Pharmacognosy
Folium Senna
Origin: The dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia
(Alexadrian senna) & Cassia angustifolia (Indian
senna), F. Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Notes: 1)
Acutifolia: sharp pointed leaflets 2) Angustifolia:
narrow leaflets
Leaves are: 1. Compound, Paripinnate and
petiolated 2. Greyish in colour and brittle 3.
Lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate 4. Entire margin 5.
Acute to mucronate apex 6. Asymmetric base
Isobilateral Epidermal cells contains mucilage
showing paracytic stomata Nonglandular,
unicellular hairs with warty cuticle are present
Idioblast containing cluster crystals of Ca oxalate is
the spongy tissue Vascular bundles with crystal
sheath
Powder leaves: Green with Slightly bitter
mucilaginous taste Microscopically: 1) Fragments
of the lower epidermis showing paracytic stomata
,2) Non-glandular hairs 3) Caox cluster 4) Crystal
sheath 5) Cicatrix
Senna Leaves Chemical constituents
Anthraquinone glycoside: ▪ Sennosides A, B, C and D
Flavonoids. ▪ Kaempferol Mucilage Resin
Senna Leaves Test of identity Borntrager’s test:
(for free anthraquinone) Senna powder + NH4OH
Faint red colour Modefied Borntrager’s test: (for
combined anthraquinone) Senna powder + alcoholic
KOH boil (2-3 min) dilute with water, add H2O2 –
filter – acidify with dilute HCL – Shake with ether or
benzene – separate the organic layer – add 2 ml of
NH4OH rose red colour in the aqueous layer
Senna Leaves Uses Laxative or purgative : as it
stimulate the peristalsis and decrease water and
electrolyte. ▪ Used in the treatment of habitual
constipation ▪ Haemorrhoids ▪ X-ray examination
Dose : 2 g (infusion or decoction)
Dose & market product The usual dose is 17.2 mg
of sennosides daily and not more than 34.4 mg
twice daily. Senna is available in form of tables,
, syrups and as tea bags in different products in the
local and international market
Side effects Stomach discomfort. Stomach
cramps. Diarrhea. Dependence with long use.
Electrolyte imbalance with long use (decrease in
potassium level)
Contraindication Senna is contraindicated in the
following cases: Electrolyte disturbances &
potassium deficiency. Dehydration & diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal conditions. Intestinal obstruction.
Heart diseases. Any laxative can cause diarrhea
and consequently loss of water and electrolyte
disturbance
Drug interactions Digoxin (a cardiotonic glycoside
found in Digitalis leaves): Senna is a stimulant
laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body.
Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side
effects of digoxin such as mental disturbance,
headache and diarrhea in addition to abnormal
heart rhythms.
Folium Senna
Origin: The dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia
(Alexadrian senna) & Cassia angustifolia (Indian
senna), F. Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Notes: 1)
Acutifolia: sharp pointed leaflets 2) Angustifolia:
narrow leaflets
Leaves are: 1. Compound, Paripinnate and
petiolated 2. Greyish in colour and brittle 3.
Lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate 4. Entire margin 5.
Acute to mucronate apex 6. Asymmetric base
Isobilateral Epidermal cells contains mucilage
showing paracytic stomata Nonglandular,
unicellular hairs with warty cuticle are present
Idioblast containing cluster crystals of Ca oxalate is
the spongy tissue Vascular bundles with crystal
sheath
Powder leaves: Green with Slightly bitter
mucilaginous taste Microscopically: 1) Fragments
of the lower epidermis showing paracytic stomata
,2) Non-glandular hairs 3) Caox cluster 4) Crystal
sheath 5) Cicatrix
Senna Leaves Chemical constituents
Anthraquinone glycoside: ▪ Sennosides A, B, C and D
Flavonoids. ▪ Kaempferol Mucilage Resin
Senna Leaves Test of identity Borntrager’s test:
(for free anthraquinone) Senna powder + NH4OH
Faint red colour Modefied Borntrager’s test: (for
combined anthraquinone) Senna powder + alcoholic
KOH boil (2-3 min) dilute with water, add H2O2 –
filter – acidify with dilute HCL – Shake with ether or
benzene – separate the organic layer – add 2 ml of
NH4OH rose red colour in the aqueous layer
Senna Leaves Uses Laxative or purgative : as it
stimulate the peristalsis and decrease water and
electrolyte. ▪ Used in the treatment of habitual
constipation ▪ Haemorrhoids ▪ X-ray examination
Dose : 2 g (infusion or decoction)
Dose & market product The usual dose is 17.2 mg
of sennosides daily and not more than 34.4 mg
twice daily. Senna is available in form of tables,
, syrups and as tea bags in different products in the
local and international market
Side effects Stomach discomfort. Stomach
cramps. Diarrhea. Dependence with long use.
Electrolyte imbalance with long use (decrease in
potassium level)
Contraindication Senna is contraindicated in the
following cases: Electrolyte disturbances &
potassium deficiency. Dehydration & diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal conditions. Intestinal obstruction.
Heart diseases. Any laxative can cause diarrhea
and consequently loss of water and electrolyte
disturbance
Drug interactions Digoxin (a cardiotonic glycoside
found in Digitalis leaves): Senna is a stimulant
laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body.
Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side
effects of digoxin such as mental disturbance,
headache and diarrhea in addition to abnormal
heart rhythms.
