Cape Aloe in Powder 100gr

Aloe is a thickened juice derived from the leaves of various Aloe species. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is indigenous to regions such as southern Africa, Egypt, India, and Mediterranean countries with a similar climate. In commercial trade, Aloe is often named after its place of origin.

The process of extracting Aloe involves extracting the juice by cutting the leaves and allowing it to dry in the air. Alternatively, an Aloe extract can be obtained by boiling the dried leaves and evaporating the resulting decoction. This extract is considered inferior and is primarily used in medicine due to its high concentration of bitter substances.

Two main varieties of Aloe can be distinguished based on their appearance, although there are also mixed forms. The first variety, commonly sourced from Capeland, has a shiny appearance because it is dried over a fire. However, prolonged storage may cause it to melt if it contains a significant amount of salt, which is considered an impurity. The second variety, known as "Leberaloe," has a dull, resinous, leathery brown exterior. Aloe sold under the name "Aloe Mosselbay" is a type of Kapaloe, while Port Elisabeth is another region in South Africa where it is produced but further east.

Aloe contains aloin, an anthraquinone pigment. The percentage of aloin varies between 5% and 40% depending on the variety. Different types of aloin are designated with a prefix corresponding to the origin of the Aloe variety (e.g., Kapaloin). Additionally, aloinosides, which are glycosides of aloin, and aloeemodin are also present. Nitric acid can be used to extract chrysamic acid from Aloe, which appears as yellow leaflets when dried and dissolves in boiling water with a red color.

Chrysamic acid is primarily employed for dyeing wool and silk. When combined with soda ash, untreated wool can be dyed blue or blue-gray, depending on the concentration of the dye bath. The resulting shade of blue is somewhat similar to indigo, but with a slightly reddish hue due to Orseille. In leather dyeing, chrysamic acid was utilized for achieving yellowing effects. Silk can be dyed with chrysamic acid, resulting in shades ranging from purple to rose red, and with a more diluted dye bath, various shades of pink can be obtained. Although chrysamic acid allows for other color variations, it is also commonly referred to as "aloe purple."

Untreated Aloe readily dissolves in warm water and can be used to dye fabrics in yellow and brown tones, although the colors are not very lightfast. Without mordant salts, wool dyed with Aloe appears dark brown, while alum produces a reddish light brown hue. Ferrous sulfate yields maroon colors, and post-treatment with potassium bichromate darkens the browns. Due to the low lightfastness of Aloe-dyed textiles, it is often combined with other dyes. Aloe solutions in nitric acid are also utilized for dyeing wood, resulting in shades of yellow or resembling mahogany.

Product Data Sheet

Product: Aloe capensis, powder

Origin: South Africa

Protected species (CITES): yes

Harvest: wild gathering

Fertilization: no

Time of harvest: April – June

Identity: complies

Cleaning: manually

Drying: drier

Degree of crushing: ground

Pharmacopoeia: complies to Ph.Eur. 2.8.13

Pesticides: complies

Chlorpyrifos and -methyl: < 0.01 mg/kg

Heavy metals: lead, cadmium, mercury: tested

Microbiology: complies to Ph.Eur, herbal medicines, Cat. A

Aflatoxins: tested

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH): not tested

Desinfestation with CO2: yes

Germ reduced: no

Genetic modification: no

Treated with ionizing radiation: no

Temperature: max. 25°C

Storage: dry and protected from sunlight