Senna leaf, Senna pod, Alexandrian Senna, Senna, Senna alexandrina, Cassia angustifolia, Cassia senna.

Senna leaf, Senna pod, Alexandrian Senna, Senna, Senna alexandrina, Cassia angustifolia, Cassia senna, is the dried leaf or pod of Alexandria senna and Tinnevelley senna. They are members of the pea family native to Eurasia, now cultivated commercially in the Middle East and India. Tinnevelley senna is most widely used in the United States. Senna does one thing, and does it well—relieve constipation. Its leaves and pods contain anthranoids which have specific effects in the intestines: chemical by-products of senna metabolism stimulate propulsive contractions and inhibit stationary contractions in the colon, thus speeding elimination of waste and increasing its water and electrolyte content.

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