PDR for Herbal Medicines

684 /SENECA SNAKEROOT PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

the infusion as an expectorant, drink 1 cup of tea 2 to 3 times

daily. In serious cases, the tea can be taken every two hours

if the patient is observed for side effects.

LITERATURE

Corner JJ et al., (1962) Phytochemistry 1:73.

Kako M et al., Hypoglycemic effect of the rhizomes of

Polygala senega in normal and diabetic mice and its main

component, the triterpenoid glycoside senegin-II. In: PM

62(5)440-443. 1996.

Shibata S, In: Progress in Phytochemistry, Vol. 6, Ed. Reinhold

et al., Pergamon Press 1980.

Shoji J et al.'. (1971) Yakugaku Zasshi 91:198.

Further information in:

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde 1-8, Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Senecio aureus

See Golden Ragwort

Senecio bicolor

See Dusty Miller

Senecio jacoboea

See Ragwort

Senecio nemorensis

See Alpine Ragwort

Senecio vulgaris

See Groundsel

Senna

Cassia species

TRADE NAMES

Senna Extract, Senna Leaf, Ex-Lax Regular Strength, Ex- *

Lax Maximum Strength, X-Prep Bowel Evacuant Liquid,

SenokotXTRA, Senokot, Senokot Children's Syrup

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves, fruit

and flowers.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are yellow, occasionally

white or pink. They are located in axillary or terminal

positions on erect racemes. The calyx is deeply divided with

a short tube and 5 regular, imbricate sepals. There are 5

layered petals. The 4 to 10 stamens are often irregular and

partially sterile. The ovary is sessile or short-stemmed with a

short or oblong style. The pod can be cylindrical or flat,

angular or winged and often with horizontal walls between

the seeds. The seeds are numerous and either horizontally or

vertically compressed.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The genus Cassia comprises shrubs,

subshrubs, and herbaceous perennials with paired-pinnate <J

leaves. There are axes with stem glands either between the

leaflets or on the petiole. The stipules have varying shapes.

Habitat: Cassia species is found in the tropical and

subtropical regions of all continents except Europe. Most

varieties are indigenous to North, Central, and South

America.

Other Names: Tinnevelly Senna, India Senna, Alexandrian

Senna, Khartoum Senna

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Anthracene derivatives (2.5-3.5%): chief components senno-

sides A, Al and B, as well as sennosides C and D

Naphthacene derivatives: including 6-hydroxymusizin glu-

coside (0.85% in Cassia senna), tinnevellin-6-glucosides

(0.3% in Cassia angustifolia)

EFFECTS

Laxative Effects ™

Senna is an anthranoid-type stimulating laxative. The

laxative effect is due to the action of sennosides and their

active metabolite, rhein anthrone, in the colon. The laxative

effect is realized by inhibition of water and electrolyte

absorption from the large intestine, which increases the

volume and pressure of the intestinal contents. This will

stimulate colon motility resulting in propulsive contractions.