HERBAL LAXATIVES: SAFETY, EFFICACY, AND IMPACTS OF PROLONGED USE
Main Article Content
Abstract
The use of herbal laxatives has been analyzed as a natural alternative for the treatment of constipation. However,
prolonged consumption of these substances can generate adverse effects, raising concerns about their long -term
safety and efficacy. This study aimed to analyze the safety, efficacy, and impacts of prolonged use of herbal laxatives,
considering the effects on the body and the risks associated with their continuous use. This study was characterized
as an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of scientific articles, books, and
academic publications already published that addressed the safety, efficacy, and impacts of prolonged use of herbal
laxatives. The search was conducted considering the years 2016 and 2025 in the Medline (PubMed), BVS, and Scielo
databases, using the descriptors "Laxatives," "Constipation," "Adverse Effects," and "Herbal Medicine," in Portuguese
and English. Full articles in Portuguese, Spanish, or English were included, with free access and indexing in the
databases; paid, incomplete, or out-of-period materials were excluded. The results showed that herbal laxatives
demonstrate efficacy in relieving constipation, presenting digestive, anti -inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing
properties, and are valued for their natural origin and easy access, especially among women and the elderly. However,
the safety of these products depends on standardization, professional guidance, adequate dosage, and continuous
monitoring. The selection resulted in 61 articles, of which 10 fully met the criteria and comprised the final sample. The
study, based on an integrative review, analyzed the safety and efficacy of prolonged use of herbal laxatives. The
articles indicated that these products have positive effects in relieving constipation, associated with digestive, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, continuous use can lead to diarrhea, cramps, hydroelectrolytic
imbalances, mucosal irritation, and risk of intestinal dependence. The find ings indicate that, although effective, such
laxatives require professional guidance, dosage control, and regular monitoring, reinforcing the need for rational use
to avoid complications.
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
A Revista Arte, Ciência e Tecnologia oferece acesso livre imediato ao seu conteúdo, sem necessidade de cadastro, que é obrigatório apenas no caso de submissão de trabalho. Os autores permanecem detentores dos direitos autorais do artigo, possibilitando assim sua difusão em repositórios, páginas de blog ou outros suportes e favorecendo a divulgação do conhecimento. A revista tem o direito de primeira publicação e deve ser citada no caso de divulgação posterior em outros suportes.
A Revista Arte, Ciência e Tecnologia é uma revista de acesso aberto, distribuída nos termos da Licença de Atribuição Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0 Internacional (CC BY 4.0), que permite o uso irrestrito, distribuição e reprodução dos artigos em qualquer meio, desde que a edição original seja devidamente citada.