Assessment of the genotoxic risk from laxative senna products

Brusick et al., 1997 | Environ Mol Mutagen | Narrative Review

Citation

Brusick D, Mengs U. Assessment of the genotoxic risk from laxative senna products. Environ Mol Mutagen. 1997;29(1):1-9

Abstract

Laxative senna products and several of their specific components have been submitted to a large number of genetic tests. While most studies gave negative responses, results from some of the studies suggest that components of senna products, particularly emodin and aloe-emodin, have genotoxic activity. Assessment of the genotoxicity profile of these substances, in light of other data from animal and human metabolism or kinetic studies, human clinical trials and rodent carcinogenicity studies do not support concerns that senna laxatives pose a genotoxic risk to humans when consumed under prescribed use conditions.

Key Findings

Assessment of the genotoxicity profile of these substances, in light of other data from animal and human metabolism or kinetic studies, human clinical trials and rodent carcinogenicity studies do not support concerns that senna laxatives pose a genotoxic risk to humans when consumed under prescribed use conditions.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Aloe
Animals
Anthracenes
Anthraquinones
Carcinogenicity Tests
Cathartics
Emodin
Humans
Mutagenicity Tests
Mutagens
Plants, Medicinal
Senna Extract

Evidence Classification

Level: Narrative Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
Vertical: senna

Provenance

PMID: 9020301
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-12 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-12