It is recognised by British and US pharmacopoeias. It is useful in habitual costiveness. It lowers bowels, increases peristaltic movements of the colon by its local action upon the intestinal wall. It is used as expectorant, wound dresser, antidysentric, carminative and laxative.

Senna is a strong purgative that should be taken with care and in proper dosage. It has an irritant effect upon the intestinal membrane, and may cause griping, pain or nausea, along with liquid stools or diarrhea. It can be corrected by adding 1/4 amount of stomachic herbs, like ginger or fennel seeds, with its dosage.

Senna is mainly for severe constipation, the constipation following a fever or for clearing Pitta from the small intestines

The main active principles of SENNA (Cassia augustifolia) with laxative properties are the antraquinonas (products from the oxidation of antracene) and the senocids A and B. The composition of this excellent medicinal plant is complex reason why all its components cause a joint action in its properties.

The senocids act in the lower part of the intestine, reason why they are specially advisable for the habitual constipation. The glycosides are absorbed in the intestine, activating the antraquinones that are released in the passage, these are eliminated through the colon, stimulating and increasing the peristaltic movements of the colon. Glycosides have a local action in the intestinal wall, giving as result a smaller water absorption, and allows a smooth fecal mass. SENNA (SEN) is a medicinal plant recognized world-wide and registered in several pharmacopeas