Senna is also known as Cassia, Fan Xie Ye, Alejandrina, Séné, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.
Senna is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in treating occasional constipation in adults and children at least 2 years old. It is sometimes used together with another laxative or stool softener such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.
Senna is possibly effective as a bowel preparation before colonoscopy.
Other uses not proven with research include weight loss, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus), or after anal or rectal surgery.
It is not certain whether senna is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Senna should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Senna is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
