Indications
Sana (Senna, Cassia angustifolia, also called Sana Makki) is a herb whose leaves and pods are used as a stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. In Unani medicine it is also traditionally included in “blood purifier” and digestive preparations. Its laxative effect is well established, but it is meant for short-term use only.
How It Works
Senna contains sennosides. These pass unchanged to the large bowel, where gut bacteria turn them into active compounds that stimulate the bowel muscles to move and reduce the amount of water absorbed from the stool. This usually produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours, so it is often taken at bedtime.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label or by a registered practitioner, usually once a day at bedtime with a glass of water. Use the lowest amount that works. Do not use it for more than one week without medical advice. Drink enough fluids and eat fibre-rich food.
Interactions
- Long-term use can lower blood potassium, which increases the risk of side effects from Digoxin and from heart rhythm medicines.
- Diuretics (water tablets) and steroids such as Prednisolone also lower potassium; together with Senna the risk is higher.
- It may reduce the absorption of other medicines taken at the same time because it speeds up the gut.
Contraindications
- Bowel blockage, unexplained stomach pain, appendicitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
- Severe dehydration.
- Children under 12 years, unless a doctor advises it.
- Known allergy to Senna.
Side Effects
Common effects include stomach cramps, wind and loose stools. The urine may turn yellow-brown or reddish; this is harmless. Long-term use can cause loss of fluid and salts (especially potassium), muscle weakness and dependence on laxatives.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe or continuing stomach pain, bleeding from the back passage, severe diarrhoea with dizziness or weakness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if diet and gentler laxatives have not helped and a doctor advises it. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; short-term use is generally considered acceptable, but ask a doctor first.
Precautions and Warnings
- Senna is a potent herb: do not take more than advised or use it for long periods.
- See a doctor if constipation lasts more than one week, if you have a sudden change in bowel habit, blood in the stool or weight loss.
- Elderly people and those with heart or kidney disease are more sensitive to salt loss.
Overdose
Too much may cause severe diarrhoea, cramps, dehydration and low potassium, which can affect the heart. Seek medical help if a large amount has been taken, especially by a child.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal preparation (stimulant laxative).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.