COMMON NAMEStandardized: sennaOther: Alexandrian senna, Indian senna, true sennaBOTANICALNAMESenna alexandrinaMill.Plant Family:FabaceaeSYNONYMSCassia acutifolia,Cassia angustifolia,Cassialanceolata,Cassia senna,Sennaacutifolia,Senna angustifoliaOVERVIEWINTRODUCTIONThe sennas are scrubby desertplants of North Africa. Senna has been used around the world for thousands ofyears as a laxative.CONSTITUENTS1-3% hydroxyanthraceneglycosides, mainly sennosides A and B, which are rhein-dianthrones, and smalleramounts of sennosides C and D, which are rhein-aloe-emodin-heterodianthrones;naphthalene glycosides; flavonoids (derivatives of kaempferol and isorhamnetin);10-12% mineral matter; 7-10% mucilage (galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, andgalacturonic acid); about 8% polyol (pinitol); sugars (glucose, fructose, andsucrose); and resins.PARTS USEDDried leaf, and/or pods.TYPICAL PREPARATIONSUsually as an extract, capsuleor tablets. Can be taken as a tea.SUMMARYSenna encourages bowel movementby inhibiting the smooth muscles that retain stool and stimulating the smoothmuscles that push stool through the intestine. The herb doesn't work unless thesennosides in the herb are transformed into rheinanthrones by beneficialbacteria in the colon. The leaf of senna is fairly powerful and for a more mildeffect, it is recommended that you use the pods.PRECAUTIONSSpecific:Donot use product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a healthcareprovider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Discontinue use inthe event of diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not forlong-term use.General:We recommend that you consult with aqualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly ifyou are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.Foreducational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Foodand Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent anydisease.Your browser does not support JavaScript.To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser.