This product is the leaf of the herbaceous shrub Cassia angustifolia Vahl and Cassia acutifolia Delile, both belonging to the legume family. The former is primarily produced in India, Egypt, and Sudan, while the latter is mainly produced in Egypt, and is also cultivated in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan in mainland China. It is usually harvested in September, then dried and used raw.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sweet and bitter, cold. Act on large intestinal meridian.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Drain heat, promote movement, relieve stagnation, and facilitate urination.

bubble_chart Indications

1. is used for constipation. This product is bitter and cold in nature, with descending and purging properties. It can both purge stagnation and clear heat, making it suitable for heat accumulation constipation, habitual constipation, and constipation in the elderly. It is mostly taken as a single herb in infusion. A small dose can produce a mild laxative effect, while a large dose can induce strong purgation. For cases of heat accumulation constipation with abdominal distension, fullness, and distending pain, it can be combined with Immature Orange Fruit and Magnolia Bark to enhance its purging and stagnation-relieving effects.
2. Additionally, Senna Leaf can also purge and promote urination to reduce swelling, making it suitable for conditions such as ascites and edema. It can be taken as a single herb in infusion or used in combination with Pharbitis Seed and Areca Peel to enhance its diuretic and swelling-reducing effects.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Yinpian Xincan: "Clears heat, benefits the intestines, and promotes bowel movements."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Contraindicated for women during lactation, menstruation, and pregnancy. Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other side effects.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Narrow-leaf Senna Leaf and pointed-leaf Senna Leaf both contain sennosides, aloe-emodin glucoside, rhein glucoside, as well as aloe-emodin, rhein, kaempferol, phytosterols, and their glycosides.

1. Sennoside A has a stronger laxative effect compared to other anthraquinones and is more suitable for acute constipation than chronic constipation. When stimulating the large intestine to induce laxation, it may be accompanied by abdominal pain.
2. Anthraquinones have inhibitory effects on various bacteria (such as staphylococci, large intestine bacilli, etc.) and skin fungi (such as Microsporum audouinii, etc.).