Herbs known for their laxative effects can be found in a variety of dietary supplements, weight-loss teas, andcolon cleansingpreparations. Before you think about using one of these products, it is important to be educated about their safety and effectiveness. This overview can help you make an educated decision about whether or not herbal laxatives are right for you.Eric Audras / ONOKY / Getty ImagesTypes of Herbal Stimulant LaxativesThe following herbs have been associated with having a laxative effect:Aloe latexCascara sagradaFrangulaRhubarb (Rheum)SennaOf the above herbs, senna is the one most often used as an ingredient in commercial laxative preparations, such as Black Draught, ExLax, Fletcher’s, Senexon, SennaGen, and Senokot.How Do They Work?Herbal laxatives contain chemical compounds called anthranoids, which stimulate cells in the intestine. Anthranoids inducegut motility, which leads to a decrease in transit time.They also reduce fluid absorption from the intestines into the body and increase fluid secretion in the colon, with the “end result” of softer stools.Safety ConcernsOngoing scientific research is looking at the relationship between regular use of anthranoid-containing herbal laxatives and the following health conditions:Melanosis coli:Regular use of herbalstimulant laxativeshas been associated with a condition known asmelanosis coli, in which the pigmentation of the lining of the colon changes to a dark-brown color. This change in pigmentation may be seen as early as four months following regular use of anthranoid-containing herbs, and it generally disappears within six months to a year following cessation of the use of these herbs.Colorectal cancer:The jury is still out as to whether regular use of herbal stimulant laxatives contributes to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Conflicting results have been seen in animal studies, and studies on humans remain limited. Research is also being conducted to determine whether or not constipation plays a role in terms of increasing the risk of colon cancer.Side EffectsA variety of side effects have been associated with the use of herbal stimulant laxatives, ranging from mild to severe.In general, in the cases in which herbal laxatives were linked to severe reactions, such as electrolyte deficiency and even death, the affected individual consumed the herb in excessive amounts.Seek immediate medical attention (call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room) if you experience any of the following symptoms:Prolonged bouts of diarrheaVomitingSevere stomach crampingDizziness, fainting, or excessive fatigueBloody stools or rectal bleedingNumbness or tingling in limbs, fingers and toes.Irregular or fast heart rate (tachycardia or arrhythmia)The Bottom LineHerbal stimulant laxatives appear to be an appropriate choice for the short term treatment of constipation, as long as you take care to do the following:Read labels to make sure you know what ingredients you are introducing into your body.Carefully follow the dosage recommendations.For prolonged or chronic constipation (fewer than three bowel movements a week or difficult passing stools), consider alternative treatments such as increasing fluid and fiber intake,dietary changes, andbowel retraining. Herbal laxatives are not for long-term use.If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before taking an herbal stimulant laxative.Additionally, some herbal stimulant laxatives may interact with other medications that you are taking. If you are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking herbal stimulant laxatives.The Best Laxative for Your Constipation
Herbs known for their laxative effects can be found in a variety of dietary supplements, weight-loss teas, andcolon cleansingpreparations. Before you think about using one of these products, it is important to be educated about their safety and effectiveness. This overview can help you make an educated decision about whether or not herbal laxatives are right for you.
Eric Audras / ONOKY / Getty Images
Types of Herbal Stimulant Laxatives
The following herbs have been associated with having a laxative effect:
Of the above herbs, senna is the one most often used as an ingredient in commercial laxative preparations, such as Black Draught, ExLax, Fletcher’s, Senexon, SennaGen, and Senokot.
How Do They Work?
Herbal laxatives contain chemical compounds called anthranoids, which stimulate cells in the intestine. Anthranoids inducegut motility, which leads to a decrease in transit time.
They also reduce fluid absorption from the intestines into the body and increase fluid secretion in the colon, with the “end result” of softer stools.
Safety Concerns
Ongoing scientific research is looking at the relationship between regular use of anthranoid-containing herbal laxatives and the following health conditions:
Melanosis coli:Regular use of herbalstimulant laxativeshas been associated with a condition known asmelanosis coli, in which the pigmentation of the lining of the colon changes to a dark-brown color. This change in pigmentation may be seen as early as four months following regular use of anthranoid-containing herbs, and it generally disappears within six months to a year following cessation of the use of these herbs.
Colorectal cancer:The jury is still out as to whether regular use of herbal stimulant laxatives contributes to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Conflicting results have been seen in animal studies, and studies on humans remain limited. Research is also being conducted to determine whether or not constipation plays a role in terms of increasing the risk of colon cancer.
Side Effects
A variety of side effects have been associated with the use of herbal stimulant laxatives, ranging from mild to severe.
In general, in the cases in which herbal laxatives were linked to severe reactions, such as electrolyte deficiency and even death, the affected individual consumed the herb in excessive amounts.
Seek immediate medical attention (call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room) if you experience any of the following symptoms:
The Bottom Line
Herbal stimulant laxatives appear to be an appropriate choice for the short term treatment of constipation, as long as you take care to do the following:
For prolonged or chronic constipation (fewer than three bowel movements a week or difficult passing stools), consider alternative treatments such as increasing fluid and fiber intake,dietary changes, andbowel retraining. Herbal laxatives are not for long-term use.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before taking an herbal stimulant laxative.
Additionally, some herbal stimulant laxatives may interact with other medications that you are taking. If you are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking herbal stimulant laxatives.
The Best Laxative for Your Constipation
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cirillo C, Capasso R.Constipation and botanical medicines: an overview.Phytother Res. 2015 Oct;29(10):1488-93. doi:10.1002/ptr.5410Twycross R, Sykes N, Mihalyo M, Wilcock A.Stimulant laxatives and opioid-induced constipation.Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2012 Feb;43(2):306-313. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.12.002Yamate Y, Hiramoto K, Yokoyama S, Ooi K.Immunological changes in the intestines and skin after senna administration.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2015 Nov;53(6):913-920. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.948636Lombardi N, Bettiol A, Crescioli G, et al.Association between anthraquinone laxatives and colorectal cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev. 2020 Jan;9(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13643-020-1280-5National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury.American Herbal Products Association.Code of Ethics & Business Conduct.Additional ReadingGorkom, B., van Vries, E., de Karrenbeld, A. & Kleibeuker, J. Anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effectsAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics1999;13:443-452.Kurtzweil, P. “Dieter’s Brews Make Tea Time A Dangerous Affair”FDA Consumer.Muller-Lissner, S., Kamm, M., Scapignato, C. & Wald, A. “Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology2005;100:232-242.Siegers C., Hertzberg-Lottin, E. von, Otte, M, & Schneider B. Anthranoid laxative abuse, a risk for colorectal cancer?Gut1993;34:1099-1101.Willems, M, van Buuren, H. & de Krijger, R. “Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli.“The Netherlands Journal of Medicine2003;61:22-24.Stimulant Laxatives Medline Plus.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cirillo C, Capasso R.Constipation and botanical medicines: an overview.Phytother Res. 2015 Oct;29(10):1488-93. doi:10.1002/ptr.5410Twycross R, Sykes N, Mihalyo M, Wilcock A.Stimulant laxatives and opioid-induced constipation.Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2012 Feb;43(2):306-313. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.12.002Yamate Y, Hiramoto K, Yokoyama S, Ooi K.Immunological changes in the intestines and skin after senna administration.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2015 Nov;53(6):913-920. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.948636Lombardi N, Bettiol A, Crescioli G, et al.Association between anthraquinone laxatives and colorectal cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev. 2020 Jan;9(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13643-020-1280-5National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury.American Herbal Products Association.Code of Ethics & Business Conduct.Additional ReadingGorkom, B., van Vries, E., de Karrenbeld, A. & Kleibeuker, J. Anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effectsAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics1999;13:443-452.Kurtzweil, P. “Dieter’s Brews Make Tea Time A Dangerous Affair”FDA Consumer.Muller-Lissner, S., Kamm, M., Scapignato, C. & Wald, A. “Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology2005;100:232-242.Siegers C., Hertzberg-Lottin, E. von, Otte, M, & Schneider B. Anthranoid laxative abuse, a risk for colorectal cancer?Gut1993;34:1099-1101.Willems, M, van Buuren, H. & de Krijger, R. “Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli.“The Netherlands Journal of Medicine2003;61:22-24.Stimulant Laxatives Medline Plus.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cirillo C, Capasso R.Constipation and botanical medicines: an overview.Phytother Res. 2015 Oct;29(10):1488-93. doi:10.1002/ptr.5410Twycross R, Sykes N, Mihalyo M, Wilcock A.Stimulant laxatives and opioid-induced constipation.Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2012 Feb;43(2):306-313. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.12.002Yamate Y, Hiramoto K, Yokoyama S, Ooi K.Immunological changes in the intestines and skin after senna administration.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2015 Nov;53(6):913-920. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.948636Lombardi N, Bettiol A, Crescioli G, et al.Association between anthraquinone laxatives and colorectal cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev. 2020 Jan;9(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13643-020-1280-5National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury.American Herbal Products Association.Code of Ethics & Business Conduct.
Cirillo C, Capasso R.Constipation and botanical medicines: an overview.Phytother Res. 2015 Oct;29(10):1488-93. doi:10.1002/ptr.5410
Twycross R, Sykes N, Mihalyo M, Wilcock A.Stimulant laxatives and opioid-induced constipation.Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2012 Feb;43(2):306-313. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.12.002
Yamate Y, Hiramoto K, Yokoyama S, Ooi K.Immunological changes in the intestines and skin after senna administration.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2015 Nov;53(6):913-920. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.948636
Lombardi N, Bettiol A, Crescioli G, et al.Association between anthraquinone laxatives and colorectal cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev. 2020 Jan;9(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13643-020-1280-5
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury.
American Herbal Products Association.Code of Ethics & Business Conduct.
Gorkom, B., van Vries, E., de Karrenbeld, A. & Kleibeuker, J. Anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effectsAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics1999;13:443-452.Kurtzweil, P. “Dieter’s Brews Make Tea Time A Dangerous Affair”FDA Consumer.Muller-Lissner, S., Kamm, M., Scapignato, C. & Wald, A. “Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology2005;100:232-242.Siegers C., Hertzberg-Lottin, E. von, Otte, M, & Schneider B. Anthranoid laxative abuse, a risk for colorectal cancer?Gut1993;34:1099-1101.Willems, M, van Buuren, H. & de Krijger, R. “Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli.“The Netherlands Journal of Medicine2003;61:22-24.Stimulant Laxatives Medline Plus.
Gorkom, B., van Vries, E., de Karrenbeld, A. & Kleibeuker, J. Anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effectsAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics1999;13:443-452.
Kurtzweil, P. “Dieter’s Brews Make Tea Time A Dangerous Affair”FDA Consumer.
Muller-Lissner, S., Kamm, M., Scapignato, C. & Wald, A. “Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation.American Journal of Gastroenterology2005;100:232-242.
Siegers C., Hertzberg-Lottin, E. von, Otte, M, & Schneider B. Anthranoid laxative abuse, a risk for colorectal cancer?Gut1993;34:1099-1101.
Willems, M, van Buuren, H. & de Krijger, R. “Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli.“The Netherlands Journal of Medicine2003;61:22-24.
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