Scientific Name: Senna Alexandrina
Origin: India
Herb: Senna Leaf
Common Names: Khartoum Senna, India Senna, Egyptian Senna, Alexandrian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna. Note that senna is sometimes referred to in texts as “Cassia Officinalis,” but capitalization of the second part of the name indicates this is an apothecary term and not a botanical name as governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.
Habitat/Range: India, Egypt, Somalia, North, Central and South America.
Description: There are roughly between 250 and 300 species of plants in the senna family, but S. alexandrina is attributed as the source of senna leaf and senna pods. With the exception of Europe, the plant thrives in the tropical and subtropical regions of every continent in the world. It is grown extensively as a commercial crop in southern Egypt and northern Sudan, where the herb is a significant source of income to farmers and distributors. The plant is harvested twice each year, dried in the sun and transported to ports along the Red Sea via camel caravans.
Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers and Fruit.
Chemical Composition: Senna contains senna glycosides, which are derivatives of an organic compound with known laxative properties called anthracenedione. These anthracene derivatives are collectively referred to as sennosides and further identified as sennosides A, A1, B, C and D.
Safety: Some people may experience an allergic reaction or cramps and diarrhea from ingesting senna leaf. Long-term use or high dosages can lead to potassium depletion and, in rare cases, an increased risk of fluid retention (edema), bone loss, and irregular heart rhythm. Do not use senna preparations if you are pregnant or nursing. This herb should not be given to young children or the elderly without medical supervision.
Senna should not be combined with licorice, which also depletes the body of potassium with long-term use. Due to an increased risk of toxicity, senna should not be used concurrently with digoxin, a heart medication made from digitalis (foxglove).
For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.