Aloin A is a C-glycosyl compound that is beta-D-glucopyranose in which the anomeric hydroxy group is replaced by a 4,5-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-10-oxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-yl moiety (the 9S diastereoisomer). It has a role as a metabolite and a laxative. It is a C-glycosyl compound, a member of anthracenes, a cyclic ketone and a member of phenols.