The Power Of Laxatives With Senna: How Do They Work?

Senna laxatives are a type of stimulant laxative derived from the fruit (pod) or leaf of the Senna alexandrina plant. They are approved in the US and by the FDA as a short-term treatment for constipation in adults and children over the age of two. Senna contains chemicals called sennosides, which irritate the bowel lining and cause a laxative effect. It is available in tablet, liquid, and syrup form, and should be taken at bedtime, producing a bowel movement within 6-12 hours. While it is an effective short-term treatment for constipation, it may cause side effects such as stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhea, and should not be used for more than one week without medical supervision.

Senna is the fruit or leaf of the Senna alexandrina plant

Senna is the fruit (pod) or leaf of the plant Senna alexandrina. It is a shrubby plant that grows natively in upper Egypt, notably the Nubian region, and near Khartoum, Sudan, where it is cultivated commercially. It is also grown in India, Somalia, and other semi-arid to arid zones. Senna alexandrina is a perennial xerophytic plant, which means it is adapted to survive with little water. It is also known as Alexandrian Senna, Egyptian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna, East Indian Senna, or French séné de la palthe.

The Senna alexandrina plant grows to a height of 0.5–1 metres (20" to 40"), rarely reaching two metres (6'). It has a branched, pale-green erect stem and long spreading branches bearing four or five pairs of leaves. These leaves form complex, feathery, mutual pairs, with each leaflet fully edged and a sharp top. The flowers are large, yellow, and tend to brown, while the fruit is horned, broadly oblong, compressed, and flat, containing about six seeds.

Senna has been used as a laxative for centuries, with the pods or leaves made into herbal tea. Modern medicine has also used senna extracts since at least the 1950s as a laxative. Senna contains chemicals called sennosides, which irritate the bowel lining and cause a laxative effect. It is approved in the US as a laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation and is available over the counter for adults and children over two years old. However, it should not be used for more than one week without medical supervision due to potential side effects, including stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhoea. Long-term use can cause more severe issues, such as liver damage and dependence on laxatives.

It is FDA-approved to treat constipation in adults and children over 2

Senna is the fruit (pod) or leaf of the plant Senna alexandrina. It is FDA-approved to treat constipation in adults and children over 2. It is available over the counter (OTC) and is often sold as an herbal supplement. It is also known as Cassia, Fan Xie Ye, Alexandrina, Séné, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.

Senna is a laxative that works by irritating the lining of the bowel, causing a laxative effect. It is recommended to be taken at bedtime and tends to work within 6-12 hours. It may cause side effects such as stomach upset, cramps, and diarrhoea. It should not be used for more than 1 week without medical supervision. Long-term use can lead to bowel dysfunction, laxative dependence, liver damage, and other harmful effects.

Senna is also used to empty the colon before a colonoscopy. It is sometimes used in combination with another laxative or stool softener such as lactulose, psyllium, or docusate. However, it has not been proven effective in treating other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, weight loss, or anal fissures.

It is important to follow the directions on the package or consult a healthcare provider for the correct dosage. Senna is available in different forms, including chewable tablets, liquid, and dissolving strips, and should be used as directed.

It can be used to clear the bowel before a colonoscopy

Senna is a stimulant laxative medication available over the counter and is used to treat constipation and bowel movement irregularity in both adults and children. It is also used for cleansing the colon before a colonoscopy in adults.

Senna is made from the leaves or fruits of the plant Senna alexandrina. It contains chemicals known as sennosides that irritate the intestinal lining, which stimulates peristalsis, a series of contractions by which intestines propel their contents, resulting in a bowel movement.

Senna is a suitable option for clearing the bowel before a colonoscopy as it meets the criteria for an ideal colon preparation. It is easy for patients to take, requires little time, has few adverse reactions, adequately cleans the colon mucosa, and is cost-effective.

In a clinical trial, patients who took senna tablets before a colonoscopy reported that they could work or perform their usual activities the day before the procedure. The overall quality of colon cleansing was the same as that of patients who took a Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) solution. However, abdominal pain was more severe in the senna group, and nausea and vomiting were more common in the PEG group.

Another study compared the use of senna with magnesium citrate for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. The results showed that the addition of senna significantly improved the cleansing outcome, but abdominal pain was also more frequent.

Therefore, senna is a viable option for clearing the bowel before a colonoscopy as it is effective, well-tolerated, and preferred by patients. However, it is important to note that abdominal pain may be a more common side effect compared to other bowel preparation methods.

Senna is often sold as an herbal supplement

Senna is a type of stimulant laxative that contains chemicals called sennosides. These sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, resulting in a laxative effect. It is essential to follow the directions on the package or consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage and duration of use. Senna is typically recommended for short-term use, and prolonged use may lead to adverse effects.

The laxative effect of senna usually occurs within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion. It is advised to take senna at bedtime, and it may cause side effects such as stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhoea. Senna should not be used for more than one week without medical supervision. Long-term use can lead to bowel dysfunction, laxative dependence, liver damage, and other harmful effects.

While senna is generally safe for adults and children over two years old when used for a short duration, it is not suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as stomach pain, intestinal blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhoea, appendicitis, or haemorrhoids, should avoid using senna. Additionally, it is important to consult a doctor before using senna if pregnant or breastfeeding.

It should not be used for more than a week without medical supervision

Senna is a natural laxative made from the leaves and fruit of the senna plant. It is approved in the US as a laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation. It is available over the counter and is also used to clear the bowel before procedures such as a colonoscopy.

Senna contains chemicals called sennosides, which irritate the bowel lining and cause a laxative effect. It is recommended to be taken at bedtime and it usually takes effect within 6-12 hours. The most common side effects are stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

It is important to note that senna should not be used for more than a week without medical supervision. Long-term use of senna can lead to serious health issues. Here are some reasons why it should not be used for more than a week without medical supervision:

• Bowel dysfunction: Prolonged use of senna can cause the bowels to stop functioning normally. This is because the body can become dependent on laxatives to function, which can lead to a lazy bowel syndrome. This means that the bowel may lose its ability to contract and move stools through the colon effectively.
• Liver damage: Long-term use of senna has been linked to liver damage. This is a serious condition that can have severe consequences if not addressed promptly.
• Other harmful effects: Senna use for more than a week has also been associated with other harmful effects on the body. These effects may vary from person to person and can be influenced by other factors such as age, dosage, and individual health conditions.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Senna is considered possibly safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used for up to one week. However, it is possibly unsafe when used for longer than one week or in high doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It has been linked to serious side effects, including laxative dependence and liver damage.
• Children: Senna is generally safe for children over the age of 2 when used for up to one week. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage for different age groups. Prolonged use or high doses of senna in children can lead to similar issues as in adults, including bowel dysfunction and liver damage.
• Gastrointestinal conditions: People with certain gastrointestinal conditions should not use senna. These conditions include stomach pain, intestinal blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhoea, appendicitis, stomach inflammation, and haemorrhoids. Using senna in these cases can aggravate the existing conditions and lead to further complications.

In conclusion, while senna is an effective short-term treatment for constipation, it should not be used for more than a week without medical supervision due to the potential risks associated with long-term use. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use to minimise the risk of adverse effects. If constipation persists or becomes a frequent issue, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and alternative treatment options.

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