A Comprehensive Monograph on Senna Leaf (DB15889): From Traditional Remedy to Modern Laxative

1.0 Executive Summary

Senna leaf, a natural product derived from the Senna alexandrina plant, is a stimulant laxative with a long history of medicinal use. Identified in DrugBank with the accession number DB15889, it is primarily indicated for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation and for bowel preparation prior to diagnostic procedures. The active constituents, known as sennosides, are pharmacologically inactive prodrugs. They transit the upper gastrointestinal tract unchanged until they reach the colon, where they are metabolized by the gut microbiota into the active compound, rheinanthrone. This active metabolite exerts a dual mechanism of action: it stimulates colonic motility and alters intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport, leading to increased water content in the stool. This process results in a bowel movement typically within 6 to 12 hours of administration.