A small shrub with yellowish-green flowers and a fruit that has a hard, heart-shaped seed.
A flowering plant used medicinally as a laxative. A stimulant, senna should not be used by anyone suffering from high blood pressure and/or heart disease. Available at health food stores.
The dried fruits of certain shrubs of the genus Cassia, used as an irritant laxative to relieve constipation and to empty the bowels before X-ray examination. It is administered by mouth; side-effects do not usually occur, but severe diarrhea may follow large doses.
The leaves of various species of Cassia senna. It is one of the most active of the simple laxative drugs. A standardized preparation of senna, Senokot, is widely used for the management of constipation in children and old people. A side-effect of senna is hypokalaemia; like other laxatives, it should not be used too often.
A type of laxative medication derived from the leaves and pods of Arabian shrubs known as Cassia Acutifolia and Cassia Angustifolia. It induces bowel contractions and might lead to darkening of the urine.