Melanosis Coli After Long-Term Ingestion of Cape Aloe

    January 2016 in “ ACG Case Reports Journal ”
    Rohan M. Modi, Hisham Hussan
    TLDR Long-term Cape Aloe use causes harmless colon pigmentation that can help detect polyps.
    The case report described a 73-year-old male who developed melanosis coli after long-term use of the herbal laxative Cape Aloe. Melanosis coli is characterized by dark pigmentation in the colon due to lipofuscin accumulation, often associated with laxatives containing anthracene derivatives. Despite initial concerns, a prospective study indicated no increased risk of colorectal adenoma or carcinoma from long-term anthranoid laxative use. The pigmentation notably spares neoplastic lesions, which should be removed when possible. The patient's condition highlighted polyps during colonoscopy, aiding in their identification and removal.
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