logo

Navigation

  • Database
  • Blog
  • Sign In

test

Menu
mobile menu

Navigation

  • Featured
  • Products
  • Conditions
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Herbals
  • Actions
Back Cassia senna (Pubmed References)
herbals senna
  • PubMed
  • Print
  • Email
  • Related
Hide
  • To
    From
    Confirm Email
    Subject
    Message
    • senna-cassia-senna senna-cassia-senna
    • Summary
    • Indications
    • Actions
    • Constituents
    • Posology
    • Safety
    • Interactions
    • References

    Senna

    Scientific:Cassia senna
    Other:Senna
    Family:Fabaceae
    Synonym:Cassia augustifolia
    • Summary
    • Indications
    • Actions
    • Constituents
    • Posology
    • Safety
    • Interactions
    • References

    Summary

    The senna plant (Senna alexandrina or Cassia Officinalis) is the quintessential herb for acute constipation. The ancient Egyptians first recorded its use, and it remains one of the most popular constipation remedies. The active ingredients are the sennosides, a type of anthraquinone glycoside found in both the leaf and seed pods. These glycosides are prodrugs that are not significantly absorbed nor have an effect on the upper intestinal tract. Instead, bacterial enzymes in the colon cleave off sugars from the anthraquinones to liberate the active drug. Free anthraquinones stimulate the nerves of the intestines (myenteric plexus) to cause an influx of water and promote peristalsis. Take senna before bed to produce a bowel movement 6-9 hrs later upon rising.

    Although senna is generally considered safe, it can produce significant cramping pains. Combine with carminative herbs like fennel to mitigate the effects. Senna is only recommended for short-term use because it may cause dependency after a week of use. Although anthraquinones are poorly absorbed, a small amount is excreted by the kidneys making the urine reddish-brown, which patients sometimes mistake for blood.

    Indications

    Gastrointestinal
    • acute constipation

    Actions

    • Laxative (Stimulating)
    • Cathartic
    • Bitter

    Constituents

    • Anthraquinone (E.g. Emodin )

    Posology

    The correct individual dose is the smallest required to produce a soft-formed stool:
    • Infusion (Alexandrian seed pods): 3-6 per cup of water
    • Tincture • dosing not found in any books. Generally taking in tea or caspule form.

    Safety

    Contraindications: Use > 10 consecutive days, bulimia, intestinal obstruction, spastic constipation, acute intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain of unknown origin, children < 12 years old, pregnancy, lactation.

    Side-effects: Red urine (benign), hypokalemia, colic; common with anthraquinones due to increased parastalsis and smooth muscle spasms. Carminatives decrease side-effects.

    Warning: Discontinue use after 7-10 days.

    Long-term use: Hypokalemia, dependency, intestinal paralysis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, renal failure, melanosis coli.

    Interactions

    • Hypokalemic agents • caution taken it concomitantly with drugs and herbs that depleted potassium: antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. quinine), cardiac glycoside (e.g. digitallis), diuretics, corticosteroids and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

    References

    "Show references"

    "Hide references"

    Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

    Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

    Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

    Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

    Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

    Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

    Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

    Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002

    Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. www.nhpassist.com © 2014 NDAssist Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

    • Related Herbals: See all (172)

      • RECND244

        Agrimony

        Agrimonia eupatoria
      • RECND360

        Alder Buckthorn

        Rhamnus frangula
      • RECND358

        Aloe gel

        Aloe vera
      • RECMG10719

        Amargo

        Quassia amara
      • RECND341

        American Ginseng; Ca

        Panax quinquefolius
      • REC12ND00012

        Andrographis

        Andrographis panicul
      • RECND395

        Arnica

        Arnica montana
      • RECND349

        Artichoke (Globe

        Cynara scolymus
      • RECND343

        Ashwagandha

        Withania somnifera
      • RECND339

        Asian Ginseng

        Panax ginseng
      • RECND333

        Astragalus " Hu

        Astragalus membranac
      • RECND287

        Bacopa

        Bacopa monnieri
      • RECND345

        Barberry

        Berberis vulgaris
      • RECND245

        Bayberry, Wax My

        Myrica cerifera
      • RECND246

        Bearberry

        Arctostaphylos uva-u
      • RECND319

        Bethroot, Trilli

        Trillium pendulatum
      • RECND247

        Bilberry (Europe

        Vaccinium myrtillus
      • RECND394

        Bitter Melon, Ka

        Momordica charantia
      • RECND381

        Black Cohosh

        Cimicifuga racemosa
      • RECND379

        Black Walnut

        Juglans nigra
      • RECND248

        Bloodroot

        Sanguinaria canadens
      • RECND385

        Blue Cohosh

        Caulophyllum thalict
      • RECND249

        Blue flag

        Iris versicolor
      • REC109add9e526752

        Bogbean

        Buckbean
      • RECND351

        Boldo

        Peumus boldus
      • RECND250

        Boneset

        Eupatorium perforlia
      • https://www.nhpassist.com/herbals/buchu-&-barosma

        Buchu

        Agathosma betulina
      • RECND393

        Burdock

        Arctium lappa
      • RECMG10718

        Butcher's Broom

        Ruscus aculeatus
      • RECND252

        Butterbur

        Petasites hybridus

    RECND359

    Senna

    Scientific:Cassia senna
    Other:Senna
    Family:Fabaceae
    Synonym:Cassia augustifolia

    Summary

    The senna plant (Senna alexandrina or Cassia Officinalis) is the quintessential herb for acute constipation. The ancient Egyptians first recorded its use, and it remains one of the most popular constipation remedies. The active ingredients are the sennosides, a type of anthraquinone glycoside found in both the leaf and seed pods. These glycosides are prodrugs that are not significantly absorbed nor have an effect on the upper intestinal tract. Instead, bacterial enzymes in the colon cleave off sugars from the anthraquinones to liberate the active drug. Free anthraquinones stimulate the nerves of the intestines (myenteric plexus) to cause an influx of water and promote peristalsis. Take senna before bed to produce a bowel movement 6-9 hrs later upon rising.

    Although senna is generally considered safe, it can produce significant cramping pains. Combine with carminative herbs like fennel to mitigate the effects. Senna is only recommended for short-term use because it may cause dependency after a week of use. Although anthraquinones are poorly absorbed, a small amount is excreted by the kidneys making the urine reddish-brown, which patients sometimes mistake for blood.

    Indications

    Sign in required

    Actions

    Sign in required

    Constituents

    Sign in required

    Posology

    Sign in required

    Safety

    Sign in required

    Interactions

    Sign in required

    References

    Sign in required
    • Tutorials
    • About Us
    • Contact

    www.nhpassist.com
    © 2014-2023 NDAssist Inc.