aloin

[al-oh-in]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. an intensely bitter, crystalline, water-soluble powder composed of the active principles of and obtained from aloe, used chiefly as a purgative.

aloin

/ ˈæləʊɪn /

noun

1. a bitter crystalline compound derived from various species of aloe: used as a laxative and flavouring agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloin¹

First recorded in 1835–45; aloe + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloin¹

C19: from _aloe + _-in

Example Sentences

When compared with the human versions of these receptors, the researchers found that the cat bitter receptor Tas2r38 was less sensitive to PTC and did not respond to PROP, whereas Tas2r43 was less sensitive to aloin but more sensitive to denatonium, leading the researchers to conclude that cats taste different, and perhaps more narrow, ranges of bitter flavors than humans.

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The pill of aloin, strychnine sulphate, and extract of cascara, with the addition of a small quantity of hyoscyamus, is a mild tonic purgative.

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Doan’s Dinner Pills contain two drastic purgatives, podophyllin and aloin.

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The active principle in aloes is aloin; of jalap, jalapin; of white hellebore, veratria; and of colchicum, colchicin.

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Of course aloin and cascara are always good laxatives, with an occasional dose of calomel or saline, if such seem indicated.

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