Senna
Senna Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Senna is a brand name. Its generic name is Senna leaf.
Senna Leaf Introduction
Senna, also known as Cassia senna or Alexandrian senna, is a perennial shrub native to Egypt that is grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. It has been used for centuries as a laxative to treat constipation and diarhhea. The leaves, pods and extracts of the senna plant contain compounds that stimulate colon contractions, which helps with the passage of waste and relieves symptoms of constipation.
Uses for Senna Leaf
Senna is used to treat constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anal fissures, and hemorrhoids. It is also occasionally used as a purgative prior to surgery or examinations. Some evidence suggests that senna may help lower cholesterol levels and weight.
Mechanism of Action
The active ingredients in senna leaf are anthraquinone glycosides which are laxatives that stimulate the contraction of the colon wall, propelling wastes though the digestive system and relieving constipation.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The effects of senna are usually noticeable within 6 to 12 hours. For some people, the effects can be felt in as little as 30 minutes.
Absorption
Senna is absorbed in the small intestine and then eliminated in the feces.
Route of Elimination
Senna is eliminated in the feces.
Dosage Information
The recommended adult dosages for senna leaf are as follows:
- 4.9 to 9.8 grams of dried senna leaves per day, or
- 3 to 6 grams of senna extract per day.
It should be taken 1 to 2 times per day in divided doses with meals. For children, the dosage should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
Administration
Senna leaves and senna extract are available as capsules, tablets, liquids, teas and tinctures.
Side Effects
Common side effects of senna include cramps, abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, or gas. Prolonged use of senna can lead to a laxative dependence and can cause the colon to become lazy, making it more difficult for the body to eliminate waste on its own.
Toxicity
Senna is not considered toxic at recommended dosages. However, overdoses can cause dizziness, tremors, and headaches.
Precautions
Senna should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare provider. It should not be used by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with abdominal pain or nausea, and people with kidney or liver disease.
Interactions
Senna can interact with certain medications or supplements, including antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, diuretics, iron supplements, laxatives, and vitamin/mineral supplements. It can also interact with certain medications used for anxiety, depression, heartburn, migraine headaches, and seizures.
Disease Interactions
Senna may worsen conditions such as Appendicitis, Crohn’s Disease, Gastroenteritis, or Ulcerative Colitis.
Drug Interactions
Senna should not be taken with certain medications, including aspirin, anticoagulants, blood thinners, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and corticosteroids.
Food Interactions
Senna should be taken with a full glass of water, preferably 1 to 2 hours after a meal.
Pregnancy Use
Senna should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking senna.
Lactation Use
Senna should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking senna.
Acute Overdose
Signs and symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, and abdominal pain. If a large overdose occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindications
Senna should not be used by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with abdominal pain or nausea, and people with kidney or liver disease.
Use Directions
Senna should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider or as directed on the package label. It should be taken with a full glass of water, preferably 1 to 2 hours after a meal.
Storage Condition
Senna should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for senna leaf is unknown.
Half Life
The half-life of senna leaf is unknown.
Clearance
The clearance of senna leaf is unknown.
Here you find in details version of Senna
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Senna
What is senna leaf?
Senna (also known as Cassia angustifolia or Cassia senna) is a plant native to India, Korea, and China used in teas and other medicinal preparations. It is a member of the legume family, and its leaves, stems, and seed pods contain compounds with a variety of effects.
What are the properties of senna leaf?
Senna contains active compounds, such as sennoside A and sennoside B, that act as laxatives by stimulating the movement of the bowels. It can also be used as a diuretic, to help reduce water retention, and to relieve bloating and indigestion. It is also used as a liver stimulant and to reduce cholesterol levels.
What are the benefits of consuming senna leaf?
The active compounds in senna leaf are known to possess a variety of benefits. It can help to relieve constipation, promote regular bowel movements, reduce bloating, aid digestion, and even help to reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, senna leaf is commonly used as a weight loss aid, as it can speed up the metabolism and help to burn fat faster.
How does senna leaf act as a laxative?
When consumed, the active compounds in senna leaf, such as sennoside A and sennoside B, stimulate the muscles in the intestines, thus increasing bowel movements and relieving constipation. Additionally, senna leaf helps to draw water into the bowels to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
How much senna leaf should be consumed?
The recommended dosage of senna leaf varies based on the individual. It is best to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine the appropriate dosage. Generally speaking, it is recommended to start with a low dose of 2-4 grams, taken orally, before gradually increasing the amount if needed. It is also important to remember to not exceed more than 20 grams of senna leaf per day.
In what form can senna leaf be consumed?
Senna is most commonly used as an herbal remedy, in which case it is usually brewed in tea or taken as a tincture or capsule. The leaves, stems, and seeds can also be dried and made into a powder, which can be taken with food or mixed into a liquid.
Are there any side effects to consuming senna leaf?
While senna leaf is generally safe to consume in low doses, like any supplement, it is possible to experience adverse effects. Senna is a powerful stimulant laxative and can cause cramping, nausea, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, and other digestive issues if taken in large doses. Additionally, excessive use of senna leaf can cause potassium levels to become dangerously low, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider and follow their recommendations when taking senna leaf.
Can senna leaf be used during pregnancy?
No. It is not recomended to take any herbal remedies during pregnancy, including senna leaf. Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before using any form of senna leaf.
What is the recommended dosage of senna leaf in children?
It is not recommended to give senna leaf to children below the age of six. For children between the ages of six and twelve, the recommended dose is 1-2 grams per day. Children over the age of twelve can take the adult dosage of 2-4 grams per day, but it is important to check with a qualified healthcare professional first.
Can senna leaf be mixed with other supplements?
It is not recommended to mix senna leaf with other dietary supplements or herbs. When taking senna leaf, it is important to ensure that it is the only active ingredient in the formulation. Additionally, it is important to check with a qualified healthcare professional before taking senna leaf in conjunction with any type of medication.
How long does it take for senna leaf to work as a laxative?
The effects of senna leaf can vary considerably from person to person, but generally speaking, it takes 8-12 hours for the active compounds in senna leaf to stimulate a bowel movement.
Does senna leaf have any interactions with other drugs?
Yes. Senna is known to interact with certain medications such as glucocorticoids, diuretics, and phenobarbital. Additionally, it is not recommended to take senna leaf in conjunction with other laxatives. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking senna leaf if you are taking any type of medication.
Can senna leaf be taken with other herbs?
It is not recommended to mix senna leaf with other herbs. When taking senna leaf, it is important to ensure that it is the only active ingredient in the formulation.
Is it necessary to drink lots of water when taking senna leaf?
Yes. It is important to drink plenty of water when taking senna leaf, as it helps the body to eliminate toxins and can prevent dehydration. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day when taking senna leaf.
How can I make senna leaf tea?
To make senna leaf tea, simply add one teaspoon of dried senna leaf to a cup of boiling water, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. The tea should be strained before drinking, and it can also be sweetened with honey or a natural sweetener such as agave or stevia.
Can senna leaf be used for weight loss?
Yes, senna leaf is commonly used as a weight loss aid. The active compounds in senna leaf are known to increase the metabolism, which helps to burn fat faster and can aid in weight loss. However, it is important to remember that senna leaf should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
Does senna leaf help with bloating?
Yes, the active compounds in senna leaf are known to reduce bloating and help to promote regular bowel movements. It is important to follow the recommended dosage, as too much senna leaf can cause dehydration and other digestive issues.
What is senna leaf extract?
Senna extract is made from the leaves of the senna plant and is said to have stronger laxative effects than senna leaf itself. It is available in tincture and capsule form, and is typically used to relieve constipation.
Is senna leaf safe for long-term use?
No. Senna is not intended for long-term use and should only be taken for a maximum of two weeks. Prolonged use can cause electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and other serious health issues.
How can I get the most benefit from senna leaf?
It is important to take senna leaf in the recommended dosage and not use it for longer than two weeks. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water while taking senna leaf, as it helps to flush out toxins from the body.
Is senna leaf a good digestive aid?
Yes, senna leaf is known to be a good digestive aid. The active compounds in senna leaf help to promote regular bowel movements and can reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Can senna leaf be used to treat constipation?
Yes, senna leaf is used to treat constipation. It is a powerful stimulant laxative that helps to promote regular bowel movements and is used to treat occasional constipation.
Are there any other medicinal uses for senna leaf?
Yes, senna leaf is also used to reduce cholesterol levels, to stimulate the liver, and to reduce water retention and bloating. It is also used as a weight loss aid, as it can speed up the metabolism and help to burn fat.
How long can senna leaves be stored?
Senna leaves can generally be stored for up to two years when kept in a cool, dry place. However, it is important to check the expiration date on the package before consuming the senna leaves.
What are the most common senna leaf side effects?
The most common side effects of senna leaf are cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances. In severe cases, excessive use of senna leaf can cause dangerously low potassium levels. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking senna leaf.
How often can I take senna leaf?
It is not recommended to take senna leaf more than two or three times a week. Additionally, it should not be taken for more than two weeks at a time, as prolonged use can cause serious health issues. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and to consult a qualified healthcare professional if needed.
Can senna leaf be taken with other laxatives?
No. It is not recommended to take senna leaf in conjunction with other laxatives. Additionally, it is important to check with a qualified healthcare professional before taking senna leaf if you are taking any type of medication.
Should I stop taking senna leaf if I experience cramping or diarrhea?
Yes. If you experience cramping or diarrhea when taking senna leaf, it is recommended to stop taking it and to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Excessive use of senna leaf can cause serious health issues, and it is important to follow the recommended dosage when taking it.
Can senna leaf cause electrolyte imbalances?
Yes, excessive use of senna leaf can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to dehydration and other serious health issues. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner if needed.
Does senna leaf have any effect on cholesterol levels?
Yes, senna leaf is known to reduce total cholesterol levels, as well as LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. However, it is important to note that senna leaf should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Does senna leaf have any effect on blood sugar levels?
Yes, senna leaf has been found to reduce blood sugar levels in some cases. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking senna leaf if you are taking any form of medication, as it can interact with certain medications.
Does senna leaf help with bloating and water retention?
Yes, senna leaf is often used as a diuretic to reduce water retention and bloating. Additionally, the active compounds in senna leaf can help to reduce cholesterol levels and to stimulate the liver.
Is senna leaf safe for pets?
No, it is not recommended to give senna leaf to pets. It is best to consult with a veterinarian before giving any type of herbal remedies to pets.
What is the best way to take senna leaf?
Senna is most commonly taken as an herbal remedy, in which case it is usually brewed in tea or taken as a tincture or capsule. The leaves, stems, and seeds can also be dried and made into a powder, which can be taken with food or mixed into a liquid.
How does senna leaf help to reduce cholesterol levels?
The active compounds in senna leaf are known to reduce total cholesterol levels, as well as LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Additionally, senna leaf is known to promote regular bowel movements, which can also help to reduce cholesterol levels.
Can senna leaf be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
No. It is not recommended to take senna leaf for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is best to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any form of herbal remedy to treat IBS.
Is senna leaf good for the liver?
Yes, senna leaf is known to be a good liver stimulant. The active compounds in senna leaf can help to increase bile secretion and reduce cholesterol levels, both of which can help to keep the liver healthy.