Senna is a genus of desert flowering plants, with Senna alexandrina being the best-known variety for treating constipation. Senna contains organic anthraquinones and sennosides, which stimulate the smooth muscles in the intestines. However, caution should be exercised when taking it due to potential side effects and precautions. Senna leaf is taken in capsule or tablet form or as a tea.
Senna is a genus of desert flowering plants formerly known as Cassia spp. consisting of approximately 250 individual species now collectively known as the sennas. Generally speaking, senna leaf refers to an herbal remedy obtained from Senna alexandrina. While many other species of senna have long historical use in folk medicine, S. alexandrina is the best known variety for treating constipation.
The purgative action of senna leaf is mainly due to the presence of organic anthraquinones in the form of various glycosides, including hydroxyanthracene, dianthrone, and naphthalene glycosides. Senna also contains a group of glycosides called simply sennosides. These compounds stimulate the smooth muscles that carry digested food through the intestines, contributing to increased stool bulk and increased peristaltic contractions to move stool out of the colon. These actions stem from two events: increased production of acetate, propionate, and short-chain butyric fatty acids to promote fermentation or digestion; and the successful conversion of glycosides into a powerful purgative agent known as rheinanthrone.
Although senna is quite effective in relieving constipation, caution should be exercised when taking it. First, it is powerful and fast-acting, usually taking effect within 10 hours of consumption. However, the herb can be irritating to the intestinal lining and cause excessive gas and abdominal cramps. For this reason, the effects of senna leaf are often mitigated by combining it with various carminative herbs, such as mint, fennel, or ginger. Highly sensitive individuals may find the use of preparations made from senna pods a better option, as they are less potent than the leaf.
In addition to the potential side effects already mentioned, there are other precautions to keep in mind. Senna should never be taken with other laxatives, and never for more than ten days at a time. Doing so can cause the colon to “train” or become dependent on laxatives. It can also cause a depletion of potassium and adequate fluids needed to stay hydrated, which can negatively affect the body’s tissues and muscles, including the heart. In fact, it is recommended to increase your fluid intake while supplementing with senna.
Senna leaf is taken in capsule or tablet form standardized to contain 10 to 60 mg of sennosides. Children can be given half this dose, but the herb is not recommended for children under six years of age. A tea can also be prepared from the dried leaves or pods.
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