Is Yellow Dock safe to use to relieve Constipation?
Laxatives containing anthraquinone glycosides are called purgative/stimulant laxatives because they induce colon contractions by altering fluid and electrolyte transport. So the use of yellow dock may be uncomfortable and can lead to cramping and discomfort. As for the anthraquinone content, the medical community is split products containing these chemicals like Yellow Dock are safe for regular usage. The following is some of the evidence against its regular usage: • Constipation sufferers who use anthraquinones have been evaluated in several studies. These studies have found damage in both the nerves of the colon and to the smooth muscle tissue of the colon. In one study, 45 stimulant laxative users were found to have abnormalities in the surface cells of their colon as well as nerve fibers that were in various stages of degeneration. Another study done in Scandinavia found nerve damage and reduced colon motility in chronic stimulant laxative users. • Studies in animals found that lar
