Senna cana

Sennat cana, commonly known as Senna or Alexandrian cassia, is a potent medicinal shrub prized for its powerful laxative properties. Rich in anthraquinone glycosides, it effectively stimulates intestinal motility to treat acute constipation. Widely utilized in traditional and modern herbal medicine, it remains a staple for digestive wellness.

  • Scientific name: Senna cana
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, falling into the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Senna.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Senna WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Senna cana, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as canary senna, while in Spanish, it is commonly called senna cana. In Portuguese, the plant is known as senna-cana, and in French, it is identified as senna cana.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide and diverse range of locations across the South American landscape. Within the country of Brazil, its presence is notably established throughout the Brazil North region. It also thrives across the vast territories of Brazil West-Central. Furthermore, the species can be found growing within the Brazil Northeast area. Finally, its geographical reach extends into the Brazil Southeast portion of the nation.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Senna cana, possesses distinct morphological characteristics in its structural components. The stem is typically woody at the base and becomes more herbaceous as it grows, providing a sturdy framework for the plant's development. The leaves are particularly notable, being pinnately compound with multiple small, oval-shaped leaflets that are arranged symmetrically along the leaf stalks.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Senna cana has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include antioxidants, chrysophanol, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
antioxidants 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chrysophanol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆