440 BARBADOS ALOES 



duodenum had not, however, extended to the large intes- 

 tine. Aloes enters the circulation, communicates its 

 bitterness and purgative properties to the milk and other 

 secretions, and is excreted chiefly by the intestinal glandular 

 apparatus, and also in less amount by the kidneys, when it 

 causes diuresis. It is prone to cause hyperaemia of the 

 kidneys, uterus, and pelvic organs. While in contact with 

 the intestines it produces both peristalsis and increased 

 secretion. It acts chiefly on the large intestine, which 

 in part explains its rather slow effects. It causes copious 

 evacuations, but not such fluid discharges as usually follow 

 full doses of salines, gamboge, or croton. It is not so 

 irritant as croton, colocynth, elaterium, or podophyllum. 

 It increases the secretion of bile. W. Rutherford introduced 

 aloes into the duodenum of a fasting dog, and found that, 

 although only slight purgation ensued, all the bile constitu- 

 ents were increased. It is said to produce evacuations which 

 possess a peculiar disagreeable odour (Hertwig). 



Six drachms of Barbados aloes, dissolved in twenty-four 

 ounces of water, and injected into the jugular vein of a 

 horse, caused nausea, frequent straining, and colic which, 

 however, was only of short duration and, after twelve 

 hours, purgation. Administered intravenously, it some- 

 times acts more powerfully on the kidneys than the bowels. 

 Moiroud injected four drachms, dissolved in diluted alcohol, 

 into a vein of a horse, and next day eight drachms, dissolved 

 in a similar manner ; but instead of catharsis, observed only 

 diuresis. 



The several varieties differ somewhat in the degree of their 

 action. Barbados aloes, although not the most expensive, 

 is generally preferred by veterinarians. It is the most active 

 and uniform in its effects, but not more drastic than Soco- 

 trine, while it is certainly less liable than Cape aloes to pro- 

 duce diuresis. Every sort is most effective when freshly 

 powdered, and hence, except for immediate use, should be 

 kept in pieces, preserved from moisture in oiled silk or in 

 tin. A temperature approaching 150 Fahr. applied, 

 whether in the extraction of the juice, or in making it up for 

 use, impairs activity by converting the active aloin into 

 inert resin. 



