Pseudomelanosis coli induced by anthranoids

Abstract: At present, the significance of laxatives, especially of the anthranoids for the treatment of chronic constipation is discussed controversially with regard to clinical and toxicological aspects. Because of the poor correspondence of the results of in vitro mutagenicity tests and in vivo carcinogenicity studies in the view of the present teaching doctrine the equation mutagenicity = carcinoma is too simple and does not reflect reality. The carcinogenic risk of anthranoids is derived from the occurrence of pseudomelanosis coli. By a case-controlled study with retrospective and prospective evaluation no carcinogenic potential could be detected.

Keyword(s): Laxatives

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