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Senna Cassia acutiplia, Cassia angustifolia, Cassia senna
Family: Leguminosae
---Synonyms--- Senna, locust plant, wild senna
--Parts Used--- leaves, pods
Active Compounds:
Anthraquinone glycosides:
In the leaf; sennosides A and B based on the aglycones sennidin A & B, senosides C & D which are glycosides of heterodianthrones of aloe-emodin and rhein. Others include palmidin A, rhein anthrone & aloe-emodin glycosides, some free anthraquinones and some potent, novel compounds of as yet undetermined structure. C. Senna usually contains more of the sennosides.
In the fruit; sennosides A and B and a closely related glycoside sennoside A1.
Naphthalene glycosides; tinnevellin glycoside & 6-hydroxymusizin glycoside
Miscellaneous; mucilage, flavonoids, volatile oil, sugars, resins etc.
---Medicinal Actions and Uses---
Purgative, anthchiiintic, antipyretic, alterative, cathartic, laxative, vermifuge, diuretic
Senna is a powerful cathartic
used in the treatment of constipation, working through a stimulation of
intestinal peristalsis. It is vital to recognize, however, that the
constipation is a result of something else and not the initial cause and
that this has to be sought and dealt with.
Ayurvedic Applications:
Indications: constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, hypertension, obesity
Senna is a strong purgative that should be taken with care and in proper dosage. It has an irritant effect upon the intestinal membrane, and may cause griping, pain or nausea, along with liquid stools or diarrhea.
| Sage | Sandalwood | Sanicle | Sarsaparilla | Senna |
| Skullcap | Slippery elm | Soy | St. John’s Wort |