Cassia Angustifolia, commonly known as Indian Senna, is a powerful natural laxative recognized by major pharmacopoeias including the British and US Pharmacopeia. The leaves and pods contain compounds that stimulate bowel movements, making it highly effective in treating habitual constipation and promoting digestive health. It is also used in respiratory and wound care treatments.
Family Name: CAESALPINACEAE
Botanical Name: CASSIA AUGUSTIFOLIA
Common Name: SENNA, INDIAN SENNA, TINNERVELLY SENNA, CASSIA SENNA
Part Used: PODS, STEMS, LEAVES
Habitat: Cultivated in dry lands of Southern & Western India, and indigenous to Arabia.
Uses: It is recognised by British and US pharmacopoeias. It is useful in habitual costiveness. It lowers bowels, increases peristaltic movements of the colon by its local action upon the intestinal wall. It is used as expectorant, wound dresser, anti-dysenteric, carminative and laxative.
Additional Information:
Cassia Angustifolia is a shrubby medicinal plant known for its active compounds called sennosides, which provide natural relief from constipation without harsh chemical side effects. Apart from its gastrointestinal uses, it also exhibits mild antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani, Senna has been used to cleanse the colon before surgeries or religious fasts. Its powdered form is also incorporated in herbal teas and dietary supplements globally.