176 VETEEINAKT MATERIA MEDicA., 



3. Aloe Capiensis, Cape aloes, from Cape Town, 

 Natal, etc. The better qualities are equal almost to 

 the Barbadoes and socotrine aloes, but give less wa- 

 ter}' discharges, and the action does not continue for 

 so long a time. Olive-green, resinous appearance; 

 strong, disagreeable, sour odor; bitter taste. The 

 pieces are very brittle, are easily powdered, and the 

 powder has the appearance of chrome yellow or gam- 

 boge. 



Physiological Action. — Aloes is chiefly a pur^ 

 gative, stimulant, and bitter tonic ; also anthelmintic. 

 Externally — a stimulant and desiccant. When giv- 

 en internally aloes is dissolved by the gastric juice, 

 saponified by the pancreatic juice and bile, enters the 

 circulation, and communicates its bitterness and pur- 

 gative qualities to milk and other secretions. It is 

 excreted by the intestinal glandular apparatus and 

 kidneys. Large doses cause hypersemia of the uterus, 

 kidneys, and other pelvic organs. It increases peri- 

 stalsis, also the amount of secretion in the intestines ; 

 but its action is confined chiefly to the large gut. 

 The secretion of bile is also stimulated. It requires 

 from twelve to twenty -four hours to operate. It is 

 the most suitable purgative for the equine species, 

 and should be given in bolus or drench, the latter act- 

 ing somewhat more rapidly. "When given to cattle 

 it is usually more active when conjoined with sa- 

 lines. 



Thekapeutics.— Aloes is given in small doses as 

 a bitter tonic in dyspepsia, irregularity of the bowel ; 

 as a purgative in constipation; in torpidity of the 



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