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Herbs & Supplements
Senna
Other Names: Cassia acutifolia, Cassia angustifolia, Cassia senna
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Uses
Senna is an ingredient in several commercial laxative products. It contains chemicals that belong to the class known as anthraquinones, which are further categorized as stimulant laxatives. They work by irritating the lining of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The resulting contractions act to push material out of the lower intestines. Anthraquinones may also keep more water in intestinal contents, thereby producing a softer stool that is usually easier to pass. Senna laxatives may take 8 hours to 12 hours to produce results.
In animal studies, senna has not shown negative effects on pregnant animals or their offspring. Although a very small amount of senna passes into human breast milk, the amounts are not enough to cause diarrhea in infants. Senna-containing laxatives are often given to relieve constipation for pregnant and breast-feeding women, the elderly, surgery patients, and individuals who are taking narcotic pain medications which frequently cause constipation as a side effect. Children under the age of 5 should not be given senna, however, due to the possibility that it may cause a skin rash.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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