What to know about Senna alexandrina (cassia) before using it medicinally

Senna alexandrina, commonly known as cassia, is a versatile herb that has been utilized for centuries to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and reduce inflammation in the body.

As a hardy, perennial shrub, it is widely cultivated for its attractive foliage and vibrant yellow flowers, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. From a botanical standpoint, Senna alexandrina is a member of the Fabaceae family, characterized by its bipinnate leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers.

Historically, Senna alexandrina has been referenced in ancient Ayurvedic and Unani medical texts, where it was prized for its purgative and anti-inflammatory properties.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Senna alexandrina.

What are the medicinal properties of Senna alexandrina?

Senna alexandrina helps with constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to its laxative properties. It is used to stimulate bowel movements, relieve bloating, and reduce abdominal discomfort. Traditional medicine has employed cassia for centuries for its therapeutic effects.

The active constituents of Senna alexandrina include anthraquinones, specifically sennosides A and B, which are responsible for its laxative effects. These anthraquinones are glycosides that, upon ingestion, are hydrolyzed in the gut, releasing the aglycone compounds and stimulating bowel movements. Additionally, cassia contains flavonoids and tannins.

The most commonly used parts of the Senna alexandrina plant for medicinal purposes are the leaves, pods, and flowers. The leaves and pods contain the highest concentrations of sennosides, making them the preferred choice for herbal preparations. The flowers are also used, but to a lesser extent.

Improper use of Senna alexandrina can lead to adverse effects, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance. Prolonged use can also cause dependence, constipation upon withdrawal, and skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Caution should be exercised in patients with gastrointestinal issues or kidney problems.

When using Senna alexandrina medicinally, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and guidelines. The plant should not be used for extended periods, as it can lead to dependence and rebound constipation. Additionally, patients should be aware of their individual tolerance and adjust the dose accordingly. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before using this plant for medicinal purposes.

What are the horticulural aspects of Senna alexandrina?

Senna alexandrina grow well in hot and dry climates with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. They can thrive in USDA zones 4-10. Soil with high salt tolerance is beneficial.

Planting tips for Senna alexandrina include sowing seeds 1-2 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart in well-drained soil in late spring or early summer, when the danger of frost has passed. Seedlings can be transplanted after 2-3 weeks. Fertilize lightly after transplanting.

Harvesting Senna alexandrina flowers and pods requires care to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest flowers and pods when fully mature, usually around 3-4 months after sowing. Remove the seed pods from the plant when they turn brown and split, allowing the seeds to mature.

Pests and diseases commonly affecting Senna alexandrina include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Regular inspections and application of organic pest control methods and fungicides can help prevent and manage infestations and infections.

What are the botanical aspects of Senna alexandrina?

Senna alexandrina is a shrub-like plant that grows up to 2 meters tall, with a broad, flat crown and a taproot. Leaves are 3-foliolate, with leaflets 2-7 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, having a brown or grayish pubescence. Stipules are caducous. Inflorescences are axillary and branched.

Senna alexandrina belongs to the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae, and is classified as follows: Kingdom: Plantae, Clade: Angiosperms, Clade: Eudicots, Clade: Rosids, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae, Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae, Tribe: Cassieae, Subtribe: Cassiinae.

There are several variants of Senna alexandrina, including Senna alexandrina var. alexandrina and Senna alexandrina var. balsamica, which differ in the shape and size of their leaves and the color of their flowers. Senna alexandrina var. alexandrina has leaves with a brown or grayish pubescence, while Senna alexandrina var. balsamica has leaves with a silvery pubescence.

Senna alexandrina is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in warm and dry climates around the world. It is commonly found in the wild in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy, and is also cultivated in the United States, Australia, and India.

Senna alexandrina is a perennial plant that completes its life cycle in about 120 days. The seeds germinate in about 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings reach maturity in about 3-4 months. The plant flowers for about 2-3 months, producing pods that contain 2-5 seeds each. The seeds are released from the pods after 1-2 months, completing the life cycle.

What are the historical aspects of Senna alexandrina?

Senna alexandrina is a plant with a rich history of traditional use. It has been employed in folk medicine for centuries, particularly in Ayurvedic and Unani traditions, to treat a range of ailments, including constipation and fever. In these systems, cassia is valued for its purported purgative properties.

In ancient Greek mythology, cassia was associated with the goddess Hera, who was said to have used the plant to induce labor in women. This mythological reference highlights the plant's traditional use in reproductive health. Additionally, the Greek physician Galen mentioned cassia in his writings, emphasizing its purgative properties.

In many cultures, cassia is imbued with symbolic meanings. In Hinduism, the plant is associated with the god Krishna, who was said to have played with the flowers of the cassia tree. Similarly, in Buddhism, the plant is considered a symbol of spiritual growth and enlightenment. The plant's association with deities and spiritual concepts underscores its cultural significance.

The historical texts of cassia are numerous and varied. The ancient Greek physician Dioscorides wrote about the plant in his De Materia Medica, while the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder discussed its uses in his Naturalis Historia. The Indian Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, also mentions cassia as a medicinal plant.

Archaeological findings have revealed the importance of cassia in ancient societies. Excavations at the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro in modern-day Pakistan uncovered evidence of cassia seeds and leaves in the city's ruins. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, cassia has been found in the tombs of pharaohs, suggesting its use in funerary rituals. These findings provide tangible evidence of cassia's historical significance.