Senna (chronic use)

Scientific Summary

Senna alexandrina (sennosides) is a flowering plant whose dried root is harvested for use as a stimulant laxative. It is mainly employed to relieve chronic constipation and occasional irritable‑bowel symptoms by increasing colonic fluid secretion and motility, with action beginning 8‑10 hours after dosing so it is usually taken at nighttime. Long‑term or excessive use can cause tolerance, electrolyte disturbances, renal stress, and intestinal atrophy, so it should be taken only at the recommended dose and for short periods, avoiding use during pregnancy, in patients with renal disease, or alongside other bowel‑stimulating agents.

Source: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Vols 1-3), Trease & Evans Pharmacognosy 16th ed