Anthraquinonesare organic compounds found in plants and fungi that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-osteoporosis, and anti-tumor properties.
Chemically they come in the form of simple anthrones or bianthrones. Anthraquinones are used for dyes, pigments, and in laxatives.
This article explores the potential benefits and side effects of taking anthraquinones.
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Benefits of Anthraquinones
The benefits of anthraquinones are still being studied, but include treating constipation and potentially treating chronic conditions due to their many health properties.
Constipation
One of the most common medicinal uses of anthraquinones is to bring about constipation relief through their laxative effects. Anthraquinones are thought to increase the amount of fluid in the colon and may also serve to stimulate colon contractions.
Typically, one would experience the laxative effect of anthraquinones approximately seven hours after ingesting.
Because anthraquinones are potent laxatives, they can be irritating to both the upper and lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Laxative dependence occurs when someone takes laxatives regularly and becomes physically and psychologically dependent on them. The misuse of laxatives can lead to chronicconstipation,electrolyte imbalances,depression, heart problems, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Other Possible Uses of Anthraquinones
There are several research reports on the effects of the various types of anthraquinones.Although no definitive statements can be concluded from this limited research, these reports are investigating the hypotheses that anthraquinones contain the following qualities and uses:
Given these qualities, it is theorized that anthraquinones may offer protection against the following conditions:
However, these qualities have been examined in animals and in vitro. There is no clinical evidence that anthraquinones offer protection against these conditions in humans.
Although anthraquinones have anti-cancer properties, they are also listed as a Group 2B carcinogen, meaning they are “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
Used as an insecticidalAnthraquinone is used as a repellent, perch deterrent, insecticide, and feeding deterrent in many wild birds, and in some mammals, insects, and fish.
Used as an insecticidal
Anthraquinone is used as a repellent, perch deterrent, insecticide, and feeding deterrent in many wild birds, and in some mammals, insects, and fish.
Side Effects of Anthraquinones
Historically, there have been some concerns about the long-term use of anthraquinones. In animal studies, anthraquinones have been reported to be toxic.Very little is known about their toxicity in humans, and overuse is not recommended.
Melanosis Coli
The most notable concern is the development of a condition calledmelanosis coliin which the lining of the colon takes on a dark brownish-black hue. It is estimated that it takes four months of anthraquinone use for melanosis coli to develop.
Colon Cancer
In the past, researchers considered melanosis coli (MC) to be a benign and reversible condition, but more recent research suggests MC may increase the risk of colon cancer.One study found that people with MC had a high adenoma detection rate.
Laxative Dependence
An additional concern regarding anthraquinone laxatives has been the potential for dependence on stimulant laxatives. A 2023 review found herbs used in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat constipation often contain abundant anthraquinones and can result in long-term dependence on these herbs, which is potentially associated with most cases of MC.
Given the risk of potential dependence on anthraquinones and developing MC, it is prudent to use such products only for short-term relief of constipation.
Before taking a product containing anthraquinones, talk with your healthcare provider to ensure the product is safe for you given your medical history. In addition, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive approach to easeconstipationsymptoms, such as increasing fiber, to reduce your need for stimulant laxatives.
Summary
Anthraquinones have been shown to help with constipation and have many qualities identified in the laboratory that may help conditions like malaria, diabetes, liver disease, and more. However, anthraquinones may also cause adverse side effects, such as melanosis coli and cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any products containing anthraquinones.
16 Sources
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