Question:
Which of the following causes melanosis coli?
Which of the following causes melanosis coli?
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Think anthraquinone plant laxatives staining the colon brown-black.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Senna
- Sorbitol
- Magnesium Sulphate
- Bisacodyl
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Define the condition. Melanosis coli is a brownish-black pigmentation of the colonic mucosa caused by lipofuscin-laden macrophages, classically linked to chronic use of stimulant anthranoid laxatives.
Step 2: Identify the offending class. Anthranoid (anthraquinone) laxatives - aloe, cascara sagrada, and senna - are plant-derived stimulant laxatives that on long-term abuse pigment the colonic lining.
Step 3: Select the answer. Senna is the anthranoid in the list, so option a is correct.
Step 4: Exclude the distractors. Sorbitol and magnesium sulphate are osmotic laxatives and bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane stimulant; none of these are anthranoids and they are not the classic cause of melanosis coli.
Step 2: Identify the offending class. Anthranoid (anthraquinone) laxatives - aloe, cascara sagrada, and senna - are plant-derived stimulant laxatives that on long-term abuse pigment the colonic lining.
Step 3: Select the answer. Senna is the anthranoid in the list, so option a is correct.
Step 4: Exclude the distractors. Sorbitol and magnesium sulphate are osmotic laxatives and bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane stimulant; none of these are anthranoids and they are not the classic cause of melanosis coli.
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