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e N u t r i t i v e D e g r a d a t i o n o f T h e G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F a c t o r s A f f e c t i n g t h e N u t r i t i o n a l V a l u e o f T h e

A l o e G e l d u r i n g S t o r a g e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A n t i - O x i d a n t s U s e d f o r S t a b i l i z a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d G e n e r a l S t u d y o f T h e A n t i - O x i d e n t

U s e d o n t h e S t a b i l i z a t i o n P r o c e s s : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U n d e s i r a b l e E f f e c t s o f H e a t i n g T h e A l o e G e l D u r i n g

P r o c e s s i n g f o r S t a b i l i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D e s i r a b l e E f f e c t s o f T h e H e a t P r o c e s s i n g t o T h e G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H e a t P r o c e s s i n g , G e n e r a l S t u d y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W h a t H a p p e n s t o T h e G e l W h e n I t I s H e a t e d ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S i t u a t i o n s E n c o u n t e r e d D u r i n g P r o c e s s i n g a n d S t o r a g e

o f T h e G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F a c t o r s I n f l u e n c i n g T h e G e l D e g r a d a t i o n D u r i n g P r o c e s s i n g . . . . . . . . . .

T h e I n f l u e n c e o f S o m e F o o d I n g r e d i e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S t a b i l i t y a n d S h e l f L i f e G e n e r a l S t u d y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e S h e l f L i f e o f T h e G e l a n d I t s D e r i v a t i v e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I n s t a b i l i t y o f T h e G e l a n d I t s D e r i v a t i v e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E

5 1

5 2

5 6

5 6

5 8

6 0

6 0

6 9

7 3

7 6

7 6

7 7

7 8

7 8

7 8

8 0

8 5

8 7

8 8

8 8

8 9

9 0

9 1

1 0 2

1 0 2

1 0 3

1 0 4

1 0 6

1 0 7

1 0 7

1 0 8

1 0 8

1 1 0

1 4 .

1 5 .

T h e A l o e I n d u s t r y i n P r a c t i c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e G e l a s A M o i s t u r i z e r a n d A C o s m e t i c I n g r e d i e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e G e l a s a D r i n k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G e n e r a l I n g r e d i e n t I n f o r m a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F l a v o r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S t a b i l i z e d O r a n g e C o n c e n t r a t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

X a n t h a n G u m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

N e c e s s a r y T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S o d i u m S u l f a t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S w e e t e n e r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C o l o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

O b s e r v a t i o n s a n d C o r r e c t i o n s E n c o u n t e r e d W h e n U s i n g

C o l o r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C i t r i c A c i d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e D r i n k P r e p a r a t i o n - - A S u g g e s t e d M i x i n g P r o c e d u r e : . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e D r i n k s , p H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

N u t r i e n t F o r t i f i c a t i o n t o A l o e J u i c e D r i n k s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W i t h V i t a m i n s a n d E n z y m e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P a c k a g i n g t h e G e l a n d I t s P r o d u c t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S t o r a g e o f T h e A l o e G e l a n d I t s P r o d u c t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A s c o r b i c A c i d D u r i n g S t o r a g e o f T h e A l o e G e l P r o d u c t s . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T h e C o n c e n t r a t e d G e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F r e e z e - D r i e d A l o e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e T i n c t u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A l o e C o s m e t i c a n d B e v e r a g e F o r m u l a t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S u g g e s t e d F o r m u l a t i o n s f o r A l o e D r i n k s a n d C o s m e t i c s : . . . . . . . . . . . . .

R e m a r k s E n c o u n t e r e d i n R e v i e w i n g a n d P r e p a r i n g T h e

F o l l o w i n g F o r m u l a t i o n s : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F o r m u l a t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 6 . L e x i c o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 7 . G l o s s a r y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A R T I I 1 5 2 - 5 7 1

A l o e : L i t e r a t u r e a n d P a t e n t S e a r c h 1 9 8 0 - 1 9 9 3

K E Y W O R D I N D E X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1 1 - 1 3 1

1 3 2 - 1 5 1

1 5 2 - 5 7 1

5 7 2 - 5 7 9

I P A R T 1

P a g e s 1 - 1 5 1

T h e F i n a l T e c h n i c a l R e p o r t o n A l o e v e r a :

S t a b i l i z a t i o n & p r o c e s s i n g f a r t h e C o s m e t i c ,

B e v e r a g e a n d F o a d I n d u s t r i e s

E . M . M O R S Y

P R E F A C E

S i n e e C l e o p a t r ' s fl~ a n d A l o e b a t h i n g s a n d C h r i s t o p h d e l a C o s t a ' s

e u r e - a l l A l o e ~lneoetion~ ) n t i l t o d a y ' s b e a u t y a n d h e a l t h p r e p a r a t i o n s ,

t h e A l o e v e r a p l a n t h a s p r o v e n e f f e c t i v e .

T h e m o s t u s e f u l p o r t i o n o f t h e p l a n t i s t h e l e a f a n d t h e m o s t u s e -

~

f u I p o r t i o n o . f t h e l e a f i s . t h e c l e a r , t a s t e l e s s (~cilage . ) ( t h e g e l o r t h e

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r i n s e d a n d d r i e d .

The(~rom t h e l e a v e s , a l o i n , w h i c h i s t h e b i t t e r t a s t i n g ,

' - ----~

s t r o n g s m e l l i n g s u b s t a n c e s e e n u p o n cuttin~ a n A l o e l e a f w a s u s e d p h a r -

m a c e u t i c a l l y a s a l a x a t i v e a n d a p u r g a t i v e , s i n c e i t e n h a n c e s p e r i s t a l -

s i s o W e f e e l t h a t t h e b e s t w a y t o u s e A l o e ( l e a v e s , g e l ) f o r n u t r i -

t i o u s p u r p o s e s i s t o e a t t h e l e a v e s d i r e c t l y , p r e f e r a b l y a f t e r f i l e t -

i n g t h e m a n d u t i l i z i n g t h e c l e a r m u c i l a g e .

R e c i p e s f o r A l o e d i s h e s a n d d r i n k s f o r h o r n e p r e p a r a t i o n a r e b r i e f -

e d h e r e : T h e c l e a r m u c i l a g e c a n ~~~~')bY m e a n s o f a n e l e c t r i c b l e n d -

e r a n d s t a b i l i z e d w i t h a f e w d r o p s o f l e m o n j u i c e , t h e n m i x e d w i t h f l o u r

o r d r i e d e g g w h i t e s . T h e p r o d u c e d p a s t e i s a p p l i e d t o t h e f r e s h l y w a r m -

w a t e r w a s h e d f a c e , l e g , a r m o r a n y p a r t o f t h e b o d y . T h e a p p l i e d m i x t u r e

w i l l b e l e f t o n t h e s k i n f o r 5 m i n u t e s , t h e n r i n s e d w i t h w a t e r .

~~3 A l o e l e a v e s _ w e r e a d d e d t o d i s h e s w i t h f i s h , s h r i m p a n d

v e g e t a b 1 e s s u c h a s ieggpl~t, m u s h r o o m s , t o m a t o e s , o n i o n s , g r e e n o n o n .

, ,,'-,-"'~- //~

c a r r o t s , a l f a l f a a n d c e l e r y . l S o y ) s a u c e a n d o r i e n t a l h e r b s s u c h a s ( g i n g e r )

h a v e b e e n u s e d i n O r i e n t a l f o o d p r e p a r a t i o n ; s l i c e d A l o e l e a v e s w e r e add-~

e d t o s a l a d s ; A l o e g e l w a s a d d e d t o s a l a d d r e s s i n g s , f r i e d r i c e , s o u p s

a n d ~egetables. A l o e g e l and_~~_~~~~~~E-=a_~_,drink i n t h e m o r n -

i n g . A l c o h o l i c d r i n k s w i t h A l o e , g i n , v o d k a , m i l k a n d f r u i t j u i c e s h a v e

b e e n p r e p a r e d .

T h e m a i n p u r p o s e o f t h i s w o r k i s t o s u p p l y t h e n e c e s s a r y - t e c h n i c a l

a n d g e n e r a l i n f o r m a t i o n t o t h o s e w h o a r e i n v o l v e d i n t h e i n d u s t r i e s o f

c o s m e t i c s , . b e v e r a g e a n d f o o d p r e p a r a t i o n s .

2

T H E A L O E P L A N T

S t e m l e s s , p e r e n n i a l , s u c c u l e n t , l o n g b a s i l - l e a f e d , s o f t , b r i g h t

g r e e n - s o m e t i r n e s s l , i g h t l y b r o w n i s " h , r e d d i s h o r g r e y i s h , s p i n e y - t o o t h -

e d , e l o n g a t e d , a c u t e , i n a r o s e t t e , a n d n u r n e r o u s i n t h e o n e p l a n t

( 1 0 - 3 0 ) , u p t o 1 . 5 f e e t l o n g , 3 i n c h e s w i d e .

T h e p l a n t c a n g r o w a s h i g h a s 3 0 i n c h e s w i t h s t a l k s o f a b o u t o n e

m e t e r h i g h ( 2 - 3 f e e t t a l l ) .

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

F l o w e r s o f t h e p l a n t s are,C:~_e~~~ a n d g r o w w i t h d i f f e r e n t c o l o r s

i n t h e s p r i n g ( y e l l o w f l o w e r s i n t h e A l o e v e r a ) .

A l o e i s a w o r d t h a t h a s e r i v e d f r o r n a n o l d A r a b i c w o r d , A l l o e h ,

a n d h a s b e e n L a t i n i z e d t o A l o e .

T h e a v e r a g e n u m b e r o f l e a v e s p e r A l o e v e r a p l a n t i s f r 0 I I ! - _ _ _ ~~~~~

3 0 , a n d t h e s e l e a v e s c a n g r o w u p t o 3 0 i n c h e s l o n g , t h r e e i n c h e s w i d e

a n d o n e i n c h t h i c k . ~'hen h a r v e s t l - ! 1 g _ 1 e a v e s - t J : : o - m A l o e v e r a p l a n t s - ,

~---------

e a c h p l a n t c a n g i v e Q u t p e t w e e n f o u r _ a n d s i x l e a v e s - f o r e a c h h a I Y e : s t .

'-~------- r Q r ) f ; { a / < )

T h a t m e a n s 1 5 "pou~ds 0 0 f l e a v e s p e r pla~~ _ _ p e r _Z~~~;:-:" T h i s a m o u n t c a n b e

" ' = " - - - - - - - - - - - - -

i n c r e a s e d , h o w e v e r , i f t h e p l a n t s a r e g r o w n h y d r o p o n i c a l l y .

T h e A l o e v e r a p l a n t b e l o n g s t o d r o u g h t r e s i s t i n g s u c c u l e n t s w h i c h

m e a n s t h a t i t h a s t h e a b i l i t y t o s t o r e u p l a r g e q u a n t i t i e s o f w a t e r i n

i t s p u l p y l e a v e s . T h e A l o e p l a n t h a s w i d e r a n g i n g r o o t s . T h a t ' s w h y ,

w h e n t h e p l a n t s r e a c h a ~ertai~ ~e~re~ o f g r o w t h , t h e w a t e r i n g s h o u l d

b e _~=-~~c~_,

A s t h e A l o e v e r a p l a n t s g r o w , i t i s n o t i c e a b l e t h a t l i t t l e p l a n t s ,

o r s u c k e r s a s t h e y a r e c a l l e d o r o f f s e t s , a r e g r o w i n g a r o u n d e a c h p l a n t o

~Vhen t h e s e o f f s e t s a r e r e a d y t o b e t r a n s p l a n t e d , t h e y s h o u l d be~placed

i n r a p ; d l y d r a i n i n g s a n d y l o a m y s o i l .

5

T h e b a s a l , s u c c u l e n t , s p i n y t o o t h e d l e a v e s o f t h e A l o e v e r a

p l a n t s t o r e l a r g e q u a n t i t i e s o f w a t e r d u r i n g t h e r a i n y p e r i o d a n d

t h u s a r e a b l e t o w i t h s t a n d l o n g p e r i o d s o f d r o u g h t .

A G A V E A N D A L O E S A R E A L I K E - B O T A N I C A L A N O H I S T O L O G I C A L D I F F E R E N C E S :

T h e y b e l o n g t o t w o d i f f e r e n t f a m i l i e s ; ( A g a v a c e a e a n d L i l i a c e a e ) ;

h o w e v e r , t h e y c a n g r o w t o g e t h e r . T h e f l o w e r s o f A l o e s h a v e s u p e r i o r

o v a r i e s a n d t h u s a r e i n f e r i o r t o a g a v e s . A l o e s a r e n o t m o n o c a p r i c ,

w h i c h m e a n s t h a t t h e y d o n o t d i e a f t e r f l o w e r i n g . I n A l o e s t h e u n -

o p e n e d b u d s a r e l o o s e l y f o l d e d , w h i l e i n a g a v e s t h e y a r e c o m p r e s s e d

t i g h t l y t o g e t h e r . A l o e s a r e s m a l l e r p l a n t s t h a n a g a v e s . T h e y a r e

v e r y s i m i l a r m o r p h o l o g i c a l l y . A g a v e ( u - g a h - v e e ) .

U S E S O F A L O E S

T h e j u i c e o r t h e g e l , w h i c h i s e x t r a c t e d b y c u t t i n g t h e s u c c u -

l e n t l e a v e s whenl:~, u s e d t o b e c o n c e n t r a t e d a n d d r i e d ; n o w i t

\ /

c a n b e s t a b i l i z e d a n a t h e n f l a v o r e d , t h e n i t w o u l d b e r e a d y t o u s e

e i t h e r i n t e r n a l l y o r t o p i c a l l y o n t h e s k i n , o r i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o c o s -

m e t i c p r e p a r a t i o n s .

W h e n u s i n g t h e f r e s h l y s p l i t l e a v e s o f A l o e v e r a d i r e c t l y o n t h e

s k i n , i t i s a d v i s a b l e t o l e a v e t h e e x t r a c t s o n t h e s k i n f o r a b o u t a n

h o u r a n d t h e n r i n s e d a w a y w i t h w a t e r .

I n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , s o m e c o s m e t i c s a n d m e d i c i n e s a r e p r e p a r e d

f r o m t h e g e l o r t h e j u i c e o f t h e l e a v e s .

A p r e p a r a t i o n a s a t o p i c a l m e d i c a t i o n f o r b u r n s : M a n y h o u s e w i v e s

a r e r e p o r t e d t o g r o w t h e A l o e b a r b a d e n s i s o r t h e A l o e v e r a a s a k i t c h e n

6

p l a n t j u s t t o p r o v i d e a h o r n e t r e a t m e n t f o r m i n o r s k i n i n j u r i e s . A l o e ,

b e s i d e s t h e m e d i c i n a l u s e s , i s a l s o u s e d f o r d e c o r a t i o n b e c a u s e o f i t s

d e c o r a t i v e f o l i a g e . T h e k i n d o s p e c i e s u s e d f o r d e c o r a t i o n a r e A l o e

v a r i e g a t a , A l o e a r i s t a t a a n d A l o e c i l i a r i s . H o w e v e r , t h e r e a r e s o r n e

s p e c i e s t h a t a r e u s e d f o r f a b r i c m a n u f a c t u r i n g b e c a u s e o f t h e i r h i g h

f i b e r c o n t e n t s u c h a s A l o e s p i c a t a . S o r n e A l o e s a r e a l s o u s e d f o r c o l o r

p r e p a r a t i o n s .

B O T A N I C A L S O U R C E S

T h e A l o e p l a n t s b e l o n g t o t h e L i l i a c e a e o r t h e l i l y f a m i l y w h i c h

c o n t a i n s o v e r 2 0 0 g e n e r a . A l o e , w i t h i t s d i f f e r e n t s p e c i e s c o m p o s e s

l / 1 0 t h t h e s i z e o f t h e l i l i a c e a e f a m i l y .

A l o e n e a e i s t h e t r i b e o f t h e l i l i a c e a e f a m i l y t o w h i c h a l o e g e n u s

b e l o n g . A c c o r d i n g t o d i f f e r e n t b o t a n i c a l s o u r c e s , t h e r e a r e f r o m ~25

t o 3 8 0 d i f f e r e n t s p e c i e s a n d v a r i e t i e s o f A l o e , a p p r o x i m a c e l y 1 3 0 o f

--------------~------- /

w h i c h gr~~ _ _ ~n S o u t h A f r i c a o n l y .

, - - - - - - - . - - -

A l t h o u g h A l o e v e r a a n d A l o e b a r b a d e n s i s a r e o f t e n m e n t i o n e d a s b e -

i n g s y n o n o m o u s , t h e r e a r e s t i l l f e w v a r i e t i e s w h e r e t h e i r e x a c t b o t a n i c a l

l i m i t a t i o n s a r e n o t y e t c l e a r . A l o e b a r b a d e n s i s s h o u l d n o t b e c o n f u s e d

w i t h A l o e b a b a t i e n s i s w h i c h i s a b u n d a n t i n E a s t A f r i c a .

7

Records of ancient knowledge of the Egyptians about Aloe vera

is available to us through the~~::-a,papyrus which was written in the year 1552 B.C. and is kept no~~n the German University in Leipzig.

Records from ancient Egyptians, Arab, African, Asians and Arnericans

have discussed the different uses and pathological cases in which Aloes

were administered.

Aloe was also mentioned in ancient Chinese transcripts. The Greeks

knew Aloe through the Indians. .The Indians also named Aloe "Ailwa"

from which the Greek word lid ~ot{' might have been derived.

Aloe was employed medicinally for eczematous skin conditions in

China and India under the names Luhui in China and Musabbar in India.

The oldest known picture of an Aloe plant is believed to have been

shown in color in a manuscript prepared at Istanbul in Turkey.

Aloe was cultivated in Egypt thousands of years ago and was used

by the people of the Mediterranean at least 400 years befare Christ.

Aloe is a1so mentioned in the Bible in the New Testament. Nicodimus

* brought a mixture of Myrrh and Aloes and wrapped the body of Jesus, and

then covered it with strips of linen. John 19:39 and 40.

The Arabs had taken Aloe vera plants to India and the Indian peo-

pIe called it "savari", a name from which the Spanish word for aloe

"savila" might have been derived.

Aloe was first il1ustrated in the Codex Aniciae Julianae which was

written around the year 512 A.D. by Dichotomous.

The Greek physician Peter Pedanius Dioscoriades wrote about Aloe

in his medicinal plant collection "materna medica." It might be worth

mentioning that the Greeks named the Aloe plant 'o' \.:) r\ "

* There is no evidence of this (Aloes) to be Aloe Vera. This may have possibly been a derivative from the wood of Aloe tr

ee!

8

The basal, succulent, spiny toothed leaves of the Aloe vera

plant store large quantities of water during the rainy period and

thus are able to withstand long periods of drought.

AGAVE AND ALOES ARE ALIKE - BOTANICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES:

They belong to two different families; (Agavaceae and Liliaceae);

however, they can grow together. The flowers of Aloes have superior

ovaries and thus are inferior to agaves. Aloes are not monocapric,

which means that they do not die after flowering. In Aloes the un-

opened buds are loosely folded, while in agaves they are compressed

tightly together. Aloes are smaller plants than agaves. They are

very similar morphologically. Agave (u-gah-vee).

USES OF ALOES

The juice or the gel, which is extracted by cutting the succu-,;/~

lent leaves when l turgid), used to be concentrated and dried; now it - /1

can be stabilized and tnen flavored, then it would be ready to use

either internally or topically on the skin, or incorporated into cos-

metic preparations.

When using the freshly split leaves of Aloe vera directly on the

skin, it is advisable to leave the extracts on the skin for about an

hour and then rinsed away with water.

In the United States, some cosmetics and medicines are prepared

from the gel or the juice of the leaves. A preparation as a topical medication for burns: Many housewives

are reported to grow the Aloe barbadensis or the Aloe vera as a kitchen

6

plant just to provde ahorne treatment for minor skin injuries. Aloe,

besides the medicinal uses, is also used for decoraton because of its

decorative foliage. The kind ofspeciesused for decoration are Aloe

variegata, Aloe aristata and Aloe ciliaris. However, there are sorne

species that are used for fabric manufacturing because of their high

fiber content such as Aloe spicata. Some Aloes are also used for color

preparations.

BOTANICAL SOURCES

The Aloe plants belong to the Liliaceae or the lily family which

contains over 200 genera. Aloe, with its different species composes

l/10th the size of the liliaceae family.

Aloeneae is the tribe of the liliaceae family to which aloe genus

belong. According to different botanical sources, there are from ~25

to 380 different species and varieties of Aloe, approximacely 130 of -- ---

which grow in South Africa only. (~-------------------~---

Although Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis are often rnentioned as be-

ing synonomous, there are still few varieties where their exact botanical

limitations are not yet clear. Aloe barbadensis should not be confused

with Aloe babatiensis which is abundant in East Africa.

7

Records of ancient knowledge of the Egyptians about Aloe vera

is available to us through the8,apyrus which was written in

the year 1552 B.C. and is kept now in the German University in Leip

zig.

Records from ancient Egyptians, Arab, African, Asians and American

s

have discussed the different uses and pathological cases in which

Aloes

were administered.

Aloe was also mentioned in ancient Chinese transcripts. The Greek

s

knew Aloe through the Indians. .The Indians also named Aloe "Ailwa

"

from which the Greek word " ~Ot{1 might have been derived.

Aloe was employed medicinally for eczematous skin conditions in

China and India under the names Luhui in China and Musabbar in Ind

ia.

The oldest known picture of an Aloe plant is believed to have bee

n

shown in color in a manuscript prepared at Istanbul in Turkey.

Aloe was cultivated in Egypt thousands of years ago and was used

by the people of the Mediterranean at least 400 years befare Chri

st.

Aloe is also mentioned in the Bible in the New Testament. Nicodim

us

* brought a mixture of Myrrh and A

loes and wrapped the body of Jesus, and

then covered it with strips of linen. John 19:39 and 40.

The Arabs had taken Aloe vera plants to India and the lndian peo-

pIe called it "savari11

, a name from which the Spanish word for aloe

"savila" might have been derived.

Aloe was first illustrated in the Codex Aniciae Julianae which was

written around the year 512 A.D. by Dichotomous.

The Greek physician Peter Pedanius Dioscoriades wrote about Aloe

in his medicinal plant collection "materna medica." lt might be w

orth

mentioning that the Greeks named the Aloe plant " A.:) (\ \,

* There is no evidence of this (Aloes) to be Aloe Vera. This

may have possibly been a derivative from the wood oi Alo

e tree!

8

HISTORY Aloe was mentioned in the writings of the Latin writer, Aurelius

Celsus, who wrote a book about medicine and called it "De Medicina,"

which appeared for the first time in the year 1378. Aurelius Celsus

was a well-known writer in agriculture and medicine.

In America, Aloe was mentioned in Columbus' journals. The earliest record of using Aloe's bitter material as a drug in America was in 1697.

Aloe at that time was derived from Aloe succotrina which used to be in-

ported from the Island of Socotra and hence was later named Aloe Suc-

cotrina.

ALOE AND THE CULTURES OF THE WORLD

In Arabic, the Aloe plant is called "sabbar", an Arabic word that

means burden bearer, and also means "patient," thus derived from the

original word "sabbir," meaning "patience" and often used to mean

"bitter," which shows a rather interesting significance between the

two meanings - "bitterness" and "patience" in the name of the planto

The Arabs used to sling Aloe plants on their house doors, supposed-

ly to prevent evil from entering The plants will stay green and alive

for a long time and even flower; hence, Arabs called the plant "sabbar,"

which means the "patient plant."

Among mothers of some Egyptian villagers, even up to a few years

ago, the mothers used to use the Aloe bitter sap to wean their children,

since mast Egyptian mothers breast feed their infants. The idea was

to make the child start to gradually dislike his mother's breast, which

has became disagreeably bitter-tasting after it has been moistened by

the Aloe bitter sapo

9

Egyptians, who have a long relationship with Aloes, still grow

the plants around graveyards to symbolize the "patience" to some of

them the longsuffering from losing the deceased persone

The Gala, a hematic tribe who live now in Ethiopia and Somalia

in East Africa grow the plants around the graves and they believe that

when the plants flower, the deceased has been admitted to heaven!

Hindus, people of North India, interestingly practice the tradi-

tion of feeding their newborn children a little of -Aloe mixed with

honey in a golden spoon. It is normally administered by the fathers.

It is supposed to'help discharging the meconium!

Abu-Hanifa described Aloes in the 9th Century as "plants with

yellow flowers, very thick leaves". The leaves are crushed and thrown

into the presses and trodden with the feet until the juice flows. Then it is left until it is thickened in leather bags and exposed to the sun

until it dries.

Christoph de la Costa had proposed the following prescription:

Aloe vera sliced with salt, heated to boil over gentle fire, then strain-

ed, little sugar added, let cool,and then to be taken cold internally

in the morning.

In 1893 there was a preparation from Aloe that was described in

the Pharmacographia Indica. The preparation was described as follows:

a mixture of worm wood, jatamesi, chiretta, cinnamon, cassia, herba schoenenthi, asarum and mastich t,o be boiled, then strained and mixed

with the powdered Aloe, and then a solution will be made and drank in

the morning.

10

British Medical Association issued a couple of books called

"Secret Remedies, What They Cost and What They Contain," in 1909

through 1912. Many of the drugs that were mentioned contained-Aloes.

Some of these drugs were: Hugh's Black Pi11s, Gloria Pil1s, Graziona

Reducing Treatment, Mother Siege1's Curative Syrup and Tab1et-45. The

Aloe content of these was used as the active agent in conjunction with ~c ~~'"

a few other ingredients, such as' ~ and l';~aweed~) .... ~-----_ ... ~.-

LANDS ~mERE ALOES GROW ABUNDANTLY Southern U.S. (Texas ana Flori-da) , North Africa, Ethiopia, Madigascar, At1antic Islands, India, So--

/-----~-=~~ / ,,~

malia, Uganda, China~ Venezuela, Barbados, South Africa, Zanzibar, \,,- " :://

---------~ Socotra Island, New Guinea, Brazil, Malasia, Phillipines, Cape Verde Islands, Santo Antao Island, Canary Islands, Madeira Is1and, Tanzania,

Eritria and the Canary Is1ands

11

GROWING ALOE PLANTS IN THE OPEN FIELDS

The Aloe vera plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds may be

sown in late winter or spring in a well-drained sandy sol mixture.

It can also be planted by taking cuttings, which is the simplest

method of propagation. This will mean that the suckers (the small

shoots which develop at the base of the plants), can be detached

and then transplanted in the summer in a sandy, loamy soil, and that

has been the most popular method of growing Aloe vera plants commer-

cially today.

If the plants have to be transferred or transported somewhere

within two or three years of their age, the old roots should be cut

off before transplanting.

The plants in the open fields should be watered in the summer

only as soon as the soil becomes fairly dry. They require very little

water in the months of September to March.

In the open fields, Aloes grow healthy in a well-drained soil

that contains a small percentage of limestone. One acre of land will

be wide enough for 3500 plants if they are spaced two feet aparto

The Aloe vera plants thrive in warm, dry clima tes such as the Med-

iterranean regon, South Afrca and southwest of the United States.

SOIL

Porous, coarse sandy-loamy, well-draned sol should not be over-

watered (watering every two weeks s suffcent). The sol should al-

ways be between dry and slightly wet.

12

Occasional fertilization (preferably not very rich in nitrogen) may be required.

Sunshine can hurt the plants, depending on the temperature, de-gree of humidity and the soil water contento Shading ato~the plants has been found effective in some areas when temperature was very high and humidity was low.

GROWING THE ALOE PLANTS HYDROPONICALLY

Greenhouse cultivation - a.sunny greenhouse with a minimum winter o temperature of 45 , or even slightly less, will suit the growing of

Aloe vera plants hydroponically. Temperature inside the greenhouses in the night should be from SOoC to 600 C and in the daytime between SSoC and 7SoC. Excessive atmospheric humidity, especially in the winter, should be avoided.

Inside greenhouses the air should be as dry as possible all the time. Inside greenhouses, no shading is required. Full exposure to sunlight improves leaves' coloring.

PESTS

The Aloes are occasionally attacked by scale insects which are ;7 -===----'~-best removed by bando They also suffer from~in the heart,

which develops very quickly and does much damage if not dealt with at once. The presence of the pest is recognized by the white wax seen

c-

between the leaves. If possible, infected plants should be removed until cured as the pest may spread rapidly from plant to planto rt can be controlled by the use of an insecticide, either in the form of powder when it is blown into the heart and left for a few days, or in

13

the liquid form when the space between the leaves should be flooded

and the pest washed out. Otherwise the waxy coating may prevent the

insects being wetted by the insecticide.

1 [

HISTOLOGY Histology of the Aloe leaves: the outer cover of the leaves is

the epidermis whch contains a well-developed cuticle, and it is com-

posed of stomata. Beneath the epidermal layer of these numerous stomata

lie a series of elongated palisade cells which are rich in chloroplasts

beneath which lie the parenchyma cells, which are arranged irregularly.

The arrangement that results is a sponge-like me~ophil tissue that pro-

vides the air space necessary for the gaseous exchange which is neces-

sary for the process of photosyntheses and transpiration. In the inner

portion of the parenchyma the clear gel is stored in mucilagenous paren-

chym.a.

The outer epidermis is well-protected with cutin which is water

repellent and heat resistant. Below the epidermis lies the mucilagenous

parenchyma which contains the clear and slimy gel, as mentioned.

Mitochondria in the cytoplasm of the plant cells contains most of

the oxidative enzymes.

-----

o

- --o~-=----C--~-'--J-T-----

6

8

L

9

~-

-------

-----

--- -

- ---

epidermis

vascular bundle

( ( ( ( (

( ( (

1 - Cuticle, waxy, well-developed with stomata, rich of cutin as well as wax w'-4~ S+-oma.+ct. (+).

2 - Upper epidermis Cuticle and stomatae are part of the epidermis - thick for protection of the leaf

3 - Palisade parenchyma Elongated and closely packed, rich in chloroplasts

4 - Parenchym.a Composes the sponge mesophyl (air spacial)

5 - Yellowish aloin pericyclic cells

6 Xylem

7 - Phteern Xylem and phloem compose the vascular bundle

8 - Pectic substances - for adhesion

9 - Mucilage Aloe gel parenchymal cells, thin-walled (approximately 10% air in volume), polyhedral

10 - A leaf from a mature Aloe plant can be as thick as 18 cm. (7 in.). The pericyclic aloin cells are located approximately .3-.35 cm. from the outer cuticle - the thickness of the clear gel parenchyma is approximately 3-12 cm. thick.

16

MEDICINAL USES Extracts from most plants when applied to burns on skin have a

healing effect, but most often start to irritate the skin after Lhey

finish up their healing potency. Aloe vera gel doesn't irritate as rnuch;

it will continue healing until it loses its potency and action. However,

serial dilutions of the Aloe gel solution was found to be completely

toxic to the rabbit kidney cells. That incidence has brought the un-

certainty of the efficiency of the Aloe vera gel.

Aloe vera has been one of the healing plants most used and first

used in the history of mankind. It is commercially available. There

are other plants, however, that even surpass Aloe vera in their healing

characteristics, but they unfortunately are not available on a comrner-

cial level. Such plants are: acacia, comfrey, houseleek and slippery

elrn for burns, and meadowsweet, rosemary and birch leaves for acne,

pimples and arthritis, and sage, lady's mantle, marigold for wound

healing.

In severe burns, there is normal loss of protein and amino acids

from the skin and the body. This loss is counteracted by amino acids

and nucleic acids. Both traditional and recent phytotherapeutic liter~

ature recommended Aloe as one of the plants that is used for wound heal-

ing promotion, which means skin regeneration, since it has a granulating

and epithelializing effect. Aloe possesses wound healing and inflam-

mation inhibition properties.

A number of pharmaceutical publications eulogize the ability of

the Aloe vera gel to promote the healing of burns and other cutaneous

injuries and of ulcers. The local application of the freshly split

17

leaves of Aloe vera have been reported beneficial in the treatment of

x-ray burns. After some experimental study of the Aloe leaf in cases

of x-ray burns, it was found that the curative principIe occurs in both

the pulp and the rind of the leaf. The Aloe vera leaves were also used

for the treatment of cases of dermatitis and various ulcerated conditions

of the skin.

The untouched fresh gel from the leaves is more biologically effec-

tive than the aged gel. The Aloe vera gel from the leaves wtll lose most

or all of its curative potency within two hours from the moment of extrac-

tion; however, the gel might lose its potency toward a certain case and

can still be effective toward another. As the gel ages, or as the cut

leaf is exposed to air and light, the color of both turns pink and proceeds

tobrown. If the gel is heated in air and light, it will get darker and

form the medicinal Aloe resin preparation. If the gel has been exposed -

to air and light from one to two hours, it will not be as effective in

curing some minor skin abrasions, scratches and insect stings.

We have also found from our own work with Aloe that it is effective

nutritiously and medicinally if it is fresh, recently cut or extracted

within two or three hours when it has not been directly heated or blanch-

ed to room temperature. One more case is when it has been refrigerat-

ed for a period not to exceed one month in a dark, non-permeable glass

container. But if the gel has already been processes for stability, it

will remain effective as long as it has been stabilized within three hours

from the time of extraction or a maximum of eight hours from the time of

cutting leaves; however, the conditions under which the leaves have been

18

grown, cut, kept until used or processed, may change these figures

completely.

OTHER MEDICINAL ALOES

Aloe vera linne or the Aloe barbadensis Miller, or the Curacao Aloe

which used to be improperly called Barbados Aloe, grows in the Dutch West

Indies and in the Cape area in South Africa. Aloe perryi baker or the

socotrine Aloe, grows on the Island of Socotra and in the Straight of

Bab-El-Mandeb in the southern part of the Red Sea.

Aloe ferox MilI hasn't been officially used. Also, the British phar-

macopeia recongized the Zanzibar aloe which grows in the Island of Zanzi-

bar in the eastern coast of Africa.

In addition, there are many other species of aloe that have been used

such as Aloe saponaria, Aloe variegata, Aloe conifera, Aloe chinesis,

Aloe spicata and Aloe mutabilis; however, Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vera

is the most important industrially and commercially.

THE CLASSICAL P~~CEUTICAL ALOE RESIN

It was used until the beginning of this century in the United States as

a laxative, ~urgative, cathartic and for burn ointment preparations. The

Aloe resin was a dark material that was prepared by boiling the gel extracted

from the leaves of Aloe ferox (bitteraalwyn, native of South Africa, commer-

cially known as Cape aloe) or Aloe vera plants. The gel was boiled until

most of its water content was evaporated. The remaining dark paste has been

replaced now by the stable and biocatalytical gel.

There are no laxative properties in the normal dose of Aloe gel. When

the Aloe vera gel is consumed internally, its aid in eliminaton will in-

crease as its fibrous polysaccharides content increases. These fibrous

19

polysaccharides are the indigestible cellulose and hemicellulose.

Doses between 10 and 30 milligrams act as stomachic; from 60 to 200 milligrams act as laxative and from 300 to 1,000 milligrams as purgative.

Rhubarb, which is mentioned in the National Formulary, also is a vegetable drug that is as old as Aloe in the medicinal use. It is more popular in that area as a cathartic because it contains tannin which has astringent action following the carthartic action. And this will, accord-ingly, promote constipation.

Aloe has been used as a cathartic agente Its cathartic action is due to stimulation of peristalsis, especially in the large intestine. In most cases, considerable gripping pain is associated with its action. It is more irritating than other well-known cathartic drugs, such as cascara sagrada, senna and rhubarb. As we mentioned, the action of the cathartic Aloe is largely limited to the colon. That's why Aloe is not recommended in those conditions in which it is desirable to clean out the whole alimentary system. The cathartic action of Aloe is ascribed to its content of resins, Aloe-emodin, chrysoohanic acid, rein and the other constituents that we have mentioned. And it acts on the colonic peristalsis by stimulating the nerves.

The Aloe in medicine has been used as a cathartic, but the concentrated material causes severe intestinal cramps.

Aloe and its derivatives that are used pahrmaceutically can be classi-fied as vegetable drugs. Now, as a drug Aloe is considered a cathartic because of its content of emodin. Aloe does not have an astringent action that follows the cartharsis effect and accordingly, it does not promote con-stipatioh. The dry material is moderately irritating and has a tendency to cause gripping, but doesn't lose its efficiency on continued use and is

20

especially useful in correcting constipative- action of iron medication.

The Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis MilI used to be called Curacao

aloes and was obtained from the islanu of Curacao; it was formerly pro-

duced on the Island of Barbados and is still improperly called Barbados aloes.

The resin from Aloe vera or the barbadensis contains the aloin or the

barbaloin, isobarbaloin, the aloe-emodin, and also cinnamic acid.

The resin is produced by evaporating the exuded juice from the Aloe

vera leaves by boiling and then it is solidified by cooling. These remain-

ing resins are associated with the condensation of the anthraquinones, an-

thranols and their derrivatives that are abundantly contained in the Aloe

vera juice. It was also used by veterinarians for animals as a purgative in the fol-

lowing dosage: for horses, the dose should be between 25 and 50 grams; for -

cattle, between 50 ana 75 grams, for dogs, it should be between 2 and 4 grams.

GEL ANTD'IICROBIAL ACTIVITY

The Aloe vera gel was investigated as to whether it exhibits antimicro-

bial activity. It was reported that the gelatinous gel from the aloe leaves

was the only portion of the plant that exhibits antimicrobial activity

against different pathogens, such as staph. aureus._

The freshly extracted juice showed a marked zone of staph. aureus inhi-

bition; however, the unstable gel did not show any antimicrobial activity

after it become dark.

The stabilized gel, though, whether it was freeze-dried or heated at

800 C for 15 minutes, showed remarkable antimicrobial inhibition.

21

ALOE FOR GASTROINTESTINAL ULCERS

The effects on the gastrointestinal ulcers has been studied. In

comparison to other cornmonly used anti-ulcer active agents, Aloe showed

considerably higher curative action on rats. The Aloe content that was

believed to be responsible for the anti-ulcer action named Aloe-ulcin.

Aloe-ulcin was found to have a considerable inhibitory effect on the

secretion of gastric juices in the stomach, the secretion that is un-

desirable in case of ulceration. The mechanism of that inhibition action

arises from the effect of Aloe-ulc.in on histamine decarboxilate. It is

generally known that histamine, which stimulates the secretion of hydro-

choloric acid from the gastric juices, is the primary amine that is for-

med upon decarboxilation of the amino acid, histidine. This decarboxila-

tion process is catilized by histamine decarboxilate.

There are contradictory claims on the bacteriostatic activity of.

Aloe gel and extracts, but some filed scientific reports attribute improv-

ed healing of burns to their treatment with Aloe barbadensis.

Yamomoto, from the Second Research Institute in Tokyo, has confirmed

the curative effects on stomach ulcers through his experiments with Aloe-

ulcin. The newly derived material, Aloe-ulcin, has no gastrointestinal

irritating action. The crude Aloe powder has an elevating action on the

intestinal mobilty.

Soeda, a Japanese researcher, has studied the following: alomycin

inactivates the exotoxin of staphylococci. Alomycin also is an antitumor

substance and has an anti-hematolytic action which makes alomycin effective

in vitro for treatment of burns. It is worthy to mention that, hemolysis

or hematoly;is is the destruction of red blood cells by an antibiotic,

the process that takes place in burns.

22

Recent studies show that the Aloe juice even has a mild antibiotic effect.

Extracts have also been found to be effective against peptic ulcers,

skin disorders, and infections in people and animals as well. Aloes have

long been recognized by pharmacopoeiae over the world as a purgative drug.

Pharmacopoeias, such as the United States Pharmacopoeia, the National

Formulary, The British Pharmacopoeia, and the International Pharmacopoeia.

ALOE, A TUMOR INHIBITOR? AN APPROACH

Enzymes and amino acids have the most important conitation with the

Aloe vera gel, curative and nutritive values. (Testimonies) are reported

by people with different cancer cases, that drinking the Aloe vera gel was

effective in healing such cases. Until now there has been no catalytical

or therapeutic,evidence of the Aloe vera gel as a cure for tumors, _neo~

plasms or cancer. Since 1920 though, amino acids and their corresponding

enzymes have been of interest and have been used either in their free

forms or in diets in which they are abundant experimentally -- in curing

or hopefully trying to find a cure for neoplasmic cells.

We are discussing here the most closely related therapeutic and

biological facts to the subject of amino acids and ami no acids/ases (amino acids/ases, we will use this terro to refer to the amino acids and their

corresponding enzymes) in relationship to neoplasmic cells or tumors and,

hopefully, highlighting the aloe-cancer cure mystery that could be an

existing factor.

Certain tumor cells may lack the enzymes (alanine, arginine,

asportic acid ... ) When the circulating level of asparagine is depleted

by the enzyme asparaginase treatment, tumor cells were selectively killed.

')1

All tumors require arginine for growth. Serine and glycine are

needed for growth in human leukemic cells. No suitable enzymes are

available for selective depletion, for serine or glycine, several sevic

anti-metabolites have been tested and appear promising.

If asperaginase depletes glycine in other sensitive tumors, this

enzyme might also potentiate serine depleting enzymes or anti-metabolites

by decreasing the availability of glycine for serine production. Enzyme

depletion of asparagine and glutamine has anti-tumor action in animals

and mano

Anti-metabolitics are available for arginine and cystein and serine.

These drugs may greatly potentiate the action of amino acid degrading

enzymes by inhibition of biosynthetic pathway and alteration of pool

sizes of the amino acids. Such effects on normal cells surrounding the

tumors will decrease their ability to supply the amino acid to the tumor

cell. Loss of this effect may make solid tumors more sensitive to

therapy w~th amino acid degrading enzymes.

Since tumors frequently have a poorly developed blood supply com-

pared to the normal tissues, it has been postulated that the tumor cells

must possess effective means to preferentially nourish themselves. Most

tumor cells are better able than normal cells to concentrate a variety

of amino acids.

A functional deficiency of a specific amino acid may be achieved by:

l. Feeding tumor-bearing hosts a diet deficient in an amino

acid e.g. fresh unprocessed Aloe vera gel.

2. Injecting a suitable amino acid degrading enzyme.

3. Administering an appropriate amino acid antagonista

24

Most normal cells have sufficient constituted levels of asparagine

synthetase to survive asparaginase treatment.

The anti-tumor effects of asparagase therapy in animal and man led

to interest in other amino acid degrading enzymes for treatment of cancer.

'Asparagine is an essential amino acid for the sensitive tumor cell.

Under normal conditions, asparagine doesn't have to be synthesized by

cells since it is readily available in the dieto Asparaginases are found

in diverse sources in nature, including the fresh Aloe vera gel. It is

prepared for experimentational purposes frem microorganisms, especially

E. coli.

Phosphate stimulates the glutiminase activity. Glutaminase and

glutaminase - asparagerase enzymes - appear te have anti-tumor activity

in mano

Definitien of tryptophane, lysine or arginine demonstrated incon-

sistent results and restrictions of glutamine, glutamic acid or aspartic

acid - had no effect on tumor growth. Several tryptophane analogs,

however, were found to have significant anti-tumor activity.

Deprivation of selected essential amino acids for short periods of

time (two to three weeks) is relatively well telerated by the tumor-

bearing host. It is to be expected that depletion of any one of the

essential ami no acids would inhibit growth of tumor cells. Certain

amino acids, however, appear to be more critically needed for cellular

proliferation, and deprivation of these may be especially deleterious

to the neu-plasms.

Combination therapy with glutam~ne and phenylalanine antagonists

have produced synergistic anti-tumor effects.

25

Diets deficient in the essential amino acids were first used in tumor

control in animals more than 60 years ago.

Maintenance of tumor-bearing animals on lycine, isoleucine, valine,

threonine, histidine, methionine, or phenylalanine deficient diets

resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth.

CASES WHEN ALOE SHOULDN'T BE USED AS A DRUG

It should be avoided in the inflammatory conditions of the intestine.

It takes Aloe from eight to 12 hours to act after it has been ingested.

There is no evidence that Aloe gel, when it is taken internally, has any

effect on the_pelvic organs in order to help in cases of lack of

menstruation, the case that is pathologically called amenorrhea. That

is the reason why Aloe has been deleted from being used to treat such

cases. The only exercise known about the action of Aloe on the pelvic

organs is the congestion of the pelvic blood vessels.

It should be warned that in advanced pregnancy, Aloe vera extract

should not be used internally. In addition, the extract should not be

used on young animals either.

The actual material of the Aloe will be cnnverted into the

glycosidal form inside the intestine by its reaction with the intestinal

juices. 1he glycosidal forms (which is the aloin) would be absorbed into

the bloodstream and released again into the colon where bacteria will

transfer these glycosides into emodin.

The fresh Aloe vera gel will rapidly start to lose its medicinal

qualities. A fresh gel will have to be used, otherwise stabilized or

lyophilized material.

We have found that the proteoljtic activity of a 50% diluted sample

26

of a stabilized Aloe vera gel has been less than 10 hemoglobin units per

gramo Proteolysis is the breakdown of proteins to amino acids.

The intake of Aloe internally is most useful in the chronic consti-

pation conditions especially when there is insufficient muscular tension

in the lower bowel. lt has been found that the presence of bile in the

intestine seems to be essential for most effective action of Aloe, and

when this secretion is lacking it is advisable to administer sorne

preparation of bile with the Aloes.

27

THE OFFICIAL STATUS OF ALOES PREFACE

The official standing of Aloe is confused by. the fact that it has

been deleted from the United States Pharmacopiae as a carthartic, and

is presently there only as a constituent of a benzoine tincture

protective preparation.

Aloe is in the USP XVI however, it is retained by the National

Formulary (NFXI) as a constituent of compound co1ocynnth extract, which

is an ingredient of compound mild mercurous ch10ride pil1s.

Aloe is still an important carthartic drug from the standpoint of

its wide usage throughout the wor1d and its presence in many preparations.

lts properties and use have been recognized at 1east 2,500 years ago.

Because of the non-sufficient information about the efficiency of

Aloe as a drug, it has been 1isted in the F.D.A. under No. 121-1163 as

a f1avouring material.

Some Aloes are official in the United States Pharmacopoeia

(U.S.P.). And also in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP).

UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOEIA XIX

Category: See Compound Benzoin Tincture.

Description: (Note -- The taste of each variety of Aloe is nauseating

and very bitter.)

Curacao Aloe Brownish black, opaque masses. lts fractured surface

is uneven, waxy, and somewhat resinous. Has a characteristic, disagreeable

color.

Cape Aloe -- Dusky to dark brown irregular masses, the surfaces of

whicr are often covered with a yellowish powder. lts fracture is smooth

and glassy. lts odor is characteristic, somewhat sour and disagreeab1e.

28

Powdered Aloe -- Yellow, yellowish-brotb to olive-brown in color.

When mounted in a bland expressed oil, it appears as greenish-yellow to

reddish-brown angular or irregular fragments, the hues of which depend

to some extent upon the thickness of the fragments.

Aloe is the dried latex of the leaves of Aloe barbadenis Miller

(Aloe vera uLinne"), known in commerce as Curcao Aloe, or of Aloe ferox

Miller and hybrids of this species with Aloe africana Miller and Aloe

spicata Baker, known in commerce as Cape Aloe (Fam. Liliaceae).

Aloe yields not less than 50 percent of water soluble extractive.

Identification -

A: Powdered Aloe dissolves in nitric acid with effervescence,

forming a reddish-brown to brown or green solution.

B: Intimately mix in a flask or bottle l g of finely powdered

Aloe with 25 ml o cold water, shake the mixture occasionally during

two hours, transfer to a filter, and wash the filter and residue

with sufficient cold water to make the filtrate measure 100 mI: the

color of the filtrate, viewed in the bulb of a lOO-mI volumetric

flask, is dark orange with Curacao Aloe, and greenish-yellow with

Cape Aloe. The filtrate darkens on standing.

C: To 5 mI of the filtrate obtained in Identification test B

add 2 mI of nitric acid: The mixture exhibits a reddisb-orange

color with Curacao Aloe, and a reddish-brown color which changes

rapidly to green with Cape Aloe.

Water: Not more than 12% determined by drying at 1050 for five

hours. For Aloe that is not powdered, crush it in a mortar until it

passes through a No. 40 seive, and mix the ground material before weighing

the sample.

29

Total Ash: Not more than 4%.

A1cohol-insoluable substances.-- Add about 1 g of powdered Aloe,

accurately weighed, to 50 mI of alcohol in a flask. Heat the mixture to

boiling, and maintain at incipient boiling for 15 minutes, replacing any

loss by evaporation. Remove from the heat, and shake the mixture at

intervals during one hour, fi1ter through a small.dried and tarred filter

paper or a suitab1e dried and tarred filtering crucible, and wash the

residue on the fi1ter with alcohol until the Iast washing is colorless.

Dry the residue at 1050 to constant weight: the weight of the residue

does not exceed 10% of Aloe taken.

Assay -- Macerate bout 2 g of Aloe, accurate1y weighed, in about

70 mI of water in a suitabIe fIask. Shake the mixture during 8 hours at

30-minute interva1s, and a110w it to stand for 16 hours without shaking.

FiIter, and wash the fIask and residue with sma11 portions of water,

passing the washings through the fiIter, until the fiIter measures

100.0 mI. Evaporate a 50-mI aliquot of the fiItrate in a suitabIe tarred

dish on a steam bath to dryness, and dry at 1100 to constant weight. The

weight of watersoluble extractive so obtained is not 1ess than 50% of the

weight of Aloe taken.

30

BENZOIN TINCTURE

(Tinctura Benzoini; Tinct. Benzoin.)

Synonym: Simple Tincture of Benzoin

Benzoin~ crushed

Alcohol (90 per cent) 100 g

to 1000 mI Macerate the benzoin in 800 mI of the alcohol for one hour, with

frequent agitation; filter, and pass sufficient alcohol through the filter to produce the required volume.

Standard

Weight per mI. At 20, 0.845 g to 0.860 g.

Alcohol contento 81 to 85 percent v/v of ethy1 alcohol. Content of balsamic acids. Not less than 1.65 per cent w/v,

calculated as cinnamic acid, C9H802 , determined by the method for Compound Benzoin Tincture, 30 mI being used.

Dose. 2.5 to 5 millilitres.

31

BENZOIN TINCTURE, COMPOUND

(Tinctura Benzoini Composita; Tinct. Benz. Co.)

Synonym: Friars' Balsam

Benzoin, crushed 100 g

Prepared Storax 75 g

Tolu Balsam 25 g

Aloes 20 g

Alcohol (90 per cent) to 1000 mI

Macerate the solid materials with 800 ml of the alcohol in a closed

vessel for not less than two days, shaking occasionally; filter, and pass

sufficient of the alcohol through the filter to produce the required volume.

Standard

Weight per mI. At 20, 0.880 g to 0.900 g.

Alcohol contento 70 to 76 per cent v/v of ethyl alcohol.

Total solids. 16 to 20 per cent w/v, determined on 1 mI.

Content of balsamic acids. Not less than 4.5 per cent w/v, calculated

as cinnamic acid, C9H802 , determined by the following method:

Boil la mI with 25 mI of N/2 alcoholic potassium hydroxide under

a reflux condenser for l~ hours, evaporate off the alcohol, and diffuse the

residue by warming with 50 ml of hot water; cool, add 80 mI of water and

50 mI of a 4.0 percent w/v solution ofOmagnesium sulphate in water, and

continue by the method of the British Pharmacopoeia for the determination

of total balsamic acids, commencing with the words .Tmix thoroughly. "

32

UNITED STATES DISPENSATORY, USD

ALOE

Aloe is the dried juice of leaves of Aloe perryi Baker, distributed in commerce as Socotrine Aloe, or of Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera "Linne"), distributed as Curacao Aloe, or of Aloe ferox' Miller and its hybrids with Aloe african Miller and Aloe spicata Baker, distributed as Cape Aloe. Each contains not less than 50 per cent of water-soluble matter.

ALOE S

* The genus Aloe comprises about 170 species mostly native to eastern and southern Africa, but some have spread to the Mediterranean basin and have been introduced into the West lndies, East lndies, Europe, and the Americas. The leaves of the Aloe plants are fleshy and succulent, the bitter juice being contained within the pericyclic cells and sometimes in the parenchyma cells adjacent.

For a description of aloe plans and of methods of collecting and drying the juice of aloe leaves see U.:S.D., 25th ed., p. 47.

DESCRIPTION

Unground aloe occurs in reddish-black to brownish-black masses, the color varying somewhat with the commercial variety; the odor is character-istic and generally disagreeable. The taste is nauseating and very bitter. Powdered aloe varies in color from yellow, to yellowish-brown to olive-brown.

CONSTITUENTS

The chemistry of aloe is still incompletely known. lt is generally * See naae i

4 .:::>

33

believed that aloe owes its purgative properties to the presence of one or

more of three pentosides known as barbaloin (a1oin), isobarbaloin and

beta-barbaloin. For 1ack of satisfactory assay methods the content of

these constituents is not known with any degree of certainty (see und.er

Aloin). Viehoever (Am. J. Pharm, 107, 47, 1935) considered the resin fraction of aloe to be of equal importance, a view previous1y expressed

by Kiefer (Pharm. Ztg., 70, 1775, 1925). Chopra and Ghosh (Arch.

Pharm. 276, 348, 1938) report that A. vera varo officinalis (A. indica)

contains no aloin.

Of the three pentosides, barbaloin (which is probab1y identica1 with

the substances previous1y described as soca1oin and capa1oin) is the most

importante Beta-barbaloin is an optical isomer of barbaloin. Hydro1ysis

of barbaloin in acid solution gives a comp1ex mixture in which aloe-emodin

(1,8-dihydroxy-3-[hydroxymethy1[ anthraquinone) and D-arabinose have been

identified. Leger (Bull. soco chim., 3, (5),435,1936) be1ieves barba10in

is an ether formed by condensation of D-arabinose with a1oe-emodin, but

objections to this formulation have been raised by Rosenthaler (Pharm. Acta He1v., 9, 9, 1934) and by Foster and Gardner (J.A.C.S., 58, 597, 1936).

For data on the hydrolysis of the a10ins see Gardner and Campbe1l (J.A.C.S.,

64, 1378, 1942). Brodyet al (J.A. Ph. A., 39, 666, 1950) isolated from

Curacao aloe, by chromatographic methods, a1oe-emodin, isomodin (3, 5, 8-

trihydrosy-2-methylanthraquinone), and anthranois, which are reported to

exist both in the free state and in glycosidal combination.

USES

Aloe was known to the ancients, having been cu1tivated in the is1and

of Socotra as far back as the time of A1exander the Great, and mentioned

34

in the works of Dioscorides and of Celsus. It has been employed for eczematous skin conditions in China, India and Tibet under the names lu hui, musabbar and je1ly leeks, respectively (Cole and Chen, Arch. Dermat. Syph., 47, 250, 1943).

The cathartic action of aloe is due to a stimulation of peristalsis, especially in the larger bowel, probably the result of a local irritant effect on the mucous membrane, although there is some evidence that it exercises a specific stimulant effect on unstriped muscles; considerable griping pain is often associated with its action. lt is more irritatint than cascara sagrada, senna or rhubarb. As its action is largely lmited to the colon it is not recommended in those conditions in which it is desirable to .clean out the whole alimentary canal, and its effect is largely the result of local irritation it should be avoided in inflammatory conditions of the intestine. lt does not act until 8 to 12 hours after ingestion. In chronic constipation, especially when dependent on an atonic condition of the lower bowel, it is very useful. The presence of bile in the bowel seems to be essential for most effective action, and when this secretion is lacking it is advisable to administer some preparation of bile with the aloes. Soap also appears to enhance the cathartic action of this drug. Ivyand his associates (Quart. Bull. Northwest. U. Med. Sch., 19, 102, 1945) reported that therapeutic doses of aloe produce no increase in the bile content of the intestine.

Aloe was formerly used in the treatment of amenorrhea. It is, however, extremely doubtful that it exercises any action on the pelvic organs other than congestion of the pelvic blood vessels.

In thp 16th and 17th centuries aloe was used locally in the treatment

35

of wounds and burns but its use for this purpose entirely disappeared

except as an ingredient of compound benzoin tincture. Collins and Collins

(Am J. Roentgen., 33, 396, 1935) reported beneficial effects from local

application of freshly split leaves of Aloe vera in the treatment of

x-ray burns. After an hour of contact the darkened gummy, gelatinous

material was washed away with water. Crew (Minn. Med., 20, 10, 1937)

extended this local use of aloe Ieaf to the treatment of dermatitis and

various ulcerated conditions of the skin. Rowe and colleagues (J.A.

Ph. A., 30, 266, 1941) in an experimental study of aloe leaf in x-ray

burns, found that the curative principIe occurs in both the pulp and

rind of the Ieaf, but was not present in all commercial leaves nor in

official aloe.

Dose. -- Aloe is today infrequently administered; its usual dose is

250 mg. (approximately 4 grains), with a range of 120 to 250 mg.

Aloe Tincture, prepared by macerating 10 percent w/v of aloe and 20

percent w/v of glycyrrhiza with diluted alcohol, was official in N.F.IX

Aloe Pills, made by massing a mixture of equal parts of aloe and hard

soap with water, were also official in N.F.IX.

ALOIN

"Aloin is a mixture of active principIes obtained from aloe. lt varies

in chemical composition and in physical and chemical properties according

to the variety of aloe frem which it is obtained." N.F.XI.

Aloin is essentially a resin-free, water-soluble extract of aloe

which consists principally of barbaloin and/or isobarbaloin (see under

Aloe;. Various methods of preparing aloin have been used; sorne of these

are described in U.S.D., 25th ed., p. 50.

Description -- "Aloin occurs as a lemon-yellow to dark yellow,

microcrystalline powder, or as minute crystals. lt is odorless, or has

a slight odor of aloe. lts taste is intensely bitter. Aloin darkens on

exposure to light and air." A saturated solution of Aloin is yellow but

becomes brown on standing. lts solutions are neutral or acid to litmus

paper. Aloin is soluble in water, in alcohol, and in acetone, the degree

of solubility varying with its composition. lt is slightly soluble in

ether." N.F.Xl.

Uses -- Because of the absence of resin the cathartic action of aloin

is relatively milder than that of aloe. Although it is capable of pro-

ducing purgation it is never used thus, but it is employed in chronic

constipation. To counteract its tendency to induce griping, it has been

combined witb belladonna. However, the action of belladonna is rapid and

brief compared with that of aloin. Aloin may produce renal irritation and

color the urine red if the latter is alkaline.

Done -- The range of dose is 10 to 60 mg. (approximately 1/6 to 1

grain) .

BRlTlSH PHAR}~COPOElA, B.P.

ALOES

Synonym: Aloe

Aloes is the solid residue obtained by evaporating the liquid whicb

drains from the leaves cut from various species of Aloe (Fam. Liliceae).

The juice is concentrated by spontaneous evaporation, or more generally by

boiling, and poured into boxes or otber suitable receptacles; on cooling,

it solid~fies.

37

Varieties -- Cape aloes is prepared in Cape Province from A. ferox

MilI, and possibly from hybrids of A. ferox with other species. Curacao

aloes is obtained from A. barbadensis MilI. (=A. vera L. varo officinalis

[Forssk. O Baker]) on the islands of Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire; it was

formerly produced on the island of Barbados and is still frequently, but

improperly, called Barbados aloes.

Constituents -- Aloes contains the pale yellow crystalline substance

barbaloin, a lO-glucopyranosyl drivative of aloe-emodin anthronone

lD-deoxyglucosyl-9, lO-dihydro-l, 8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-9-

oxoanthracene). In Curacao aloes this is accompanied by isobarbaloin,

little or none of which is found in Cape aloes; there is also present in

Cape aloes an amorphous B-barbaloin and aloinosides A and B. Aloinoside

B is an ll-mono-a-L-rhanmoside of barbaloin. Other constituents of aloe s

are resin and aloe-emodin (9, lO-dihydro-l, 8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-9,

lo-dioxoanthracene). The resin of Cape aloes may partly consist of capalo-

resinotannol combined with p-coumaric acid; the resin of Curacao aloes

contains also barbaloresinotannol combined with cinnamic acid; these resins

may be associated with condensation products of anthraquinones and anthranol

Good Curacao aloes may yield up to 30 percent of crystallisable aloins;

Cape aloes may yield nearly 10 percent of crystallisable aloins and about

40 percent of amorphous aloin.

Solubility -- Almostentirely soluble in alcohol (60 percent).

DESCRIPTION

UNDERGROUND DRUG

Macroscopical: Cape aloes in dark brown or greenish-brown glassy

masses, thin fragments of which are transparent and exhibit a yellowish or

reddish-brown tinge. it breaks with a clean glassy fracture and has a

distinctive, somewhat acid odour. Curacao aloes is dark chocolate-brown

in colour and occurs usually in opaque masses, which break with a dull

waxy uniform and frequently conchoidal fracture; it has a characteristic

penetrating odour reminiscent of iodoform; occasional specimens are

vitreous. The odour is characteristic and the taste nauseous and bitter.

Microscopical: Mounted in lactophenol, Cape aloes is composed of

fragments, usually amorphous, but sometimes having crystals embedded, and

Curacao aloes appears as fragments composed of numerous small acicular

crystals.

POWDERED DRUG

Powdered Aloes (Aloes Pulvis; Aloes Pulv.) A yellowish-brown to dark

reddish-brown powder, possessing the diagnostic microscopical characters,

odour and taste of the unground drug.

The following tests may be used to identify aloes and distinguish the

varieties. Shake 0.1 g in powder or small pieces, with 10 mI of ferric

chloride solution mixed with 5 mI of hydrochloric acid, and immerse in a

water-bath for about 10 minutes; filter immediately, cool the filtrate,

and extract with 10 mI of carbon tetrachloride; separate the carbon tetra-

chloride layer, wash with 5 mI of water, and shake with 5 ml of dilute

ammonia solution; a rose-pink to cherry-red colour is produced in the

ammoniacal layer (presence of anthraquinone derivatives).

Prepare a 1 percent solution by boiling aloes with water until nearly

dissolved, adding kieselguhr, and filtering until clear. Add 0.2 g o

borax to 5 mI of the filtrate, and dissolve by boiling; a few drops of the

39

resulting solution gives a green fluorescence when added to water (presence

of anthranols). Another portion of the filtrate gives a copious, pale

yellow precipitate when mixed with an equal volume of freshly prepared

bromine solution (presence of aloin). Mix 5 ml of the filtrate with 2 mI

of nitric acid; that prepared from Cape aloes gives a yellowish-brown

colour, passing rapidly to a vivid green; with Curacao aloes, the colour is

a deep brownish-red (distinction from Socotrine aloes, which gives a pale

brownish-yellow colour, and from Zanzibar aloes, which gives a yellowish-

brown colour). Dilute 1 mI of the filtrate to 10 mI with water, add 0.05 ml

of copper sulphate solution, 0.5 mI of socium chloride solution and 1 mI of

alcohol (95 percent) and warm gently; Curacao aloes gives a reddish-violet

colour and Cape aloes a faint evanescent violet tint (presence of isobar-

baloin, and distinction from Zanzibar and Socotrine aloes).

Standard. lt complies with the requirements of the British Pharma-

copoeia.

Adulterants and substitutes. Cocotrine aloes occurs in hard dark-

brown or nearly black opaque masses, with an uneven porous fracture and an

unpleasant cheesy odour. lt is prepared to a certain extent on the island

o Socotra, but probably more largely on the African, and possibly also on

the Arabian, mainland from the leaves of A. perryi Baker; it is imported

usually in a pasty condition in kegs, and subsequent drying is necessary.

Zanzibar aloes is livery-brown and has a nearly smooth, slightly porous

fracture; its odour is slight and not disagreeable. lt was usually

imported in masses partly covered with leaves, or in skins. Natal aloes,

believed to be derived from A. candelabrum Berger, has been imported; it

resembles Cape aloes in odour, but is opaque; when the powder is mixed with

LLO

sulphuric acid and the vapour of nitric acid blown over it, a deep blue coloration is produced.

Action and uses. Aloes is a purgative; it is administered by mou~h and after absorption is excreted partly into the colon and partly in the urine. Adose of 125 to 200 milligrams takes from eight to twelve hours to produce an effect.

Antispasmodics may be added to prevent griping. It colours alkaline urine red.

Undesirable effects. Aloes causes sorne pelvic congestiono

Precautions and contra-indications. Aloes should not be given when there is intestinal irritation or to pregnant women. In nursing mothers, it may be excreted in the milk.

Dose. 100 to 300 milligrams.

Preparation. Benzoin Tincture, Compound, B.P.C.

ALOIN

Synonym: Aloinum

Aloin is a crystalline substance obtained chiefly from Curacao aloes, but also from Cape aloes. lt may be extracted from aloes by means of hot acidified water, and subsequently purified and crystallised. lt has an intensely bitter taste.

Constituents. Aloin consists almost entirely of crystalline barbaloin, a lD-glucopyranosyl derivative of aloe-emodin anthrone (10-deoxyglucosyl-9, 10-dihydro-l, 8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-9-oxoanthracene).

Solubility. Almost entirely soluble, at 20, in 130 parts of water; soluble in alcohol, and in acetone; ve~J slightly soluble in ether, and in chlorororm.

41

Standard

Description. A pale or dull yellow crystalline powder; odourless.

Identification tests

l. To 5 mg add 5 ml of dilute ammonia solution; a yellow colo~r is

produced which changes to green and finally to brown. The solution gives

a yellow fluorescence in ultraviolet light (distinction from aloes and

amorphous aloin).

2. When mounted incresol and examined microscopically the material

does not dissolve and shines brightly on a dark field when viewed between

crossed polaroids (distinction from amorphous aloin).

Acidity or alkalinity. A saturated solution in carbon dioxide-free

water is neutral or not more than slightly acid to litmus solution.

Light absorption. The extinction of al-cm layer of a 0.0025 percent .

wjv freshly prepared solution in water~ calculated with reference to the

substance dried to constant weight at 60, at 298 m is about 0.55~ and at

354 m, about 0.61; the ratio of the extinction at 354 ID to that at 298 ID

is greater than 1.0 (absence of amorphous aloin).

Water-insoluble matter. Not more than 1.5 percent, determined by the

following method: shake frequently during 2 hours about 1 g, accurately

weighed, with 120 mI of water, maintaining the temperature at 25, and

filter through a sintered-glass filter; wash the residue with 25 mI of

water, and dry to constant weight at 105.

Ash. Not more than 0.5 percent.

Adulterants and substitutes. Amorphous aloin is ootained from Cape

aloes; it is distinguished by its ready solubility in water and in cresol,

by its invisibility on a dark field when viewed between crossed polaroids

42

and by the b1ue f1uorescence in u1travio1et 1ight of its solution in dilute

ammonia solution.

Action and uses. A10in has an action similar to that of aloe.

Dose. 15 to 60 mi11igrams.

Preparation. Phenolphthalein Pi1ls, Compound, B.P.C.

43

PHENOLPHTHALEIN PILLS, COMPOU~~

(Pilulae Phenolphthaleini Compositae; Pilo Phenolphthal. Co.)

Synonym: Pilulae Phenoloini

For each pill take:

Phenolphthalein 30 mg

Aloin 15 mg

Belladonna Dry Extract 5 mg

Liquid Glucose Syrup a sufficient quantity --Mix to form a mass of suitable shape, and coat with a/'hololate-

coloured coating.

Standard

Presence of belladonna alkaloids. Examine the sample by method 1 for

detecting the presence of alkaloids in preparations, given in Appendix 22;

use 10 plls, finely powdered, dispersed in 10 mI of water for the prepar-

ation of the test solution, mobile phase D to develop the chromatograms and

a 0.1 percent w/v solution of hyoscyamine sulphate A.S. in alcohol (95

percent) as the reference solution.

Content of phenolphthalein. 0.027 to 0.033 g, determined by the

following method:

Weigh and powder 20 pills. Dissolve, as completely as possible, an

accurately weighed quantity of the powder, equivalent to about 1/3 pill,

in 100 mI of alcohol (95 percent), allow to stand, and, using 5 mI of the

clear supernatant liquid, continue by the,method for phenolphthalein in

Liquid Paraffin and Phenolphthalein Emulsion, commencing with the words

ItEvaporate 5 ml to dryness . .. ". Calculate the total weight of

phenolphthalein in the 20 pills, and divide by 20.

Contaners and storage. The directions given under Tablets should be

followed.