Historical
or traditional use (may or may not be supported by
scientific studies): People in northern Africa and southwestern
Asia have used senna as a laxative for centuries. It was
considered a “cleansing” herb because of its cathartic
effect. In addition, the leaves were sometimes made into
a paste and applied to various skin diseases. Ringworm
and acne were both treated in this way.
Medical
uses : [1]
Besides being a laxative, senna is used as a febrifuge,
in splenic enlargements, anaemia, typhoid, cholera, biliousness,
jaundice, gout, rheumatism, tumours, foul breath and bronchitis,
and probably in leprosy. It is employed in the treatment
of amoebic dysentery as an anthelmintic and as a mild
liver stimulant. Leaves are astringent, bitter, sweet,
acrid, thermogenic, catharitic, depurative, liver tonic,
anthelmintic, cholagogue, expectorant, ferbifuge. Usefull
in constipation, abdominal disordes, leprosy, skin disorders,
leucoderma, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, dyspepsia, cough,
and bronchitis.
Chemistry
and Pharmacology
Pharmacology [2]:
Senna leaves and pods have been shown to have laxative
activity. It is usefull in habitual constipation. Pharmacological
investigations show that sennosides A and B account for
the entire activity of the senna leaves and pods. [3]
Leaves contain glycosides, sennoside A, B, C &
D. Two naphthalene glycosides have been isolated from
leaves and pods.
Active
constituents: Senna contains anthraquinone glycosides
known as sennosides. These molecules are converted by
the normal bacteria in the colon into rhein-anthrone,
which in turn has two effects. It first stimulates colon
activity and thus speeds bowel movements. Second, it increases
fluid secretion by the colon.[4]
Together,
these actions work to get a sluggish colon functional
again. Several controlled studies have confirmed the benefit
of senna in treating constipation.[5]
Constipation
induced by drugs such as the anti-diarrhea medicine loperamide
(Imodium®) has also been shown to be improved by senna
in a clinical trial.[6]
Citations
[1]
a The wealth of India, P.I.D., C.S.I.R.,
New Delhi (CD ROM Version). b Orient Longman, Indian
Medical Plants. 1993; 2 : 23.)
[2] a. Grote et al., J Am. Pharm. Assoc. 1951;
40(52);3. b. Fairbairn & Michaels, "Vegetable
Purgatives - Part III ")
[3] a. Tanaka, H. et al., Chem. Pharm Bull.,
1982; 30 : 5; b. Lemli, J et al., Planta Medica.
1981; 43:11)
[4] Leng-Peschlow E. Dual effect of orally administered sennosides
on large intestinal transit and fluid absorption in
the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1986;38:606–10.)
[5] a.Passmore AP, Davies KW, Flanagan PG, et al. A comparison of
Agiolax and Lactulose in elderly patients with chronic
constipation. Pharmacol 1993;47(suppl 1):249–52.
b.Kinnunen O, Winblad I, Koistinen P, Salokannel J.
Safety and efficacy of a bulk laxative containing senna
versus lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation
in geriatric patients. Pharmacol 1993;47(suppl
1):253–5.)
[6] Ewe K, Ueberschaer B, Press AG.
Influence of senna, fibre, and fibre+senna on colonic
transit in loperamide-induced constipation. Pharmacol
1993;47(suppl 1):242–8
