Senna, also known as locust plant, is a member of the pea family that is native to Egypt and cultivated in several other tropical countries, including India and Somalia. Because the herb was transported across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe and Asia via the Egyptian seaport of Alexandria, senna is also known as Egyptian Senna and Alexandrian Senna.
The active compounds in senna are a group of glycosides collectively referred to as sennosides. These compounds interact with fatty acids in the intestinal tract to promote digestion, while relaxing the smooth muscle of the intestines to increase transit time.
