Scientific name

Cassia acutifolia ; Cassia angustifolia

Family

Caesalpinaceae

Origin

Arabia, India

Synonyms

Senna Alexandrina, Senna Indian

Used Parts

The drug consists of the dried leaves of senna, but the fruits of the plant are also used.

Chemical constituents

• Anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides A and B);
• mucilage;
• Flavonoids;
• Sugars.

Senna in Herbalist: Property of the Seine

Senna is one of the most widely used pharmaceutical purgatives in the world.

Its purgative activity is ascribed to the synergy that occurs between the abundant anthraquinone glycosides: the sennosides A and B.

Biological activity

The use of senna has been officially approved for the treatment of constipation, thanks to the marked laxative activity that the plant is able to exercise. More precisely, this action is due to the anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides) contained in the same senna. In fact, these molecules possess an elective tropism towards the large intestine, at the level of which they inhibit the reabsorption of water and electrolytes, with a consequent increase in the volume and pressure of the contents of the intestine. All this favors the activation of intestinal peristalsis which, in turn, promotes the movement of feces in the intestine itself.

The laxative properties of the senna have been confirmed by many clinical studies, so that senna extracts are included in the composition of preparations and drugs with indications, precisely, for the treatment of occasional constipation (Xprep ®, Agiolax ®).

Senna against constipation

As mentioned, thanks to the laxative activity performed by the sennosides contained in it, the senna is widely used successfully in the treatment of constipation.

There are different types of senna-based preparations, such as capsules, chewable tablets, tablets, solutions, granules, etc. Generally, about 20-40 mg of sennosides are recommended for the treatment of constipation. The dose of preparation to be taken, therefore, may be different depending on the amount of sennosides it contains.

For example, when senna is used in the form of tablets containing about 17 mg of sennosides, the recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1-2 tablets, to be taken once or twice a day.

In elderly patients, on the other hand, the initial dose of senna to be taken should be half of that usually given to adult patients.

Senna in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine the senna - as well as a laxative remedy - is also used as a remedy against fever and as anthelmintic.

In Indian medicine, however, senna is used both as a laxative remedy and as a remedy for the treatment of liver disorders, jaundice, anemia and splenomegaly. The plant is used in traditional Indian medicine even to treat typhoid fever.

Furthermore, the senna is also used in the homeopathic field, where it can easily be found in the form of granules with indications for the treatment of constipation and digestive disorders, in particular, those that occur in case of acetonemia.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one patient to another, also depending on the type of homeopathic dilution you intend to use.

Side effects

Following abuse or chronic use of anthraquinone laxatives incurs important side effects, such as the pigmentation of the mucous membrane of the colon, the alteration of the hydroelectrolytic framework and the acid-base balance, a disease called "cathartic colon" with the presence of dilated colon, without austra and also with pseudo-constrictions, irreversible alterations of the intramural nerve plexus, an important aggravation of constipation, irritable colon, and an increased risk of neoplastic degeneration.

Contraindications

Avoid taking senna-based preparations (tablets, capsules, jams etc.) in cases of gastritis, colitis, diverticulitis, appendicitis, abdominal pain (the use of senna could aggravate the pain symptoms), glomerulonephritis, intestinal obstruction or ascertained hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Furthermore, the use of senna is also contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation and in children under two years of age.

Warnings

The use of stimulant laxatives, such as senna, should not last for a period longer than one or two weeks without first asking the doctor's advice.

Pharmacological Interactions

• cardiotonics (Digitalis, Adonide, Mughetto, Scilla, Strofanto): increased toxicity and reduced absorption of oral drugs;
• licorice: the abuse of licorice can increase hypopotassemia;
• diuretics: increased hypokalemia;
• antiarrhythmics (quinidine, hydroquinidine, ajmalina): increased toxicity with risk of torsade de pointes (from hypokalemia);
• analgesics: cascarosides can aggravate analgesic nephropathy;
• halofantrine: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly peak torsions;
• beta blockers: tip torsion;
• corticosteroids: increased risk of hypokalemia;
• macrolides and vincamine: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias;