Senna

RECOMMENDED USE: The Senna is traditionally used because of its laxative properties. It's recommended to be used for a short time, the number of days varies according to the condition of the patient but for being of great effect the time of treatment must be controlled.

INGREDIENTS: Senna (Cassia angustifolia L.).

CONTENT: 90 capsules / 400 mg. each one.

DOSE: Take 1 capsule, one or two times daily, before meals.

WARNINGS: Do not take in case of intestinal obstruction, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not give to children under five years old without previous diagnosis.

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The main active principle of Senna is its laxative properties; it is an anthraquinone (a cathartic) and provides senocides A & B. The composition of this excellent medicinal plant is complex, with all of its components causing a combined action with its properties. Senna is a laxative that acts by stimulating intestinal motility and accelerate the nerve endings in the wall of the intestine. When using this medication, the intestinal content moves along the intestine much more quickly and constipation is alleviated. Senna begins acting from 6 to 8 hours after the first dose.

Senocides are inactive in their natural state. They pass without alteration through the stomach, and are partially absorbed in the small intestine, for later elimination with bile. Upon arriving in the colon, they are transformed chemically by the action of some enzymes in the intestinal bacteria (glucosides) that liberate the aglycone (non sugar compounds), principal active molecule of the senocides. The chemical reaction that takes place is the following one: senocides (glucosides) + enzyme = aglycone (active ingredient) + sugar. These derived properties of the senocides perform their laxative actions using two mechanisms:

• They stimulate the motility of the large intestine, increasing peristaltic movements. They increase also, although with smaller intensity, the muscular tone of the urinary tract and that of the uterus.
• They flush the intestinal tract by preventing the large intestines from absorbing water: evacuation takes place as soon as water accumulates.

Depending on the dose, Senna has two effects:

• Laxative: it loosens bowel contents and encourages evacuation, without colic.
• Purge: It causes the evacuation of liquid diarrheic matter.

It is recommended that Senna only be used for a short time (usually not longer than one week, but can depend on the patient’s condition). Used in larger doses as a purgative, its use must be monitored carefully, taking into account the suitable contraindications.

The ongoing or continual use of this product can cause colon problems. (James Duke 1988).
Most countries recognize Senna (Cassia augustifolia) as a pharmaceutical remedy; it is also known as Cassia senna, tinnevelly senna, India senna, Alexandrian senna and Khartoum senna.