SENNA

Introduction :
The Sennas, is a large genus of flowering plants in the
legume family Fabaceae, and the subfamily Caesalpinioideae
This diverse genus is native throughout the tropics, with a small
number of species in temperate regions.
The number of species is estimated to be from about 260 to 350
The type species for the genus is Senna alexandrina
About 50 species of Senna are known in cultivation
Senna includes herbs, shrubs, and trees
Senna is a powerful medicine used primarily in the treatment of
constipation, working through a stimulation of intestinal
peristalsis. It also helps to temporarily prevent fluid from being
absorbed from the large intestine, thus contributing to softer
stools.
Senna is a small shrub growing up to 1 meter in height. It has a
smooth and branching, pale green stem, and feathery, oval and
lance-shaped leaflets. Leaves have distinct veins on their under
surface, grayish-green in color. Flowers are small and yellow.
Fruit is horned and broadly oblong pod, containing about six
Seeds
Pod is greenish-brown to dark-brown in color.

Botanical name : Cassia acutifolia

common name : Senna
Local name :
Family: Fabaceae
Part used : leaves and pods
Other names: Indian Senna, Tinnervelly Senna, Cassia Senna,
Alexandrian Senna
The active component is an anthraquinone derivative
called chrysophanic acid or chrysophanol (1,8-Dihydroxy-3methylanthraquinone), volatile oils, resins and calcium oxalate
and crisofenic acid.

Basic structure

Medicinal use:
Senna is considered to be, antipyretic, cathartic, diuretic, laxative, purgative, and
vermifuge. It is usually consumed dry in form of a tea. It is most commonly used
for its laxative and purgative effect, but it must be taken in a limited period of
time and in right dosage.
Senna is suggested in treatment of acute constipation, and after rectal surgeries,
since it softens the stool and promotes bowel movement. Combined with
aromatic herbs, Senna can be helpful in treatment of flatulence or colic.
Used externally, it can be helpful in cases certain skin conditions, such as acne
and ringworms.
Sennas have for millennia played a major role in herbalism and folk medicine.
Alexandrian senna (S. alexandrina) has long been traded commercially.
Senna glycosides, or sennosides, are used in modern medicine as laxatives. The
glycosides increase gastric fluid secretion and bowel motility, producing laxative
action
Several Senna species are used as herbal remedies in Nigeria to treat various
conditions, including constipation, fungal skin infections, andhemorrh .

Side effect :
Senna is likely safe for most adults and children over age 2 when used shortterm. Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription medicine. Senna can cause
some side effects including stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhea.

Don't use senna for more than two weeks. Longer use can cause the bowels to
stop functioning normally and might cause dependence on laxatives. Long-term
use can also change the amount or balance of some chemicals in
the blood (electrolytes) that can cause heart function disorders, muscle
weakness, liver damage, and other harmful effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Senna is POSSIBLY SAFE during pregnancy
and breast-feeding when used short-term. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used
long-term or in high doses. Long-term, frequent use, or use of high doses has
been linked to serious side effects including laxative dependence and liver
damage.
Although small amounts of senna cross into breast milk, it doesnt seem to be a
problem for nursing babies. As long as the mother uses senna in recommended
amounts, senna does not cause changes in the frequency or consistency of babies
stools.

Electrolyte disturbances, potassium deficiency: Overuse of senna can make these

conditions worse.

Dehydration, diarrhea or loose stools:

Senna should not be used in people with dehydration, diarrhea, or loose stools. It
can make these conditions worse.

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions:

Senna should not be used by people with abdominal pain (either diagnosed or
undiagnosed), intestinal blockage, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis,
appendicitis, stomach inflammation, anal prolapse, or hemorrhoids.

Heart disease:
Senna can cause electrolyte disturbances and might make heart disease worse.

REFERENCES :
1- Marazzi, B., et al. (2006). "Phylogenetic relationships within Senna
2- Randell, B. R. and B. A. Barlow. 1998. Senna. pp 89-138
3- Lewis, G., et al. 2005. Legumes of the World
4- Senna. Flora of China
5- Spiller, H., et al. (May 2003). "Skin breakdown and blisters from sennacontaining laxatives in young children"