Jati Cina (番泻叶 - 番瀉葉 - Fān xiè yè)
Senna leaf, Senna pod, Alexandrian Senna, Senna, Senna alexandrina, Cassia angustifolia, Cassia senna, is the dried leaf or pod of Alexandria senna and Tinnevelley senna. They are members of the pea family native to Eurasia, now cultivated commercially in the Middle East and India. Tinnevelley senna is most widely used in the United States. Senna does one thing, and does it well—relieve constipation. Its leaves and pods contain anthranoids which have specific effects in the intestines: chemical by-products of senna metabolism stimulate propulsive contractions and inhibit stationary contractions in the colon, thus speeding elimination of waste and increasing its water and electrolyte content.Email: sfoster@stevenfoster.com,
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Senna pods are the seed pods of the senna plant. Herbalists and natural doctors recommend senna pod supplements to treat mild cases of constipation. You should, however, take precautions when you use any laxative to treat constipation, including senna pods. Speak with a medical professional prior to consuming any laxative, such as senna pods, even though they are available over-the-counter.
The senna plant contains a strong laxative called anthraquinones. The fruit and pod of the senna plant have a lower concentration of anthraquinones than the plant's leaves. Pharmaceutical companies use the anthraquinones from the senna pods to manufacture a gentle laxative. The leaves of the senna plant, on the other hand, can cause cramping and severe diarrhea.
Anthraquinone, also called anthracenedione or dioxoanthracene, is an aromatic organic compound with formula C14H8O2. Isomers include various quinone derivatives. The term anthraquinone, however refers to the isomer, 9,10-anthraquinone (IUPAC: 9,10-dioxoanthracene) wherein the keto groups are located on the central ring. It is a building block of many dyes and is used in bleaching pulp for papermaking. It is a yellow, highly crystalline solid, poorly soluble in water but soluble in hot organic solvents. It is almost completely insoluble in ethanol near room temperature but 2.25 g will dissolve in 100 g of boiling ethanol.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthraquinone
Anthraquinones are potent laxatives and can be irritating to both the upper and lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract. There are various research reports on the effects of the various types of anthraquinones.
Although no definitive statements can be concluded from this limited research, these reports are investigating the hypotheses that anthraquinones contain the following qualities:
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral
- Emetic
- Insecticidal
Given these qualities, it is theorized that anthraquinones may offer protection against the following although, again, no firm conclusions can be drawn. As of now, there is no clinical evidence that anthraquinones offer protection from these conditions.
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Malaria
Use for Constipation
One of the most common medicinal uses of anthraquinones is to bring about constipation relief through their laxative effects. Anthraquinones are thought to increase the amount of fluid in the colon and may also serve to stimulate colon contractions.
Typically, one would experience the laxative effect of anthraquinones approximately seven hours after ingesting.
Potential Side Effects
There have historically been some concerns about the long-term use of anthraquinones. The most notable being the development of a condition known as melanosis coli. In this condition, the lining of the colon takes on a dark brownish-black hue. It is estimated that it takes four months of anthraquinone use for melanosis coli to develop.
In the past, there was some concern that the development of melanosis coli increased a person's risk for colon cancer. However, more recent research suggests that this is not the case. Interestingly, melanosis coli can reverse itself although the process can take up to 15 months after anthraquinone use has been discontinued.
An additional concern regarding anthraquinone laxatives has been for the potential for dependence stimulant laxatives. Again, research has not shown this to be the case.
There is some evidence that the overuse of anthraquinones can be dangerous.
Although research has not shown that long-term use of anthraquinones does not necessarily result in serious side effects, it may be prudent to use such products only for short-term relief of constipation.
As with any over-the-counter remedy, you should speak with your doctor to ensure that the product is safe for you given your medical history. In addition, you can work with your physician to develop a comprehensive approach to easing constipation symptoms, such as increasing fiber, so as to reduce your need for stimulant laxatives.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/anthraquinones-1945348
