Senna Leaf Powder
Senna leaf (Cassia angustifolia) is an herb that grows in India. Senna leaves are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder. The leaves have been valued for their natural laxative properties for more than 3,500 years.
Health Benefits
The phytochemicals natural to senna leaf, called sennosides, have stimulant laxative properties that are useful for the relief of occasional constipation.1 Senna Leaf has shown to contain laxative effects and can be used for bowel clearance before the medical examination of colon, such as colonoscopy.1,2 Supplementation of Senna Leaf may aid in stimulating first bowel movement in individuals after the abdominal surgery, which may be due to the increased bowel contraction and movement.3,4
Cautions
American Herbal Product Association recommends for products containing senna leaf to indicate following on the label: “Do not use this product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for long-term use.”2
References
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Senna leaf. American Botanical Council. Accessed in August 2015. http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Sennaleaf.html
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Senna. MedlinePlus. NIH. Accessed in August 2015. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/652.html
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Patel M, Schimpf MO, O’Sullivan DM, LaSala CA. The use of senna with docusate for postoperative constipation after pelvic reconstructive surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 May;202(5):479.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j. 2010.01.003. Epub 2010 Mar 6. PubMed PMID: 20207340.
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Wang M, Yan S, Wang J. [Clinical and experimental study on using Cassia angustifolia extract as enema after abdominal operation]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1998 Sep;18(9):540-2. Chinese. PubMed PMID: 11475731.