Wild Senna
Wild Senna (Cassia hebecarpa)
Cassia hebecarpa is an herbaceous perennial legume that can grow as tall as 6 feet. It grows in the eastern part of North America, from Ontario to Georgia. It is mostly found in areas with moist soils, but it can also occasionally be found in drier locations. Senna varieties are found all over the world, but many of their medicinal properties are similar. Several Senna species are widely used as laxatives, both historically and in modern medicine, due to the presence of compounds called anthraquinones (Belt, 2002). The laxative effect is derived from the leaves or fruit pods of the plant. In traditional medicines, Senna is used as a tea, an extract, or syrup. Modern uses provide the extract in pill form. (Cirillo & Capasso, 2015)
Historical Use
Historical information on the use of senna can be found in Nicholas Culpeper’s English Physician; and Complete Herbal written in 1789. The leaves of Senna (usually the Senna alexandrina/Cassia senna variety) were used as a laxative and emetic. It was also thought to cleanse the body and blood by purging “obstructions,” melancholy, and phlegm. Jacob Bigelow’s American Medical Botany highlights Cassia marilandica, a close cousin of Cassia hebecarpa. Although demonstrating similar medicinal virtues to that of Senna alexandrina, Cassia marilandica required a third more to have the same effect. Thus, Senna alexandrina was preferred and imported to America.
Latest Research
- Renzhu Ointment Regulates L-Type Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channel in Mice Model of Senna-Induced Diarrhea by Transdermal Administrationby Lian Zhong on August 17, 2023 at 10:00 am
CONCLUSION: RZQG improved diarrhea symptoms and down-regulated the expression of CACNA1C and CACNA1D via transdermal administration, which is closely associated with the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in colonic smooth muscle.
- Radiologically supervised bowel management program outcome in patients with chronic idiopathic constipationby Alfredo Domínguez-Muñoz on July 10, 2023 at 10:00 am
CONCLUSION: Our RS-BMP has been proven to be effective in treating CIC. The radiologically supervised use of Senna and enemas was the appropriate treatment in 96% of the patients. BD and megarectum were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.
- Assessment of Genetic Diversity of a Collection of Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin and Barneby Using SSRs Markers in Burkina Fasoby Haoua Nacambo on June 14, 2023 at 10:00 am
Sennaobtusifolia (L.) is a plant in the genus Senna that contributes to improving nutritional quality, food security, and better health protection for rural populations. However, very few studies have been devoted to it in Burkina Faso. Consequently, its genetic diversity remains poorly known. Such neglect would lead to the erosion of its genetic resource. The general objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the genetic diversity of the species in order to be able to…
- Sennoside A restrains TRAF6 level to modulate ferroptosis, inflammation and cognitive impairment in aging mice with Alzheimer’s Diseaseby Xiaojia Li on May 22, 2023 at 10:00 am
CONCLUSIONS: SA relieved ferroptosis, inflammation and cognitive impairment in aging mice with AD through decreasing TRAF6.
- American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipationby Lin Chang on May 21, 2023 at 10:00 am
INTRODUCTION: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common disorder associated with significant impairment in quality of life. This clinical practice guideline, jointly developed by the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology, aims to inform clinicians and patients by providing evidence-based practice recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of CIC in adults.
References
Belt, S. (2002). Wild Senna Plant Guide. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_sehe3.pdf
Cirillo, C., & Capasso, R. (2015). Constipation and Botanical Medicines: An Overview. Phytother Res, 29(10), 1488-1493. doi:10.1002/ptr.5410
Other Resources
Natural Medicines record: Senna (Access to UI only)