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Herbal products Acting on GIT

Laxatives: Senna, Frangula, Cascara, Rhubarb, Aloes, Castor oil, Psyllium
Emetics: Ipeca
Demulcent: Liquorice; Iceland lichen
Hepatoprotective: Milk thistle
Miscellaneous: Curcuma, German Chamomile, Berberry, Boswellia, Ginger, Dandelion,
Gentian, Peppermint oil

Senna Leaves / Fruits

Senna leaves consists of the dried leaflets of Cassia senna L. (Fabaceae).
Senna fruits consists of the dried ripe fruit of Cassia senna L. (Fabaceae).
Chemical Composition
Hydroxyanthracene glycosides, the most plentiful of which are sennosides A and B. There
are also small amounts of aloeemodin and rhein 8-glucosides, mucilage, flavonoids, and
naphthalene precursors

Medicinal uses
Short-term use in occasional constipation.
Pharmacology
Experimental pharmacology
The laxative action of Senna leaves is primarily attributed to their hydroxyanthracene
glycosides, particularly sennosides A and B. These β-linked glycosides act as
secretagogues, promoting fluid secretion and specifically stimulating colonic motility to
accelerate intestinal transit. They are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract;
instead, intestinal bacteria in the large intestine metabolize them into the active
compounds rhein-anthrones.
The mechanism of action involves two main processes:

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