Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs), such as those found in plants like senna (Senna alexandrina), cascara, and aloe, have a long history of use as stimulant laxatives. Their primary traditional use is to relieve constipation by stimulating intestinal motility and promoting bowel movements. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which may include constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), or a mixture of both (IBS-M). Traditionally, hydroxyanthracene-containing plants have been used in herbal medicine to address symptoms of constipation, which is a component of IBS-C. However, their use is not specifically targeted at IBS as a syndrome, but rather at the constipation aspect. There is limited clinical research directly supporting the use of hydroxyanthracene derivatives for overall IBS management, as opposed to their established use in treating simple constipation. Some small studies and case reports suggest that stimulant laxatives may provide short-term relief in IBS-C, but concerns about safety (such as risk of dependency and potential for colorectal toxicity with long-term use) limit their recommendation in clinical guidelines for IBS. In summary, while hydroxyanthracene derivatives are traditionally used to alleviate constipation, and this may overlap with IBS-C symptoms, their use is not specifically validated for IBS as a whole, and scientific evidence for this indication remains limited.

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