In late 2002, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration decided to restrict the sale of aloe and cascara products which were being marketed for laxative purposes. After this, senna became the sole surviving class of herbal laxatives being sold on large scale in the U.S. The plant has its origins in the East African region and Middle East, but can also be found in more temperate locations.
The name senna has an interesting background, stemming from the Semitic languages such as Arabic and Hebrew, which is suggested by the geographical origins of the plant. The active agent is a compound that is known as an anthraquinone. In broader terms, anthraquinones are found in other substances that have purgative or laxative effects which stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.
As one might guess, the application of the senna herb as a constipation treatment goes back hundreds or even thousands of years. Senna was used in its raw, unprocessed form, without the benefit of modern methods in purification of the active compounds. Today it can be found in semi-processed form like tea leaves, or in more processed forms like capsules.
Though it’s thought of as an herbal treatment, a prospective consumer should be aware of the history and quality of the producing company. Natural laxatives can be dangerous even if they are natural. Prospective consumers should consult with organizations who monitor the quality of such companies to ensure that they have not had serious breaches of business ethics or been embroiled in disputes of quality. Allergic reactions are rare but should be kept in mind.
For additional safety, all buyers of senna should be well-informed of the warnings related to taking the senna herb. Medical and scientific studies have indicated that those who have a history of problems with heart disease, and those with hypertensive tendencies may react poorly to senna. The bottom line is that anyone who wants to try a new kind of laxative treatment, whether its natural or not, should ask for information from his personal physician.
In times of antiquity, senna was likely to be ingested while in herbal or leaf form. Some people will find this to be the most pleasing way of taking senna. In response to such demand, manufacturers have made a tea form of the senna laxative. However, sophisticated formulations such as capsules and tablets can be more nutritious if they are fortified with minerals like calcium.
Some of these ideas were generously granted by a site on constipation remedies. Specialty detail resources on prune juice are available.
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