Recent advances on senna as a laxative: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Cassia angustifolia is an ayurvedic herb more popularly known as senna. It is also known as swarnapatri in Sanskrit. It is an FDA approved nonprescription laxative. Due to its laxative property it is used to clear bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy. Senna is an Arabian name but it is native to Sudan. It is a small herb growing to a height of 2-3 feet. In India it is cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Its commercial cultivation has recently come up in Kutch (Gujrat) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The first systematic examination of the leaves was carried out by Tschirch and Hiepe.