Alexandrian senna
Other names for Alexandrian senna
alexandrian senna
cassia
cassia angustifolia
cassia angustifolia leaf extract
cassia angustifolia leaf extract, dry
certified organic senna extract
certified organic senna (senna alexandrina) dried pods liquid extract
fan xie ye leaf extract, dry
flixweed dried seed liquid extract
organic senna
organic senna leaf dry extract
organic senna leaf powder
organic senna powder
senna
senna 20% extract
senna alexandrina
senna alexandrina leaf extract
senna alexandrina leaf extract, dry
{senna} blend
senna (cassia angustifolia) (leaf/pod) extract powder
senna (cassia angustifolia) (leaf) powder
senna (cassia angustifolia) leaves dry extract
senna extract
senna extract, 10% senosides
senna leaf
senna leaf 10:1 p.e.
senna leaf 20% extract
senna leaf 4:1 extract
senna leaf concentrate
senna leaf extract
senna leaf extract, aqueous
senna (leaf) powder
senna leaf powder
senna leaves
senna leaves extract
senna leaves extract & senna leaves powder blend
senna leaves powder
senna leaves powder and extract
senna powder
senna, powder
sickle-pod senna extract
wildcrafted fan xie ye (cassia angustifolia) dried leaf liquid extract
wildcrafted fan xie ye extract
wild harvested fan xie ye powder extract
Synopsis of Alexandrian senna
History
Alexandrian senna (Senna alexandrina), a member of the legume family, has a rich history as a medicinal herb stretching back thousands of years. Originating from regions of North Africa and the Middle East, particularly around ancient Alexandria, this plant was highly prized in both ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman medicine. Historical records show that senna leaves and pods were commonly used as natural remedies for promoting digestive health, especially as an effective, gentle laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Its popularity grew through the centuries, making it a staple in apothecaries and herbal medicine chests across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Senna’s active compounds, known as sennosides, stimulate the muscles of the intestines, encouraging bowel movements. This made it a preferred choice for individuals seeking relief from sluggish digestion or the discomforts of irregularity. Traditional healers often combined Alexandrian senna with aromatic herbs like ginger, fennel, or licorice. These herbal combinations were crafted not only to enhance senna’s efficacy but also to soften its effects and reduce potential griping or cramping, creating a more balanced and pleasant remedy.
Today, Alexandrian senna continues to be valued in natural health products for its reliable, plant-based action. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine highlights its safety and benefit when used responsibly. In both standalone preparations and synergistic blends with other herbs, senna contributes to overall digestive wellness, making it a time-honored ally for maintaining healthy elimination and supporting gastrointestinal comfort.
Traditional and scientific validation
Alexandrian senna (Senna alexandrina), a plant native to North Africa and the Middle East, has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine, particularly as a natural laxative. Its pods and leaves have been utilized for centuries in herbal remedies, with records dating back to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Recognized for its ability to alleviate occasional constipation, Alexandrian senna became a staple in both traditional and modern pharmacopeias.
Scientifically, the primary active compounds in Alexandrian senna are sennosides, which act on the large intestine to stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis and inhibiting water and electrolyte reabsorption. Clinical studies have validated its short-term efficacy in relieving constipation. For example, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that senna-based preparations can effectively increase stool frequency and improve bowel regularity, particularly in populations such as the elderly or those with opioid-induced constipation.
While Alexandrian senna is generally recognized as safe for short-term use, scientific literature suggests that more research is necessary to fully understand its long-term safety profile and potential additional health benefits. Nevertheless, its inclusion in nutritional products contributes positively to digestive health, offering a natural and effective option for individuals seeking relief from occasional irregularity. As with any botanical supplement, it is important to use Alexandrian senna as directed and consult healthcare professionals for extended use. Ongoing research and historical usage together underscore its value as a beneficial component in modern nutritional formulations.
Alexandrian senna is used for these health conditions
Colon (atonic) (Scientific)
Colon (spastic) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Alexandrian senna is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Rectum (Scientific)
