Cassia angustifolia
Common Name
Senna , locust plant
Origin:-
India
Description
It belongs to the Family –Fabaceae . Cassia senna is native to tropical Africa and cultivated in Egypt, Sudan and elsewhere; Cassia angustifolia is native to India also and cultivated mainly in India and Pakistan. A small erect shrub, Indian senna attains a height of about 2 to 3 feet. Its stem is pale green, smooth and erect. The spread out branches possess around 4 to 5 pairs of leaves. These leaves are pale yellowish-green in color, elongated spear shaped with pointed apex, about 1 to 2-inch in length and about 0.2 to 0.3-inch in breadth. The plantar surface is shiny green and dorsal surface is yellowish green. The plant has small yellow flowers. The brown pod contains 5 to 7 seeds that are dark brown in color. Senna is a powerful cathartic used in the treatment of constipation, working through a stimulation of intestinal peristalsis.
Pharmacological Properties
The herb stimulates liver for proper secretion of enzymes in the body.
The herb has purgative, antipyretic, cathartic, laxative, vermifuge and diuretic properties.
It helps in lowering bowels and increasing the peristaltic movement of the intestines.
Senna is also used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and weight loss.
Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription laxative. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy.
Caution
The laxatives that contain high dose of Indian senna can result in abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
When Indian senna is consumed in high doses, the anthraquinones present in it may change the urine color to red, pink or brown.
Prolonged use of Indian senna leaves can reduce the potassium levels in the body that can lead to muscle weakness and dangerous changes in heart rhythm.