Cassia angustifolia-Cassia Senna-Senna Makki-Senna Leaves: Overview
Introduction:
Cassia angustifolia, commonly known as Senna, is a plant species belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to regions of the Middle East and parts of Africa, it is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its use as a natural laxative. The leaves and pods of the plant are commonly used in herbal medicine to treat constipation and promote digestive health. Beyond its laxative effects, Cassia angustifolia has also been employed in traditional medicine for various other purposes, including as a purgative and to support liver function. The plant typically grows as a small shrub or herb, with yellow flowers and distinctive pods that contain the seeds.
Botanical Name:
Cassia senna Linn.
Cassia angustifolia Vahl.
Family:
Caesalpiniaceae
Urdu Name:
Sana, Sanna Makki
English Name:
Senna
Parts Used:
Leaves
Temperament:
Hot + Dry
Order:
1st order.
Geographical Source:
India, Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria.
Organoleptic Evaluation:
Colour:
Whole herb: yellowish green to brownish green
Powder: light yellowish brown to brown.
Odor: Characteristics, slightly sweet.
Taste: Bitter, astringent, slightly sweet
Texture: Crunchy and fibrous
Long thin and cylindrical branches with yellowish green leaves.
Pharmacological Actions / Functions:
Cathartic, especially useful in habitual constipation.
In therapeutic doses it increases the peristaltic movements of the colon.
Pods have same therapeutic effects as leaves, and these cause less griping.
Referred as safe and effective purgative, is well-adapted for childhood, old age and delicate females.
Deobstruent
Blood purifier
Anthelmintic
Detersive when combined with vinegar.
Specific Action:
Cathartic (purgative of the malhumours).
Chemical Constituents:
Kaempferol
Apigenin-6
8-di-C-glycoside
Anthraquinones
Quercetin
Ferulic acid
Gallic acid
Caffeic acid
Ellagic acid
Tinnevellin glycoside
Isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-gentiobioside
Aloe emodin
D-3-O-methylinositol
Emodin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside
Mode of Action:
1-Antiinflammatory property:
Anthraquinones ( senna makki) reduces inflammation in gut, relieving symptoms of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. It inhibits Xanthine oxidase reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Anthraquinones glycosides and sennosides interact with these enzymes to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It stimulates bowel movements , soften stools and promotes regularity and May reduce inflammation or improve joints health.
2-Antioxidant property:
Kaempferol ( senna makki) protects against oxidative stress and damage in the gut. It interact with polyphenol oxidase, reduces PPO activity, decreasing oxidative stress. It protects against liver damage , reduces oxidative stress and improves detoxification.
Medicinal Uses:
- The leaves of Senna given to children and elderly when a tolerably active purge is required. As it is useful in evacuating the malhumours, it is regarded of benefit in periodic fevers when not relieved by desired drugs, in rheumatism of phlegmatic or bilious origin (i.e. be of yellow
- bile disorder or of atrabile), backache, sciatica, gout and asthma.
- Senna is also regarded as an effective blood purifier, therefore also prescribed in chronic skin ailments. It has been used as a cordial (when mixed with suitable drugs like violets).
- Largely recommended for use in constipation, loss of appetite, liver complaints, abdominal cramps (or related troubles), splenic enlargement, dyspepsia, typhoid, jaundice, anemia, leprosy, against poisoning symptoms, foul breath, bronchitis, tumours etc. The drug is regarded as
- emetic and may be a cause of colic (when used) therefore never advised to be taken alone, but as corrective (corrigent) among rose, Anisun and rose preserve (gulqand) any one can be used along with the drug.
Compound Preparations:
Itrifal Sanai
Safi
Itrifal Ustukhudus
Sherbet Qabz Kusha
Ma’jun Ushba
Itrifal Aftimun
Sherbet Mushil
Ma’jun Qurtum
Itrifal Zamani
Qurs Mulayyin
Ma’jun Murawweh ulArwah
Itrifal Ghudaddi
Kuhl Shifa, Itrifal Mulayyin
Laooq Sapistan Khiyar Shambari
Jawarish Ood Mulayyin
Hab Shabyar
Safuf Chobgazwala
Safuf Suranjan
Safuf
Mulayyin
Sherbet Ahmad Shahi
Ma’jun Anjir
Ma’jun Juzam
Ma’jun Chob-Chini
Ma’jun Sana
Ma’jun Suranjan.
Dosage:
3 to 5 g.
Corrigent:
Anisun (Pimpinella anisum Linn.), Rose sugar preserve
(Gulqand), Gul Surkh (Rosa damascena Mill.), Honey
Tenedium:
Turpeth (Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso. Khayar
Shanber (Cassia fistula Linn.).
Side Effects:
Senna leaves can cause pappy stools, large doses may produce intestinal irritation, tenesmus, nausea, intestinal colic and abortion. Contraindicated in spastic constipation, colitis, when there is irritation and fever (of unknown etiology), during pregnancy and in the presence of piles. Anisun (Pimpinella anisum Linn.), Rose sugar preserve (Gulqand), Gul Surkh (Rosa damascena Mill.), Honey.
Prescription:
1- For Stomach (Constipation, Indigestion etc)
Cassia angustifolia (Senna Makki) 20g
Fennel (Saunf) 20g
Rosa (Gul Surkh) 20g
Violet (Benafsha) 10g
Alva (Musabar) 20g
Almonds (Magaz Badam) 50g
Make a powder and fill the capsule.
Usage:
1 capsule Night time with milk.
Conclusion:
Cassia angustifolia (Senna) plays a significant role in herbal medicine, particularly for its effective natural laxative properties. Its usage spans traditional and modern medicinal practices, where it is valued for promoting digestive health and alleviating constipation. While generally safe when used appropriately, it is important to use Cassia angustifolia under medical guidance to avoid potential side effects, such as dehydration or dependence. Overall, Cassia angustifolia remains a noteworthy plant in the realm of natural remedies, reflecting the broader significance of herbal medicine in addressing various health needs.