Melanosis coli: A comprehensive review

Anthraquinone laxatives use and colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies

“…Moreover, most of observational evidence incorrectly considers MC as a proxy of long‐term use of laxatives, specific for AQ derivatives (Kassim et al, 2020; Siegers, Von Hertzberg‐Lottin, Otte, & Schneider, 1993), but their use is only one of the factor involved in its aetiology (Yang et al, 2020). Actually, other causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic neoplasms, hyperplastic polyps, the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, vitamin E deficiency, the intake of unsaturated fatty acids, environmental factors, family history, psoriasis and Rett syndrome, feces stasis, and obstruction of colon and rectum could also contribute to the onset of MC (Yang et al, 2020). In this context, our results emphasise the need to evaluate the association between AQ laxatives and MC through large studies, with a proper follow‐up, a clear evaluation of comorbidities and other risk factors for MC onset, and a defined period of exposure.…”

“…However, EFSA discouraged the long‐term use and high‐dose consumption of AQ derivatives because of potential safety issues, in particular an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) (Lombardi et al, 2020). Moreover, the use of AQ‐containing laxatives has been associated to the development of melanosis coli (MC), a clinical condition characterized by a black or brown pigment deposited in the colorectal mucosa (Yang, Ruan, & Jin, 2020), which is not a pre‐neoplastic lesion.…”

Effectiveness and safety of light vegetarian diet and Qingjiang Tiaochang Recipe for functional constipation

“…Some traditional Chinese medicines also cause damage to the intestinal tract (melanosis coli). [ 23 , 24 ] Long-term improvement of constipation can be achieved through the management of patients’ cognitive behavioral patterns. Studies have shown that dietary fiber supplementation can improve chronic constipation, but there is no intervention study on constipation with a vegan diet.…”

Brown bowel syndrome: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction

“…Full-thickness rectal biopsy excluded adult Hirschsprung's disease and the deposition of lipofusin-like pigments observed throughout the bowel wall into the deeper muscularis propria excluded melanosis coli, which is usually confined to the mucosa. [6][7][8] In patients presenting with suspected BBS, work up includes a thorough clinical history for risk factors, followed by serological parameters (e.g. C-reactive protein, albumin, total protein, transglutaminase immunoglobulin A and so on) and serum levels of fatsoluble vitamins for the diagnosis of malabsorptive disorders.…”