10 Possible Side Effects Of Senna Alexandrina (Cassia)

Senna alexandrina has some side effects when used improperly, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and rectal pain.

These issues arise from excessive consumption or prolonged use, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Severe cases can lead to life disruptions, such as missed workdays, cancelled social events, and compromised daily routines.

In addition, the strain on the digestive system may trigger more frequent bowel movements and exacerbate underlying health conditions.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Senna alexandrina if used imporperly.

1. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina causes diarrhea rapidly due to its active ingredients, which are powerful stimulants that accelerate bowel movements.

The sennosides present in the plant bind to intestinal mucosa and stimulate the muscles of the colon, leading to increased peristalsis and rapid evacuation of stool.

This results in frequent and loose stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, and discomfort.

2. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina triggers vomiting suddenly due to its potent stimulant properties that can irritate the lining of the digestive tract.

The sennosides present in this herb speed up bowel movement and increase gut contractions, leading to abdominal cramps, bloating, and nausea, which can culminate in sudden and intense vomiting episodes.

This side effect is more common when using high doses or combining Senna alexandrina with other medications that also affect the digestive system.

3. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina leads to abdominal pain due to its stimulant properties that accelerate bowel movements and cause a sudden evacuation of the intestines.

This can lead to discomfort, cramping, and spasms in the abdominal area. Additionally, sennosides, the active compounds found in Senna alexandrina, can irritate the mucous membranes lining the colon, leading to inflammation and pain.

These effects are often more pronounced when taking high doses or prolonged use of the herb.

4. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina causes cramping severely due to its ability to stimulate the muscles in the intestines and colon.

As it increases bowel movements, the sudden contraction of these muscles can lead to intense spasms, resulting in severe cramping.

This is a common side effect of senna's cathartic properties, which aim to purge the body of waste by stimulating a rapid evacuation of the bowels.

5. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina increases frequency urgently due to its natural ability to stimulate bowel movements.

The anthraquinone glycosides present in senna alexandrina bind to the mucous membrane of the colon, causing a rapid increase in gut motility and subsequent frequency of stools.

This stimulating effect can lead to an urgent need to void, potentially resulting in increased frequency of bowel movements.

6. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina produces bloody stools often due to its high anthraquinone content.

This can cause irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the colon, leading to bleeding from the rectal lining. The sennosides present in Senna alexandrina stimulate the bowel muscles, resulting in an increased frequency and urgency of bowel movements, which may lead to bloody stools.

This adverse effect is typically associated with high doses or prolonged use of the herb.

7. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina causes rectal bleeding frequently.

This is due to its ability to stimulate the muscles in the intestines, leading to increased peristalsis and a rapid passage of stool. As a result, the rectal lining may be irritated, causing bleeding or discomfort.

Additionally, senna's effects on the gut microbiome can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, further contributing to these adverse reactions.

8. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina triggers electrolyte imbalance seriously.

This occurs due to the laxative properties of senna, which can lead to excessive loss of potassium and other essential minerals from the body through diarrhea and vomiting.

Additionally, the rapid removal of these minerals from the gut can disrupt the body's delicate balance of electrolytes, leading to serious side effects such as muscle weakness, cramping, and irregular heartbeat.

9. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina induces dehydration quickly due to its high sennoside content.

These powerful anthraquinones stimulate the bowel and accelerate stool movement, leading to rapid water loss in the body. As a result, individuals using Senna alexandrina may experience excessive thirst, dry mouth, and decreased urine output.

This side effect is a direct consequence of the herb's mechanism of action, which involves increasing gut motility and altering fluid absorption in the intestines.

10. Disrupts normal bowel habits

Senna alexandrina raises blood pressure rapidly.

This is due to its stimulatory effects on the cardiovascular system, causing an increase in heart rate and cardiac output. The sennosides present in Senna alexandrina stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.

Additionally, Senna alexandrina can cause the release of vasopressor hormones, such as epinephrine, which further contributes to its hypertensive effects.