Medicinal Plants (PG-101): Senna Leaflets

Study Notes

Senna leaflets, also known as folium senna, are used as a herbal remedy for digestive issues.

Senna's origins are traced back to Makkah (sana makkahi).
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) used senna treatments for digestive problems.
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) referred to senna as a cure for ailments, excluding death.
Currently, senna is widely distributed globally.

Senna leaflets are derived from the dried leaflets of the plant Cassia acutifolia Delile.
This plant is also known as Alexandrian Senna.
Another plant, C. angustifolia Vahl, known as Tinnevelly Senna, is also a source of senna leaflets.
The botanical family is Leguminosae.

Senna is a low-branching shrub, reaching a height of about 3 feet.
Stems are straight and woody.
Flowers are yellow.
Leaves are compound paripinnate, meaning they are made up of pairs of leaflets.
Phyllotaxis is alternate.
The odor is described as slightly characteristic.
The taste is bitter and mucilaginous.
Colors vary between greyish-green (Alexandrian senna) and yellowish-green (Tinnevelly senna).

Senna leaflets, under a microscope, exhibit scattered clusters of calcium oxalate (Ca-Ox).
A transverse section (T.S.) of the midrib reveals a continuous upper palisade with spongy tissue below and a lower palisade layer.
The pericycle is characterized by a compact mass or arch of lignified fibers.

Anthraquinones: Rhein, Emodin, Aloe-emodin, and Chrysophanol.
Anthraquinones glycosides: Rhein-8-O-glucoside.
Dianthrone glycosides: Sennosides A, B, C, and D. These are rhein-dianthrones and rhein-aloe-emodin-heterodianthrones.
Napthalene glycosides: 6-Hydroxymusizin glucoside and Tinnevellin-6-glucoside.
Carbohydrates: Mucilage (pectose type).
Flavonoids: Kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives.

Modified Borntrager's test: Used to identify sennosides. This test involves boiling powdered senna with alcoholic potassium hydroxide (KOH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), followed by acidification with hydrochloric acid (HCl). Extract the aglycones by shaking with ether and detecting the presence of sennosides with ammonium hydroxide.

Stimulant laxative: For short-term constipation relief (FDA-approved OTC).
Facilitating defecation: For diseases like anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and post-rectal surgery.
Bowel clearance: For examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and before/after abdominal surgery.
Management of post-partum constipation.
Treatment for terminal cancer patients on opiates.
Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Treatment of obesity.

Stimulation of Peristalsis: Mainly due to Rhein, increasing colon mobility and transit rate.
Irritation: Senna contents irritate the colon lining, increasing peristalsis.
Mucus and Chloride Secretion: Increasing fluid secretion in the colon.

Dried leaflets: 0.6 - 2 g.
Sennosides:
- Adults/Children (12+ years): 17.2 mg daily.
- Children: 8.5 mg daily.
- Post-pregnancy consitpation: 28 mg divided into two doses.

Dehydration, diarrhea, or loose stools
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions such as abdominal pain, intestinal blockage, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
Heart disease
Breast-feeding and pregnancy (short-term use; possibly unsafe long-term or high doses)

Associated with possible bowel dysfunction and potential dependence.
Electrolyte imbalances, especially potassium deficiency, leading to muscular weaknesses.
Colon pigmentation (pseudomelanosis coli).
Finger clubbing (reversible).
Cathartic colon
Liver damage

Reduces drug absorption: Senna decreases the absorption of orally administered medications/drugs due to increasing the colon transit rate.
Potassium levels: Senna can cause long-term hypokalemia, potentially affecting drugs like Digoxin (Lanoxin) and diuretics, increasing the risk of side effects.
Blood thinning drugs: Senna may increase the risk of bleeding with blood thinners like Warfarin (Coumadin).
Estrogen: Senna might decrease the estrogen in the body and its absorption.

Senna Lax (tablets with Senna glycosides).
Other herbal laxatives, senna leaves, and related products.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before taking herbal medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions.