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A colorless crystalline solid (pink in alkaline solution) used as an acid–base indicator and medicinally as a laxative.
Chemical formula: C₂₀H₁₄O₄
‘In fact, one popular laxative ingredient was taken off the market because scientists found ‘clear evidence of carcinogenic activity’ in laboratory animals exposed to phenolphthalein.’
‘Bromthymol blue changes from yellow at pH 4 to blue around pH 7, and phenolphthalein changes from colorless at pH 7 to pink at pH 9.’
‘The maintenance phase consisted of ‘Agarol’ (active ingredients: liquid paraffin, phenolphthalein, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid) 5-30 ml once or twice daily, senna granules, or bisacodyl tablets.’
‘The listing is based on findings from feeding studies of phenolphthalein that caused cancer in multiple organs in multiple species of experimental animals.’
‘The non-osmotic laxatives, phenolphthalein and senna, partly act by stimulating secretory mechanisms in the intestine.’
Origin
Late 19th century: from phenol + -phthal- (from naphthalene) + -in.