and to a lesser extent in Madurai, Salem and Tiruchirapalli districts of Tamil Nadu. Also grown on a small scale in Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh and certain parts of Karnataka.
English Indian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna.
Ayurvedic Svarna-pattri, Maarkandikaa, Maarkandi.
Unani Sannaa, Sanaa-makki, Senaai, Sonaamukhi, Sanaa-Hindi.
Siddha/Tamil Nilaavaarai.
Folk Sanaai.
Action Purgative (free from astringent action of rhubark type herbs, but causes gripe), used in compounds for treating biliousness, distention of stomach, vomiting and hiccups. Also used as a febrifuge, in splenic enlargements, jaundice, amoebic dysentery. Contraindicated in inflammatory colon diseases.
Key application Leaf and dried fruit—in occasional constipation. (German Commission E.) As a stimulant laxative. (The British
Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) 1,8-
dihydoxy-anthracene derivatives have a laxative effect. This effect is due to the sennosides, specifically, due to their active metabolite in the colon, rheinanthrone. The effect is primarily caused by the influence on the motility of the colon by inhibiting stationary and stimulating propulsive contractions. (German Commission F, ESCOP WHO.) Seena has been included in I.P. as a purgative.
Most of the Senna sp. contain rhein, aloe -emodin, kaempferol, isormamnetin, both free and as glucosides, together with mycricyl alcohol. The purgative principles are largely attributed to anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides.
Senna is an Arabian name. The drug was brought into use by Arabian physicians for removing capillary congestion (pods were preferred to leaves).
The active purgative principle of senna was discovered in 1866.
Cassia acutifolia Delile is also equated with Maarkandikaa, Svarna-pattri, Sanaai.
Dosage Leaves—500 mg to 2 g (API Vol. I.)
Cassia auriculata Linn.
Family Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat Wild in dry regions of Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Cultivated in other parts of India.
English Tanner’s Cassia.
128 Cassia fistula Linn.
