Aloeaceae

Aloe capensis and Aloe vera

Aloe capensis and Aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis ) (Barbados aloe, burn plant, Curacao aloe, elephant’s gall, first-aid plant, Hsiang dan, lily of the desert) contain several active constituents called aloins, including barbaloin, isobarbaloin, and aloe-emodin. Laxative anthranoid derivatives occur primarily in various laxative herbs (such as aloe, cascara sagrada, medicinal rhubarb, and senna) in the form of free anthraquinones, anthrones, dianthrones, and/or O- and C-glycosides derived from these substances. They produce harmless discoloration of the urine. Depending on intrinsic activity and dose, they can also produce abdominal discomfort and cramps, nausea, violent purgation, and dehydration. They can be distributed into breast milk, but not always in sufficient amounts to affect the suckling infant. Long-term use can result in electrolyte disturbances and in atony and dilatation of the colon. Several anthranoid derivatives (notably the aglycones aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodin, and physicon) are genotoxic in bacterial and/or mammalian test systems [ ].

Aloe species contain laxative anthranoid derivatives, the main active ingredient being isobarbaloin. Large doses are claimed to cause nephritis and use during pregnancy is discouraged, since intestinal irritation might lead to pelvic congestion.

Aloes have been used on the skin to reduce the pain and swelling of burns, improve the symptoms of genital herpes and other skin conditions such as psoriasis, and to help heal wounds and frostbite. Aloe has been used orally to treat arthritis, asthma, diabetes, pruritus, peptic ulcers, and constipation. It may be effective in inflammatory bowel disease [ ]. It may reduce blood glucose in diabetes mellitus and blood lipid concentrations in hyperlipidemia [ ].

Aloe can reportedly cause muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, peripheral edema, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, stomach cramps, itching, redness, rash, pruritus, and a red coloration of the urine.