Comprehensive Analysis of the Health Benefits of Senna
Senna, scientifically known as Senna alexandrina, is an herb commonly used to treat certain types of constipation. This plant can grow up to approximately 6 feet tall, featuring light green, hairy stems, dark green leaves, and pale yellow flowers.
Senna contains a compound called anthraquinone, which endows the plant with laxative properties. Due to this, senna may be helpful in clearing the intestines before a colonoscopy, treating some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and relieving symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Preliminary research indicates that senna may possess antibacterial and hypoglycemic properties, potentially assisting in the treatment of conditions such as skin infections, diabetes, and obesity. However, while taking senna in appropriate doses is safe, taking it in large doses or continuously for a long - term may pose risks.
1. Relieving Constipation
Senna is a medically recognized treatment for short - term constipation. It is a stimulant laxative, which means it promotes bowel movements by activating intestinal contractions. Expert guidelines for constipation management list senna - based laxatives as an evidence - based approach for treating chronic idiopathic constipation (long - term constipation of unknown cause). Additionally, senna seems to be helpful in relieving constipation associated with opioid use.
2. Assisting in Colonoscopy Preparation
Given its feces - softening properties, medical experts often recommend using senna to clean the intestines before surgeries and other medical procedures like colonoscopies. The anthraquinone naturally present in senna, the compound with laxative effects, helps increase the amount of fluid in the intestines, thereby softening the feces and completely clearing the bowels. Research shows that senna is safe for both children and adults for pre - operative bowel cleansing. Sometimes, senna can be combined with other treatments, such as probiotics, to support this process.
3. Potentially Aiding in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Research suggests that senna may be beneficial for treating certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its anti - inflammatory properties help relieve constipation and related symptoms in the digestive system, such as cramps and discomfort. Some healthcare providers recommend using senna as an adjuvant treatment for IBS - C, a type of IBS with constipation as the main symptom. However, more extensive research is still needed regarding the use of senna as a treatment for IBS.
4. Potentially Relieving Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Supplementation with senna may help relieve the discomfort symptoms of hemorrhoids (swelling of the veins around the anus), such as pain around the rectum. Constipation or hard stools can trigger or exacerbate hemorrhoids. Senna can relieve constipation and soften the stools, so it may help control hemorrhoid symptoms. Early research indicates that senna may help heal hemorrhoids in some cases. However, more research is required around this theory before senna can be widely recommended as a specific treatment for hemorrhoids.
5. Supporting Diabetes Treatment
In traditional medical practice, senna is used as a hypoglycemic treatment, meaning it may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A very small - scale study had 9 adults with diabetes and constipation drink senna tea continuously for several months, gradually increasing the amount. After the treatment, the participants' red blood cell glucose levels, constipation, and other diabetes - related complications all improved. Although these findings are promising for long - term diabetes management, larger - scale studies are needed for confirmation.
6. Potentially Aiding in the Treatment of Obesity
Due to its stimulant and laxative properties, senna is often sold in the form of tea as a dietary or weight - loss supplement. This herb can promote bowel movements, leading to temporary water loss. Researchers also speculate that senna may facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body, thereby promoting metabolism and weight management. However, further human clinical trials are needed before senna can be recommended as a treatment for obesity.
7. Potentially Having Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Research shows that senna may be helpful in combating a variety of bacterial and fungal infections. When applied topically, senna seems to have skin - healing properties, including fighting acne, clearing skin infections, and potentially treating inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema. Traditionally, cultures around the world have used topical preparations of senna for these purposes. Some current research supports these uses, but more extensive research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
How to Take Senna
Senna is available in powder, capsule, and liquid forms. It is also commonly made into tea. Some senna products come in capsule form and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Be sure to check the product label before taking. Experts do not recommend chewing, splitting, or crushing such capsules. Effects can be seen approximately 6 - 12 hours after taking senna. Some experts suggest taking this herb before going to bed so that bowel movements occur in the morning.
Dosage
The dosage of senna varies slightly depending on the product and the person using the herb. Most adults take about 17 milligrams (mg) of senna per day, one to two times a day, for no more than 10 days. Consult a healthcare provider before taking senna for more than a week. Many senna supplement products contain 8 - 9 mg of senna per capsule.
Is Senna Safe?
When used as directed, senna is generally considered safe for adults and children aged 2 years and above. However, it may not be safe for people with certain health conditions, including:
Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix.
Heart disease.
Kidney disease.
Liver disease.
Dehydration.
If you have one of the above - mentioned diseases, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are currently experiencing stomach pain or intestinal obstruction, consult your healthcare provider to determine if senna is suitable for you.
Potential Drug Interactions
Senna may interact with certain medications, as follows:
Diuretics: Taking senna with diuretics (water pills) may cause an imbalance in potassium levels in the body. Diuretics help excrete salt and water from the body. When combined with a laxative like senna, this effect may be doubled, causing excessive potassium to be excreted from the body.
Estrogen: Senna may interfere with the absorption of estradiol, an estrogen contained in some birth control pills. This may reduce the contraceptive effect.
Heart medications: Senna, as a stimulant laxative, can lead to low potassium levels, increasing the risk of side effects when taking the heart medication Lanoxin (digoxin). The laxative effect of senna may also enhance the blood - thinning effect of the drug Coumadin (warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding.
Stimulant laxatives: Taking another stimulant laxative while taking senna will exacerbate the laxative effect, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Some supplements, such as horsetail and licorice root, may also interact with senna, increasing the likelihood of low potassium levels.
Some experts recommend taking senna supplements at least two hours before or after taking other oral medications. Consult your healthcare provider for the best way to take senna in combination with other medications or supplements.
What to Look for
Senna supplements and tea are widely available in pharmacies and online. When purchasing senna products, check the label to see if the supplement has been tested for purity and potency by a third - party organization. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements in the same way as drugs. Organizations such as the United States Pharmacopeia, NSF International, and ConsumerLab provide quality testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of products.
Can You Overdose on Senna?
Long - term use of senna or taking more than the daily dose recommended by supplement products or healthcare providers is unsafe. If senna is taken for a long time, you may become dependent on this supplement for bowel movements. Long - term or high - dose use of senna can also lead to dangerous low potassium levels, hepatotoxicity, and other adverse reactions.
Side Effects of Senna
When used short - term as directed, the potential side effects of senna are usually mild. Some of the most common side effects include:
Stomach pain and cramps.
Diarrhea.
Nausea.
Bloating.
Vomiting.
Gas.
Urine discoloration.
A serious side effect of long - term use of senna is liver damage, which may occur after several months of using senna. Although rare, electrolyte imbalance and changes in heart rhythm are also possible.
Quick Review
Senna is an herb used to treat short - term constipation. It may also have other health benefits, such as facilitating bowel movements before surgery, treating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and relieving hemorrhoid symptoms. Preliminary research suggests that senna may help treat skin infections, diabetes, and obesity, but more evidence is needed. Senna may interact with certain medications, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before adding this supplement to your daily regimen.
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