SENNA 470mg 100 CAPS - 1

UPC: 733739047526
# N4752

Senna leaves are well known laxatives, but do they offer any other health benefits other than their laxative properties? In theory they should, since most plants contain phytochemicals that offer some form of health benefit, and senna leaves are no different. In fact, the list of primary nutrients contained by senna includes Vitamins A, C and B complex, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and selenium. It not only acts as a laxative, but also removes intestinal parasites, particularly worms, and can also be used to treat jaundice.

Among the health benefits offered by senna leaves that are unconnected with constipation are menstrual symptoms and an excess of bile. Senna also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, enabling it to be used effectively for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout and rheumatic conditions. It is also an effective treatment of acne, again because of its anti-inflammatory nature, and gallstones, colic and some skin conditions.

It is important to be careful when using senna leaves for weight loss since they tend to reduce the appetite while acting as a laxative, and hence offer the potential for malnutrition and possible eating disorders. Generally, however, senna leaves are safe to use although you should always refer to your doctor if you are already taking prescription medicines.

Senna leaves are available loose that you can take as a tea, or in the form of capsules that are standardized and are more easily controlled regarding their dose. Senna teas are fine, but should not be taken indiscriminately because they only work when they reach the lower part of your intestinal system, and you can get a false impression of its efficacy and so drink too much before it starts working.

The sennosides in senna are anthraquinone derivatives in the form of hydroxyanthracene glycosides that have little activity until they reach the colon. That is where they meet up with the natural bacterial colonies that reside there, and that activate the sennosides that then activate the peristaltic muscles of the colon. This can lead to stomach cramps if you take too much.

It is important, therefore, that you don't keep taking senna tea, or even the supplement in capsule form, until it works, because nothing will happen until it hits the colon. That takes time - as much as 24 hours, and by then you could have taken enough to take off a jumbo jet! So be careful and always follow instructions when you cleanse your colon with senna leaves.