Hydroxyanthracene

PhytochemicalAnthraquinoneBest before bed

What is it

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives are stimulant laxative compounds found in plants like senna, cascara, aloe, and rhubarb. The European Commission has restricted their use in food supplements due to safety concerns.

How it works

After ingestion, hydroxyanthracene glycosides pass through the small intestine and are metabolized by colonic bacteria into active anthrones. These anthrones irritate the colonic mucosa and increase water and electrolyte secretion, producing a laxative effect within 6 to 12 hours. Long-term or high-dose use is associated with electrolyte loss, colonic pigmentation (melanosis coli), and genotoxic effects in laboratory studies that have prompted restrictions by the European Food Safety Authority.

Dosage

EU regulators have placed limits on hydroxyanthracene-containing supplements. Where permitted, dosing typically follows individual product labels for short-term use only.

When and how to take it

When used, stimulant laxatives are typically taken at bedtime so the effect occurs the following morning. Short-term use only.

1 commercial form

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Hydroxyanthracene glycosides (in senna, cascara, etc.)

Found in stimulant laxative herbs. Use limited and restricted in many jurisdictions.

Activated by colonic bacteria.

Safety

Reported risks include abdominal cramping, electrolyte loss (particularly potassium), dependency with chronic use, and possible genotoxicity. EFSA has expressed safety concerns at supplement intake levels.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, and severe dehydration. Do not use long-term.

Interactions

Potassium loss can interact with digoxin, diuretics, and certain antiarrhythmic drugs. Concurrent use with other laxatives can compound effects.

Frequently asked questions

Why are hydroxyanthracenes restricted?⌄

EFSA cited safety concerns including genotoxicity in laboratory studies and side effects with chronic use. The European Commission has limited their use in supplements.

Are senna products still legal?⌄

Senna teas and short-term laxatives remain available in many markets, but standardized hydroxyanthracene supplement use has been restricted in the EU. Check local regulations.

References

Hydroxyanthracene on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Hydroxyanthracene (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.