Melanosis coli is discoloration caused by laxatives; which ingredient is implicated?

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Multiple Choice

Melanosis coli is discoloration caused by laxatives; which ingredient is implicated?

Explanation:
Melanosis coli happens with chronic use of stimulant laxatives that contain anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds irritate the colonic mucosa, causing macrophages in the lamina propria to accumulate lipofuscin pigment, which gives the colon a brown-black discoloration. Cascara is a classic anthraquinone laxative and is the ingredient most commonly linked to this change in exam-style questions. Senna and Aloe also contain anthraquinones and can cause it, but Cascara is the example typically highlighted. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative but not an anthraquinone, so it’s not the usual culprit for melanosis coli.

Melanosis coli happens with chronic use of stimulant laxatives that contain anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds irritate the colonic mucosa, causing macrophages in the lamina propria to accumulate lipofuscin pigment, which gives the colon a brown-black discoloration. Cascara is a classic anthraquinone laxative and is the ingredient most commonly linked to this change in exam-style questions. Senna and Aloe also contain anthraquinones and can cause it, but Cascara is the example typically highlighted. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative but not an anthraquinone, so it’s not the usual culprit for melanosis coli.

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