Aloin
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
418.39
Molecular Formula
C21H22O9
IUPAC Name
(10S)-10-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)anthracen-9(10H)-one
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Aloe barbadensis, Aloe ferox
Active Constituents
Aloin A, Aloin B
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Irritates colonic mucosa and increases water secretion into the intestinal lumen.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Poorly absorbed in upper GI.
D: Localized to colon.
M: Cleaved by colonic flora to active anthrones.
E: Fecal.
Pharmacodynamics
Stimulates peristalsis, causing powerful purgative action.
Synthesis Pathway
Derived from polyketide pathway in plants.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, pseudomelanosis coli, hypokalemia.
Contraindications
Intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease.
Drug Interactions
Diuretics (increases hypokalemia risk), cardiac glycosides.
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Capsules, Extracts
Official Compendia
USP (historical)