Aloes

Aloes, a purgative derived from the juice of the leaf of certain species of aloe. The active principle is the substance aloin. There are several preparations of aloes in the Pharmacopoeia, of which the compound decoction is one of the best known. This drug acts mainly on the lower bowel, and consequently many hours elapse before it produces its effect. It is said not to cause habitual constipation, and is, for that reason, in high favour, forming an active ingredient of most purgative pills. The so-called dinner pills usually contain aloes.