Question:medium
Which of the following causes melanosis coli?
Which of the following causes melanosis coli?
Show Hint
Think anthraquinone plant laxatives staining the colon brown-black.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Senna
- Sorbitol
- Magnesium Sulphate
- Bisacodyl
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Anchor on the buzzword. Melanosis coli on the mucosa equals chronic anthraquinone laxative use until proven otherwise.
Step 2: List the anthraquinone group from memory - senna, cascara, aloe. These come from naturally occurring plants and act as stimulant laxatives that are safe short term but harmful with long-term abuse.
Step 3: Cross off the rest. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol osmotic agent, magnesium sulphate works osmotically, and bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane derivative - none belong to the anthraquinone family.
Step 4: The only anthraquinone listed is senna, which also carries a possible increased colonic cancer risk on prolonged abuse. \[\boxed{\text{Senna}}\]
Step 2: List the anthraquinone group from memory - senna, cascara, aloe. These come from naturally occurring plants and act as stimulant laxatives that are safe short term but harmful with long-term abuse.
Step 3: Cross off the rest. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol osmotic agent, magnesium sulphate works osmotically, and bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane derivative - none belong to the anthraquinone family.
Step 4: The only anthraquinone listed is senna, which also carries a possible increased colonic cancer risk on prolonged abuse. \[\boxed{\text{Senna}}\]
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