A Review on Pharmacological and Agronomical Properties of Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.)

Abstract

Cassia angustifolia Vahl. is a valuable medicinal plant and drought-resistant shrub belonging to Caesalpinaceae that, in general, known as senna. The origin of this plant is Saudia Arabia and Somalia where it has naturalized in India. The leaves and pods contain two anthraquinones: Sennoside ‘A’ and ‘B’, which are extensively used as a laxative in pharmaceutical industry. The plant also contains rhein, chrysophenol, emodin and aloe-emodin. Besides being an excellent laxative, senna is also used as a febrifuge in splenic enlargements, anaemia, typhoid, cholera, biliousness, jaundice, gout, rheumatism, tumours, and bronchitis. This study reviewed the most important chemical constituents in senna and its therapeutic properties.

Keywords

• cassia angustifolia
• anthraquinone
• sennoside
• laxative