Abstract

Mohammad Sadat A. Khan*

ABSTRACT

It is evident from the literature that 80% of the world’s population depends on herbal drugs. Now-a-days, the herbs and herbal medicines are much effective for the treatment of varied disorders as they have minimal side effects as compared to the allopathic medicines. Cassia leaves and pods have been used in traditional or herbal medicine since ancient times. Ibn al-Qayyim described the plant Senna (?? ? ?? ) as an excellent medicine in his work on Prophetic Medicine. There are a number of species of Senna used throughout the world for medicinal purposes. The pods and leaves contain anthraquinone glycosides that have a big laxative effect. Cassia angustifolia, which is commonly called Senna belongs to the family Leguminosae. It is a well-known laxative throughout the planet. It is an ayurvedic herb more popularly known as swarnapatri in Sanskrit. Senna is widely used for its numerous benefits. The plant is mainly valued for its cathartic properties and is especially useful in habitual constipation. The laxative principles sennoside A and sennoside B are isolated from leaves and pods of senna, which constitute important ingredients in purgative medicines. This prophetic herb is very beneficial for numerous health issues. The plant has been investigated for its various chemical constituents and pharmacological properties. The distribution, medicinal applications, chemical constituents and various aspects of senna are reviewed in this paper.