Description

Senna Leaf is commonly known as senna or Alexandrian senna, and its scientific name is Cassia angustifolia. It is a herb. The active components sennoside in senna leaf extract are anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides, referred to as senna glycosides or sennosides. Senna is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) laxative. A prescription is not required to purchase senna. The two original kinds of senna (Cassia senna and Cassia angustifolia) used to make remedies are now mass-cultivated for medicinal purposes – primarily for their laxative properties. Senna is often taken as a tea, capsule, tablet or liquid extract. Senna has been used since the 9th century by Arabian physicians as a laxative and has been known as the "cleansing herb." "Only the leaves and the pods of the herb are therapeutically useful," states Herbs 2000. How does it work ? Senna contains many chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect. Senna leaf acts on the intestinal walls, causing contractions that lead to bowel movements. In this regard, it can be used to effectively relieve even the most severe cases of constipation. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, Senna leaf extract, also called Fan Xie Ye, helps to clear away heat accumulated in the large intestine, helping rid the body of stagnant food that has accumulated in the organs. Applications: 1. Pharmaceuticals field; 2. Dietary supplement ingredients, such as capsules or tablets. 3. Herbal Teas. Any preparation should only be taken for a short period of time unless instructed otherwise by a doctor – for example, to treat cases of acute constipation or when the stool needs to be softened due to rectal problems, such as haemorrhoids or anal tearing. Considered sweet, bitter, and cold in nature, but it is not to be used during pregnancy or menstruation or by nursing mothers.