The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has warned that some substances belonging to a group of plant ingredients called hydroxyanthracene “can damage DNA and may cause cancer”.
This group of substances naturally occur in plants such as aloe or senna species. Extracts containing them are used in food supplements for their laxative effect.
In 2013, the EFSA found that hydroxyanthracene derivatives in food can improve bowel function, but advised against long-term use and consumption at high doses due to potential safety concerns.
The European Commission subsequently asked the EFSA to assess the safety of these plant ingredients when used in foods, and provide advice on a daily intake not associated with adverse health effects.
Based on the available data, the EFSA concluded that certain hydroxyanthracene derivatives are genotoxic (they can damage DNA). Therefore it was not possible to set a safe daily intake.
It said that when tested in animal studies, some of these substances have been shown to cause cancer in the intestine.
The EFSA said that these conclusions are in line with previous assessments on the botanical sources of these substances by other European and international bodies, including the World Health Organization, the European Medicines Agency and, most recently, Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
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