Melanosis coli is a condition associated with lipofuscin deposition (not melanin as the name might imply, and hence, alternatively termed "pseudomelanosis") in the lamina propria of the large intestines. This phenomenon was first described by Andral and Cruveilhier in 1830. Historically, laxatives, primarily from plant-based anthraquinones (ie, senna, rhubarb, cascara, and aloe), are the main culprits. As these laxative supplements pass through the colon, they become active and cause cell death and apoptosis in the lining of the colon, eventually causing dark pigmentation of the colon (see . Melanosis Coli). Diagnosis is typically made by colonoscopy. Discontinuing laxative use usually leads to the resolution of melanosis coli. Melanosis coli is not associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
结肠黑变病是一种与脂褐素沉积相关的病症（并非如名称所暗示的黑色素，因此也被称为“假黑色素沉着症”），脂褐素沉积于大肠固有层。这一现象最早由安德拉尔和克鲁维耶于1830年描述。从历史上看，泻药，主要是植物性蒽醌类（如番泻叶、大黄、鼠李皮和芦荟），是主要原因。当这些泻药补充剂通过结肠时，它们会变得活跃，导致结肠内膜细胞死亡和凋亡，最终导致结肠色素沉着（见图：结肠黑变病）。诊断通常通过结肠镜检查进行。停止使用泻药通常会使结肠黑变病得到缓解。结肠黑变病与结肠癌风险增加无关。
