Where do Senna trees grow?
Senna is a woody perennial, small and stubby shrub that grows about 0.5–1, rarely two meters in height. The plant is found growing in the meadows, fields, pastures, floodplains and areas near the road. The plant prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil, exposed to direct sunlight or in the partial shade.
What is Senna?
Senna, the sennas, is a large genus of flowering plants in the legume family ( Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae, tribe Cassieae ). 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.
What does Senna plant look like?
Senna includes herbs, shrubs, and trees. The leaves are pinnate with opposite paired leaflets. The inflorescences are racemes at the ends of branches or emerging from the leaf axils. The flower has five sepals and five usually yellow petals.
How many species of Senna are there?
About 50 species of Senna are known in cultivation. Senna includes herbs, shrubs, and trees. The leaves are pinnate with opposite paired leaflets.
What is senna plant used for?
It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before procedures such as colonoscopy. People also use senna for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What plant does senna come from?
Cassia plantsSenna is an herb that comes from several different flowering species of the Cassia plants. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the senna plant have been used in tea as a laxative or stimulant for centuries. The leaves of the Senna plant are also used in some teas to help relieve constipation or promote weight loss.
Where do senna leaves come from?
The senna plants are small shrubs of Leguminosae cultivated either in Somalia, the Arabian peninsula and near the Nile river. Tinnevelly senna is obtained from cultivated plants mainly in South India and Pakistan.
How does senna grow?
Wild senna should be grown in soil that has good drainage in either a sunny or partly shaded location. This plant grows naturally in damp, fertile soils and under these conditions a height of 7 feet can be attained. In a drier soil the plant will grow to about 3 feet and tend to be less floppy.
Can I drink senna tea everyday?
Senna is meant to serve as a short-term constipation remedy. You shouldn't use it for more than 7 consecutive days unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider (2). Long-term senna tea intake may lead to laxative dependence, electrolyte disturbances, and liver damage.
What's another name for senna?
Senna is available under the following different brand names: Senokot, ExLax Regular Strength, Lax Pills, Little Tummys Stimulant Laxative Drops, Senexon, SennaGen, Senna Smooth, ExLax Maximum Strength, and SenokotXTRA.
Which country is the largest exporter of senna leaves?
IndiaIndia is the largest producer and exporter of senna in the world.
Can senna cause liver damage?
Senna (Cassia species) is a popular herbal laxative that is available without prescription. Senna is generally safe and well tolerated, but can cause adverse events including clinically apparent liver injury when used in high doses for longer than recommended periods.
How do you identify a senna plant?
IdentificationDistinguishing characteristics: Stems erect and mostly glabrous above. ... Flower characteristics: Yellow and 5-parted, but less pea-like than other genera in the family Fabaceae, 20 to 30mm wide and clustered to form a panicle at the end of the stems.More items...
Are senna plants edible?
Senna fruit and leaves are edible. The fruit may act a little more gently than the leaves. Some people drink senna tea for constipation.
Which are two types of senna?
The type species for the genus is Senna alexandrina. About 50 species of Senna are known in cultivation. Mill....Adipera Raf. 1838.Cassia (Mill.) Benth. ... Cassia sect. ... Cassia sect. ... Cassia subgen. ... Cathartocarpus (partim)Chamaefistula (DC.) ... Chamaesenna (DC.)More items...
What Colour is senna?
Fueled by his desire to stand out from the crowd of plain white helmets, Ayrton Senna experimented with a number of helmet designs before settling on the bright yellow one with the green and blue tripes that became his signature.
How does the senna plant look like?
Indian Senna is a small, erect shrub that grows to an average height of 2 to 3 feet. It has a smooth, pale green stem that grows in an upright manner. The leaves of this plant sport a green-yellowish color and they grow on spread-out branches.
Is there a difference between senna and Cassia?
Cassia species always have 10 stamens, with the 3 lowermost stamens longer than the others and sigmoid (with a distinctive S-shaped curve). Senna species can have anywhere from 2 to 10 stamens, and these are typically shorter and straighter; in some species the lowermost stamens may be curved, but never S-shaped.
Are senna plants edible?
Senna fruit and leaves are edible. The fruit may act a little more gently than the leaves. Some people drink senna tea for constipation.
What plant does Senokot come from?
The classical example of Senna in medicine is the natural laxative product, Senokot, that is sourced from two Senna sources: Alexandrian senna representing that come from Egypt; and Tinnevelly senna from that grown in India but both are Senna alexandrina Mill (previously C. senna L. or C. angustifolia Vahl or C.
Where does the Senna come from?
Alexandrian senna (C. acutifolia), from Egypt, Sudan, and Nigeria, and C. sieberana, from Senegal to Uganda, are cultivatedin India for their catharticproperties. Tanner’s senna (C. auriculata), a tall shrub, is a principal native tanbark in southern India.
What is a Senna?
Many are used medicinally; some yield tanbark used in preparing leather. Some sennas are among the showiest flowering trees.
How tall do sennas grow?
In the eastern United States, wild sennas (C. hebecarpaand C. marilandica) grow up to 1.25 metres (4 feet) high and have showy spikes of yellow flowers. Coffee senna, or styptic weed (C. occidentalis), native to North and South America, is widely grown in the Old World tropics for its cathartic and laxative properties. The candlestick senna, or candlebush (C. alata), is a showy shrub that may grow up to 2.5 metres (8 feet) high; it is common in the tropics and is cultivated in California as an ornamental.
What is the name of the shrub with yellow flowers?
The bladder sennas (Coluteaspecies) are Old World shrubs or small trees; their yellow flowers are followed by inflated pods. Scorpion senna ( Coronilla emerus), also shrubby, is grown as an ornamental for its yellow flowers.
What is an American Senna?
American Senna is a perennial in the bean family native to moist forested areas and disturbed sites in eastern North America. Showy light orange to yellow flowers form seed pods that attract birds. This plant is drought tolerant once established and tolerant of wet soils. This plant is easy to propagate by seeds started in the early fall or by the division of roots in the early spring or fall. Full sun aids in better flowering and while it can withstand sandy or rocky soils it prefers rich, loamy soil.
How many pairs of leaves does a compound pinnate have?
Compound pinnate leaves 5-10 pairs of gray green leaflets 2 1/2" long and 3/4" wide. Leaflets are oblong, elipitic with a pointed tip. At the petiole base are two laceolate stipules that fall off.
When to start a sage plant?
This plant is easy to propagate by seeds started in the early fall or by the division of roots in the early spring or fall. Full sun aids in better flowering and while it can withstand sandy or rocky soils it prefers rich, loamy soil.
What insects are at the base of cloudless sulphur butterfly?
Larval host plant of the Cloudless sulphur butterfly. Insects like ladybird beetles, ants and flies nectar at the glands found at the base of the petioles because the flowers are nectarless. Flattened pods 4" long 1/2" wide, dark brown at maturity with 10-18 segments each containing a seed.
Where is Senna Alexandrina native to?
alexandrina is also known under the names Egyptian Senna, Bombay senna, Casse, Indian senna, Senna, Tinevelly senna, Tinnevelly Senna, East Indian Senna and séné de la palthe. The plant is native to North Africa, the Middle East and some parts of Asia. In Asia, it is mostly found in the temperate regions of India and China. The herb received the names “Alexandrian Senna” and “Egyptian Senna” because Alexandria in Egypt was the main trade port in past times. The fruits and leaves were transported from Nubia and Sudan and other places to Alexandria, then from it and across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe and adjacent Asia.
Why is Senna called Senna?
The herb received the names “Alexandrian Senna” and “Egyptian Senna” because Alexandria in Egypt was the main trade port in past times. The fruits and leaves were transported from Nubia and Sudan and other places to Alexandria, then from it and across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe and adjacent Asia.
How to take Senna for constipation?
Constipation: Take one tsp of Senna and one tbsp of Tamarind pulp. Soak overnight. Strain. Add one tbsp of gulkand by putting it in a tight lid container for 3-4 days. Have it in the morning.
How long does it take for a senna leaf to work?
Because of this ability, senna leaf is supportive in relieving constipation, often leading to bowel movements within six to 12 hours after ingestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, senna leaf removes heat from your colon, helping get rid of waste from old food that has built up there over time. In traditional medicine, senna leaf is not recommended for women who are menstruating, nursing or pregnant.
Why is Senna used in Chinese medicine?
Senna leaf is used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear away the heat gathered in the large intestine, helping the body get rid of the stagnant food gathered in the stomach. Today, it is extensively used in cleansing the colon before colonoscopy and other types of colon surgery.
What is the meaning of Senna?
Facts and benefits of Senna plant. Senna alexandrina commonly known as Senna is an ornamental plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae and in the genus Senna. S. alexandrina is also known under the names Egyptian Senna, Bombay senna, Casse, Indian senna, Senna, Tinevelly senna, Tinnevelly Senna, East Indian Senna and séné de la palthe.
How to use Senna powder for hair?
Senna can be used topically to get smooth, shiny, and strong hair. You can make a hair pack by mixing senna powder with water and yoghurt. You can also add other ingredients like citrus juice, essential oils herbal teas, spices etc. for greater effect. Apply it on your hair, taking small sections at a time. Allow the paste to enter into the scalp. Cover your head with a plastic bag and allow it to dry. Rinse off after a few hours.
Where does Senna come from?
Originally from Egypt, senna is now grown worldwide, including countries like India and Somalia. Most commercial products are derived from Cassia acutifolia or Cassia angustifolio, commonly known as Alexandrian and Indian senna, respectively.
Where is Senna harvested?
SENNA LEAVES : Harvesting in India. A farmer harvesting Senna in India. The senna plant is a small shrub belonging to the Caesalpiniaceae family (also known as the peacock flower family) and is broadly classified into two varieties – Alexandrina senna and Tinnevelly senna.
What is Senna used for?
Senna is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) laxative. A prescription is not required to purchase senna. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy. Senna is also used for irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ), ...
How tall do Senna plants grow?
The shrub normally grows up to a height of three feet , has delicate leaves and bears oblong pods or fruit cases. Leaves and pods – both have medicinal values. Interestingly, the size of the leaf of a plant is the sole criteria for deciding the purpose for which they are used. Senna leaves are graded as No.1 to No.5 with No.1 being the longest in size. In India, the No.3 type is grown, sold and exported the most, and is ideal for use in the pharma industry. The No.5 type is also extracted for medicinal purpose, while the No.2 type is more used as a flavour. No.1 type is not usually cultivated in India as it is not commercially viable and requires a lot of care and attention.
What is the longest leaf in a plant?
Interestingly, the size of the leaf of a plant is the sole criteria for deciding the purpose for which they are used. Senna leaves are graded as No.1 to No.5 with No.1 being the longest in size. In India, the No.3 type is grown, sold and exported the most, and is ideal for use in the pharma industry.
How long does it take for senna tea to work?
If you’re still considering trying senna tea, keep in mind that it typically starts working within six to 12 hours after taking it. It is often taken prior to going to bed, creating the urge to defecate the next morning.
What is the use of a sage leaf extract?
The herb has also found wide acceptance in medicinal procedures overseas, and is sometimes used to clear bowel before a colonoscopy.
What is the chemical in senna?
Senna contains many chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect.
What is Senna used for?
Senna is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) laxative. A prescription is not required to purchase senna. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy. Senna is also used for irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ), ...
What is the difference between Senna and Lanoxin?
Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with SENNA. Senna is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin). Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with SENNA.
How many doses of Senna for constipation?
For constipation following pregnancy, 28 mg in 2 divided doses has been used. For bowel preparation: Doses of senna containing 75 mg or sennos ides taken the day before colonoscopy , or 120-150 mg taken once or twice the day before colonoscopy, have been used. CHILDREN. BY MOUTH:
Is Senna as effective as psyllium?
Taking senna appears to be as effective as lactulose, psyllium, and docusate for relieving constipation in people taking opioids or loperamide. Possibly Effective for. Bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Taking senna by mouth is as effective as castor oil and bisocodyl for bowel preparation.
Is Senna Plus better than Lactulose?
In elderly people, senna plus psyllium is more effective than lactulose for treating ongoing constipation. Senna plus docusate sodium is effective for treating constipation in the elderly and in people who have undergone anorectal surgery.
Does Senna cause diarrhea?
Senna can work as a laxative. In some people, senna can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin, do not take excessive amounts of senna.
Where are Senna plants found?
There are almost 250–300 accepted species distributed throughout the world, but are most dispersed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Senna spp. has been used universally in folk medicines for several years. In China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand and Africa, Senna spp. is well-known as an active therapy in improving human health and treatment of wide range of diseases and infections such as diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), measles, malaria, inflammation, abdominal pain, typhoid and gonorrheal ( Silva et al., 2008 ). In the last decade, several Senna spp. have been explored due to the structural diversity of bioactive molecules coupled with broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities exhibited by aerial and underground parts of Senna species (root, bark, stem, leaf, seed and fruit).
What is a Senna plant?
The genus Senna comprises mostly of flowering plants (shrubs, herbs and trees) belonging to the family (legume or Fabaceae), subfamily (Caesalpinioideae) and order (Fabales). According to “The Plant List” ( www.theplantlist.org ), there are about 250-300 accepted species widely dispersed and cultivated all over the world ( Marazzi et al., 2006; Randell and Barlow, 1998 ). The leaves are pinnate with opposite paired leaflets. The flowers consist mostly of five petals and sepals, with ten straight stamens of different sizes and could exist as staminodes. Generally, the inflorescence formed racemes at the edge of each branches. Commonly, Senna species produce legume pod (fruits) with several seeds ( Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2001 ).
What are the most common scaffolds in the genus Senna?
Anthraquinone is one of the major phytoconstituents found in Senna genus. The most common scaffold is the hydroxyl-anthraquinone. Generally, more than 20 phytoconstituents of hydroxyl anthraquinones have been isolated from the genus Senna ( Fig. 2). The metabolites possess a unique 1,4- quinone and 9,10-anthraquinones structural moieties. Abegaz et al. (1994) isolated four dimeric anthracene derivatives (48-51) from chloroform extract of Senna multiglandulosa leaves. According to chemical and spectroscopic data, two new bianthraquinones (52,53) and four known bianthraquinones (54-57) were isolated from the pods of Senna didymobotrya. Based on comparison of spectroscopic data with literature, the known metabolites were identified as emodin (54), chrysophanol (55), physcion (56) and knipholone (57) ( Alemayehu et al., 1996 ). Alemayehu et al ., (1993) isolated eight bioanthrones of anthracene and naphthalene derivatives (58-65) from the root and leaves of Senna longiracemosa. Out of the isolated metabolites, 46, 61 - 63 were new compounds, however, compound ( 46) has been previously isolated from the leaves of Aloe vera. Phytochemical studies of the seed of S. sophera led to the isolation of 1,4- anthraquinone- dihydroanthracenone dimer. According to spectroscopic and chemical information, the isolated metabolites are identified as presengulone (66), sengulone (67), isosengulone (68), torosachrysone (69), anhydrophlegmacin- 9,10-quinones A (70), anhydrophlegmacin- 9,10-quinones B2 (71) and floribundone-I (72). From the identified metabolites, compound 66 is reported for the first time in the genus Senna ( Alemayehu et al., 1998 ).
How many species of Senna are there?
However, more scientific evidence is required to substantiate the ethnomedical uses. More than 50 to 60 accepted species have been documented and explored for phytoconstituents and medicinal applications which successfully led to discovery of novel pharmacophore. New methods should be presented in characterization and identification of bioactive resources in plant samples. These could enhance phytochemical, biochemical and biophysical studies, molecular pathways or mechanisms, and substantiate routes for certain biological processes. The investigations of phytoconstituents should exceed preliminary evaluation of crude extracts and isolated metabolites. Few isolated metabolites have been identified from the genus Senna. To promote the phytochemistry of this genus, elucidation of new phytoconstituents through bioguided or secondary metabolite guided assays should be given prioritized. The pharmacological investigations of isolated metabolites should involve comparison of efficacy with conventional drugs or available literature on the basis of establishing novel therapeutic bioresources. All these could be achieved through collaborative network and research clusters among scientists. This will stimulate sustainable research through exchange of ideas, reaching a concession on the basic research methods involved in quality control, sample collection, extraction, fractionation, statistical evaluation and archive of data or results.
What is the genus Senna?
Genus Senna belongs to the family of Fabaceae and comprises of about 250–300 accepted species extensively dispersed in tropical and subtropical regions. The Senna species is widely used in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, some Senna species are well-known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities with basis in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, microbial infections, malaria fever and other ailments. This review was extensively prepared by a comprehensive assessment of available literature via major scientific catalogues. The genus contains important metabolites such as alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and volatile oils. The crude extracts and isolated metabolites from Senna displayed a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, anti-gonorrhea, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, antinociceptive, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory functions displayed by the genus Senna. The objective of this review is to critically explore the advances in the botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of the genus Senna, which will provide a useful bibliography for further investigations and applications in medicines. The review reveals that Senna species have been widely used for therapeutic purpose and substantial traditional evidence of their applications exist. Further studies should be tailored towards targeting active metabolites responsible for the pharmacological activities, structural elucidation and toxicological appraisals.
How was the Senna review prepared?
This review was extensively prepared by a comprehensive assessment of available literature via major scientific catalogues such as Scopus, SciFinder, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Also, relevant information was explored from available books of taxonomy and ethnopharmacology. This information was acquired from The Plant List ( http://www.theplantlist.org ), the floras books and Tropicos ( http://www.tropicos.org ). Keywords used for collecting the published articles are Senna, traditional uses of Senna, pharmacology, phytochemistry and toxicological study of the genus Senna. After collection of published articles, results were analyzed and selectively grouped according to the theme of the review or section. About 320 published articles were collected and articles not written in English (25) or published before 1980 (32) were expunged from the library of downloaded articles.
Does Senna spp. have antiprotozoal activity?
The various uses of Senna spp. that allude to microbial infections suggest that it could exhibit antiprotozoal activity. In search for potent trypanocidal therapy, the antiprotozoal potential of metabolites isolated from leaves of S. spectabilis were investigated against Trypanosomal brucei rhodesiense ( in vitro ). The metabolites (-) –spectaline (89) and iso-6-spectaline (101) significantly inhibited the growth of T. b. rhodesiense with 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC 50) for (-)-spectaline (89) (IC 50 = 0.41 ± 0.01 mM) and iso-6-spectaline (101) (IC 50 = 0.71 ± 0.01 mM) ( Lim et al., 2018 ).
Where does Senna grow?
Senna is a shrub that grows in Africa, India, and some other parts of the world. For centuries, senna leaves and fruit have been a folk remedy for constipation. Senna is sold in the U.S. as both a supplement and an ingredient in FDA-approved drugs.
Can you take Senna while pregnant?
Risks. Always follow the directions on the bottle. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a doctor before using senna .
Does Senna help with constipation?
Research has found that senna may help with constipation. It seems to stimulate the intestines. It may work for constipation caused by pregnancy, surgery, or drug side effects. There's also some evidence that senna effectively cleans out the bowels before a colonoscopy.
Can you get senna naturally from foods?
Senna fruit and leaves are edible. The fruit may act a little more gently than the leaves. Some people drink senna tea for constipation.
