aloin

American  

[al-oh-in] / ˈæl oʊ ɪn /

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 British  

/ ˈæləʊɪn /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of aloin

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

Example Sentences

The bowels should be moved by vegetable laxatives, as aloin, cascara sagrada, or some simple combination of either or both of these drugs.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

If the bowels have been neglected, a small dose of calomel, aided by a compound aloin tablet, is necessary and good treatment.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

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

From Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: with Chapters on Blood Pressure, 3rd Edition. by Warfield, Louis Marshall

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

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

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

From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Robertson, W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison )