Anthraquinone Glycosides

Most of agents are used as laxatives and purgatives. Cochineal is a dye.

Mechanism:
The glycosides are absorbed from the small intestine and re-excreted in the large intestine where they increase the motility so produce laxation. Aglycons produce griping effect so it is recommended to prescribe antispasmodic with them.

Chemistry:
Chemically these are related to anthracene.

a) Aloe
Botanical origin:
Aloe barbadensis Aloe ferox Aloe perryi Aloe vera

Family:
Asphodelaceae

Part used:
Dried juice of leaves

Collection:
Leaves are cut from 9-12 years old plant and placed in v-shaped trough which in turn is placed on incline so that juice can be collected in receiver. It is allowed to evaporate, finally thickened juice is placed in metal box for drying.

Chemistry:
Barbaloin is active ingredient. Upon hydrolysis, it yields; Aloe emodin

Uses:
Laxatives and purgatives Emollient Ingredient of benzoin tincture

b) Cascara
Botanical Origin:
Cascara sagrada Rhamnus purshiana

Family:
Rhamnaceae

Part used:
Dried bark

Collection:
Bark is collected from April to August when it can be readily separated from wood. It is dried in shade.

Chemistry:
Cascarosides Cascarosides A and B (related to Barbaloin) Cascarosides C and D (related to chrysaloin)

c) Rhubarb
Botanical Origin:
Rheum officinale Rheum emodi

Family:
Polygonaceae

Part used:
Dried rhizome and root

Collection:
Rhizome and roots are collected from 6-10 years old plant in spring or autumn. These are dried either in sunlight or by artificial heat.

Chemistry:
Active constituent is Rhein anthrone.

d) Senna
Botanical Origin:
Cassia angustifolia Cassia acutifolia

Family:
Febaceae

Part used:
Dried leaflets

Chemistry:
It contains; Sennoside A and B Sennoside C and D

e) Cochineal
Zoological Origin:
Dactylopius coccus

Family:
Dactylopidus

Part used:
Dried female insects containing eggs and larvae

Collection:
Insects are collected and killed by steam or hot water. These are dried in oven.

Chemistry:
Active constituent is Carminic acid.

In addition it also contains; 10% wax 2% wax

Uses:
As a dye in; Fabrics Cosmetics Food Paints Colouring agent for pills etc.