Condition
Treatment Support
stool softener
Application
tea, capsule
Senna
(Senna alexandrina)
Also know as Cassia obtusifolia
Botanical Information
A small shrub in the pea family with yellow flowers native to Egypt and Sudan.
Working with Senna
Part(s) Used
Leaf, Pods
Herb Forms
Capsule, bulk herb, powder
Christopher Hobbs:
“Senna is a safe, stimulating laxative with a long history of use. It acts as a stool softener so is beneficial for hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Senna has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of COLD.”
Historical Uses
- Traditional Medicine: Used in ancient Egypt, Arabia, and Greece for treating constipation, abdominal pain, and cleansing the digestive system.
- Ayurveda and TCM: Valued for its purgative action in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Modern Clinical Uses
- By Herbalists and Naturopaths: Primarily prescribed as a short-term remedy for occasional constipation and for bowel preparation before medical procedures like colonoscopies.
- Combination Formulations: Often combined with other herbs, like psyllium or fennel, to mitigate cramping or discomfort.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Active Compounds: Senna leaves and pods contain anthraquinone derivatives, primarily sennosides A and B.
- Mechanism of Action: Sennosides are metabolized by gut bacteria into rhein-anthrone, which stimulates intestinal motility and reduces water reabsorption, softening stools.
Clinical Trials
- Constipation Relief: Studies confirm senna’s efficacy in treating acute and opioid-induced constipation. It is often compared favorably to polyethylene glycol and other laxatives.
- Safety Studies: Trials show low risk of toxicity when used appropriately, though overuse underscores the importance of dosage guidelines.
- Combination Therapies: Some trials investigate senna with other laxatives or natural products for enhanced effects and reduced side effects.
Summary
Senna is an effective, widely used natural laxative for short-term relief of constipation. While its chemistry and pharmacology are well-documented, long-term use is discouraged due to safety concerns. Clinical trials validate its efficacy but highlight the necessity of adhering to recommended doses and addressing underlying causes of constipation when using senna.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
General Safety: Considered safe for short-term use (up to 7-10 days).
Adverse Effects: Overuse can lead to cramping, diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Chronic use risks laxative dependency, colonic melanosis, and reduced gut function.
Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in cases of intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel conditions, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, or severe dehydration.
Do not give to children.
Conditions treated with Senna
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
laxative
Application
tea, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
stool softener
Application
tea, capsule
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
