Senna Herb Information
Botanical name : Cassia senna, Cassia angustifolia
English name : Senna
Parts used : The leaves and pods
Description
Cassia senna is native to tropical Africa and cultivated in Egypt and the Sudan and elsewhere; Cassia angustifolia is native to India and cultivated mainly in India and Pakistan.
Senna has been used in connection Constipation. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use.
People in northern Africa and southwestern Asia have used senna as a laxative for centuries. It was considered a "cleansing" herb because of its cathartic effect. In addition, the leaves were sometimes made into a paste and applied to various skin diseases. Ringworm and acne were both treated in this way.
Active constituents
Senna contains hydroxyanthracene glycosides known as sennosides. These glycosides stimulate colon activity and thus have a laxative effect. Also, these glycosides increase fluid secretion by the colon, with the effect of softening the stool and increasing its bulk.1 Double-blind trials have confirmed the benefit of senna in treating constipation.2 3 Constipation induced by drugs such as the anti-diarrhea medicine loperamide (Imodium) has also been shown to be improved by senna in a clinical trial.
Ayurvedic Applications
Indications : constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, hypertension, obesity Senna is a strong purgative that should be taken with care and in proper dosage.
Senna is mainly for severe constipation, the constipation following a fever or for clearing Pitta from the small intestines.
Combinations : It is best to combine Senna with aromatic, carminative herbs to increase palatability and reduce griping, for instance by using Cardamon, Ginger or Fennel.
Continue use beyond ten days is discouraged. If constipation is not alleviated within ten days, people should seek the help of a healthcare professional.
CONTRAINDICATION : It is a safe laxative. It may cause griping for which the drug is to be used with ginger.
REFERENCES
1. Trease, G. E. and W. C. Evans: Pharmacognosy, Balliere Tindall, Eastbourne, (1983).
2. Tanaka, H. et. al. - Chem. Pharm. Bull., 30: 5, (1982).
3. Lemli, J. et. al.: Planta Med., 43: 11, (1981).
4. Seshadri T. R.: Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci., IOA: 96, (1939).
5. Latven et. al.: J. Am. Pharm. Assoc., 41: 548, (1952).
6. Pictrusko, R. G.: Am. 1-losp. Pharm., 34: 29, (1977).
7. Hardcastle, J. D. and L. Wilkins: Gut, ll: 1038, (1970).
8. Editional, Brit. Med. 1: 150, (1974).
9. Itok, K. and 0. Najayo: Bull. Pharm. Res. Inst. japan, 2: 23, (1951).
10. Baldwin, W. F.: Can. Med. Assn. j., 89: 566, (1963).
"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
