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.

Anthraquinones benefits and nutrition information overlaid an image of rhubarb photo composite

Verywell / Getty Images

No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Typically, one would experience the laxative effect of anthraquinones approximately seven hours after ingesting.

Laxative dependence takes place if someone takes laxatives regularly and becomes physically and psychologically dependent on them.

There is no clinical evidence that anthraquinones offer protection against these conditions in humans.

Side Effects of Anthraquinones

Historically, there have been some concerns about the long-term use of anthraquinones.

It is estimated that it takes four months of anthraquinone use for melanosis coli to develop.

Laxative Dependence

An additional concern regarding anthraquinone laxatives has been the potential for dependence on stimulant laxatives.

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.

Xin D, Li H, Zhou S, et al.Effects of Anthraquinones on Immune Responses and Inflammatory Diseases.

2023 May 4;14:1160480. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1160480

National Eating Disorders Association.Laxative abuse.

Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.

Xia W, Li S, Li L, et al.Role of anthraquinones in combating insulin resistance.

2023;160:114297. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114297

IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans.

Some Chemicals Present in Industrial and Consumer Products, Food and Drinking-Water.

Lyon (FR): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013.

(IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, No.

101.)ANTHRAQUINONE.

DeLiberto ST, Werner SJ.Review of anthraquinone applications for pest management and agricultural crop protection.

In: Advances in Molecular Toxicology.

Elsevier; 2017:1-50. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-812522-9.00001-4

Ricciuti B, Leone MC, Metro G.Melanosis coli or ischaemic colitis?

That is the question.BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015:bcr2015212404.

2018;16(1).