Melanosis coli is the extended use of laxatives, and commonly anthraquinone containing laxatives such as Senna and other plant glycosides.
Micrograph of melanosis coli, with the characteristic mucosal lipofuscin-laden macrophages (brown). Melanosis coli, also pseudomelanosis coli, is a disorder of pigmentation of the wall of the colon, often identified at the time of colonoscopy. It is benign, and may have no significant correlation with disease. The brown pigment is lipofuscin in macrophages, not melanin. Further information: Factitious diarrhea. The most common cause of melanosis coli is the extended use of laxatives, and commonly anthraquinone containing laxatives such as Senna and other plant glycosides. Discussion. Melanosis coli is an abnormal brown or black pigmentation of the colonic mucosa caused by the presence of lipofuscin in macrophage within the lamina propria [1] . This dark pigment is produced by the breakdown of apoptotic colonic epithelial cells [4] . Conclusion. As reported in the rest of gastro-intestinal tract, melanosis coli can be observed in patient without history of anthraquinones use. Other causes, such as ingestion of osmotic laxatives or chronic constipation can be involved. Making the world better, one answer at a time. The most common cause of melanosis coli is an extended use of laxatives. This condition is basically a disorder in the pigmentation of the wall of the colon.  The lining has changed from a light pink to a dark brown or black and is seen during the colonoscopy test. The change in color is due to deposits of dark pigment in the lining of the colon. The change in color may be slight or very distinct. Melanosis coli is usually caused by long term laxative use. Stopping the use of certain laxatives may lessen the change in color over time. Do not use laxatives with Senna or Cascara in them. In some severe cases melanosis coli may slow down your bowel function.  The most common cause of melanosis coli is an extended use of  laxatives. This condition is basically a disorder in the  pigmentation of the wall of the colon.  The principal cause of melanosis coli is the ongoing use of stimulant laxatives to treat constipation. Such laxatives are only intended for occasional use. Melanosis coli does not generally cause any symptoms; however, some health concerns may arise from the condition, most notably laxative dependence. The abuse of laxatives can result in the degeneration of intestinal nerves and dulling of natural bodily responses that stimulate bowel movements. Melanosis coli occurs when the normally pink-colored lining of the colon turns dark brown or black from an accumulation of pigment in its connective tissue layer. The condition is often discovered during a routine colorectal cancer screening exam using a camera (endoscope) inserted through the anus. Dr. Frankel and his staff are the absolute best! Melanosis coli is a dark brown discoloration (pigmentation) of the lining of the colon walls. Melanosis coli is harmless, does not cause symptoms and is usually observed during routine colonoscopy.  Melanosis coli is a condition usually associated with chronic laxative use in which dark pigment is deposited in the lamina propria (one of the lining layers) of the large intestine (colon). The pigment deposition results in a characteristic dark brown to black discoloration of the lining of the large intestine. Melanosis coli usually results from chronic use of laxatives of the anthranoid group. Some examples of anthranoid laxatives are senna (sennosides; Senocot, Senokot EXTRA and others) and rhubarb derivatives. Many of these laxatives have been in use for hundreds of years
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanosis_coli http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212014914000020 http://www.answers.com/Q/What_causes_melanosis_coli http://www.gandhofcny.com/education/diseases/melanosis-coli/ http://www.answers.com/Q/What_causes_Melanosis_Coli_if_you_are_not_using_laxatives http://www.cblpath.com/uploads/Melanosis_Coli.pdf http://www.gastro-associates.com/WhatbrWeTreat/MelanosisColi.aspx http://www.medicinenet.com/melanosis_coli/article.htm
causes of melanosis coli