Cassia aquifolium – Letter sennы – Aleksandryyskyy letter – Cassia acutifolia Del.

Small shrub of the legume family (Fabaceae). In wild-growing plant species found in Africa and India. For the production of herbal remedies harvested leaves and fruits.

Cassia aquifolium – chemical structure

Leaves and fruits contain cassia aquifolium antraglikozidy (sennidin A and B, rhein, Aloe-emodin), the content of which depends the biological activity of the plant. The main aglycone glycoside aloe-emodin is. Besides, found in plants organic acid (palmitic, linoleic, stearic et al.), glycosides - kaempferol and kempferin, alkaloidы, sterols, etc..

Cassia aquifolium – Pharmacological properties

The plant has a laxative effect. The laxative effect of herbal plant forms were studied on white mice weighing 16-18 g. As a result of experiments, it was found, that mice laxative effect under the influence of aqueous extract and tincture of senna comes in 3-4 hours. The effective dose of 0.22-0.24 g / kg.

Influence of senna extract on the motility of the colon, and the tone of studied in cats. In acute experiments we recorded a reduction of the large intestine after administration of aqueous extract of senna. The amplitude of the contractions of the large intestine was significantly increased compared to the initial value and rise above contour. The maximum effect is observed after 120 minutes after administration of the extract, the amplitude of the intestinal contractions increased almost 10 times compared with the original value.

The influence of senna extract on the motility of the large intestine of laboratory animals as judged by the rate of evacuation of barium chloride from the gastrointestinal tract, established by the method of radiographing. X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract was performed immediately after injection, then through 4, 16 and 24 no. Animals, an extract of senna, evacuation of barium chloride from the gastrointestinal tract was faster, than in the control animals. So, rats, an extract of senna, gastrointestinal tract freed all the way through 16 no, whereas the control animals still remains of barium chloride were intestinal loops. A similar effect was observed in cats: complete evacuation of barium chloride in experimental cats were observed at 12 no, the control - 14-16 hours.

In studying the effect of dry extract Senna on bile secretion in acute experiments on cats found, that the drug increases the bile secretion in the first 2 hours after administration at 33 % , respectively, for each hour of observation.

Cassia extract has no toxic effect.

Cassia aquifolium – medical applications

The dry extract Senna is used as a laxative for colon atonia, habitual constipation.

Clinical studies have shown, senna extract has a laxative effect at regular admission at a dose of at least 0,2 g 2 once a day. The laxative effect is observed for 2-3 day dosing. However, a dose of senna extract should be selected individually. In the absence of side effects can be increased to 0.6-0.8 g / day. The drug acts gently. Against the background of his admission there is a regular, decorated chair, what distinguishes this drug from other laxatives (magnesium sulfate, rhubarb root, peel krushinы), acting more, but often cause diarrhea and pain in the gut. Side effects (flatulence, stomach ache, rumbling) They occur rarely and disappear after discontinuation of the drug. Senna extract has a positive effect also on the biliary and liver function antitoxic.

Cassia aquifolium – Dosage Forms, Dosing and Administration

Senna extract dry release tablets. The drug is administered orally before meals 1-2 tablets to receive 2-3 times a day or 1-2 tablets at night and in the morning on an empty stomach. The preparation is stored in a dry, cool place.

Senna leaves are part of the tea protivogemorroidalnogo, laxative tea.

Infusion of senna leaf: 8 g (2 tablespoons) leaves pour 200 ml (1 glass) hot boiled water, heated for 30 min in a sealed container, placed in boiling water (water bath), cooled at room temperature 45 m, filter, the remaining leaves squeeze. The volume of the resulting infusion was adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared infusion stored in a cool place no more than 2 d.

Is the inside of 1/3 cup in the morning and at night as a laxative for constipation.

The leaves are stored in a dry, cool place.