Senna

Cassia senna

Senna (Cassia senna) is a flowering plant native to the tropical regions of Africa, India, and the Middle East, known for its use in traditional medicine to treat digestive disorders and promote bowel movements.

Senna (Cassia senna) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference

Botanical Identification

Senna (Cassia senna) is a leguminous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Commonly known as Alexandrian senna or Indian senna, it is an annual herb native to tropical regions. It has palmate leaves, yellow flowers, and produces pods containing seeds. Synonyms include Senna alexandrina and Cassia angustifolia in some herbal texts.

The following list summarize the taxonomy of plant:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Magnoliophyta
  • Class: Fabales
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Genus: Cassia
  • Species: Cassia senna

Senna Identification.

Active Compounds

Senna contains key active compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds work synergistically to support digestive health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Their combined action enhances the herb's efficacy in traditional herbal medicine.

  • Flavonoid
  • Coumarin
  • Tannin

Senna Compounds.

Therapeutic Indications

System Condidtion Action
Digestive Constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, bloating, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease Laxative, anti-inflammatory, carminative
Urinary Urinary tract infection, urinary tract infections Antimicrobial
Integumentary Skin infections, itching, heat rash, skin inflammation Antimicrobial, antipruritic, antiseptic

Senna Actions.

Senna Uses.

Preparation Methods

Infusion: Used for digestive issues and constipation due to its laxative properties.

Decoction: Used for treating digestive disorders and as a mild laxative.

Powder: Used for constipation and as a mild laxative in traditional medicine.

Safety Profile

Senna (Cassia senna) is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, ulcerative colitis, or intestinal obstruction. It may cause severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances. Prolonged use can lead to dependency and toxic effects on the colon.

References

  1. Franz. "The senna drug and its chemistry." Pharmacology
  2. El Sayed, Abdelbari, Mahmoud, Adam. "The toxicity of Cassia senna to Nubian goats." The veterinary quarterly
  3. Ahmed, Hayat, Tahir, Mansoor, Ismail, Keck, Bates. "Pharmacologically active flavonoids from the anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts of Cassia angustifolia Vahl." BMC complementary and alternative medicine
  4. Omer, Ibrahim, Khalid, Adam. "Toxicological interactions of Abrus precatorius and Cassia senna in the diet of Lohmann broiler chicks." Veterinary and human toxicology