1. Senna
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2. Department of Technical Education Andhra Pradesh
Name : B. Janaki Ramayya
Designation : Sr. Lecturer
Branch : Pharmacy
Institute : GPW, Srikakulam
Year/Semester : 1st Year
Subject : Pharmacognosy
Subject code : Ph -103
Topic : Laxatives
Duration : mins
Sub-topic : Senna
Teaching Aids : PPTs, Photographs
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3. In this class we learnt about
Recap
In this class we learnt about
Rhubarb consists of peeled dried roots and rhizomes of
Rheum palmatum, R. officinale, R. emodi and
R.webbianum (Indian species) is belongs to the
Family Polygonaceae
Contains Anthraquinone derivatives as main chemical constituents
Used as mild purgative. PH

4. Objectives
On the completion of this lesson, you would be able to know:
The monograph of Senna
Fig.15.1
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5. Known to Unknown What do you mean by “Sinamukhi Leaf” ?
What for it is used ?
What type of Glycosides you come across in it ?
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6. Senna Synonym : Tinnevelly Senna, Indian Senna
Biological Source : Dried leaflets of
Cassia aungustifolia
Family : Leguminosae
Fig.15.2
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7. In India Tinnevelly, Madurai and Ramnathpuram districts of Senna
Geographical Source:
In India
Tinnevelly, Madurai and Ramnathpuram districts of
Tamil Nadu.
Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Maharashtra
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8. Senna Organoleptic characters: Colour : Yellowish-green
Odour : Slightly
Taste : Mucilaginous, bitter and characteristic
Fig.15.3
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9. Senna Organoleptic Characters: Size : 7 to 8mm in width and
25 to 60mm in length
Shape : Lanceolate, entire, apex is
acute with spine at the top
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10. Senna Chemical Constituents : Contains Anthraquinone derivatives.
Active constituents are :
Sennoside A
Sennoside B
Sennoside C
Sennoside D
Fig.15.4
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11. Senna Chemical Constituents : Other chemical constituents are :
Rhein Kaempferol
Aloe-emodin Isorhamnetin
Myricyl alcohol Phytosterol
Salicylilc acid Mucilage
Resin Calcium oxalate
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12. Senna Chemical Test Borntrager’s test:
Boil the powdered leaves with Dil.Sulphuric acid
Filtrate + double volume of water insoluble inorganic solvent like benzene, chloroform or carbon tetra chloride
Organic layer + equal volume of dilute Ammonia
Ammoniacal layer becomes Pink colour (due to the presence of Anthraquinone derivatives)
Filter
Shake it well and separate organic layer
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13. Senna
Uses :
Laxative
Irritant purgative
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14. Senna Substitutes and Adulterants : Dog Senna (Italian Senna)
Cassia auriculata
Palthe Senna
Cassia obovata
Alexandrian Senna
Cassia acutifolia
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15. Summary In this class, we have discussed about:
Senna consists of dried leaflets of Cassia aungustifolia, Family : Leguminosae
Contains Anthraquinone glycosides as main chemical constituents
Used as Laxative.
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16. Quiz 1. Senna belongs to the family Zingiberaceae Leguminosae
Myrtaceae
Umbelliferae
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17. Quiz 2. Senna is used as Antipyretic Dental analgesic Anti-diabetic
Laxative
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18. Quiz Senna contains Alkaloids Glycosides Volatile oils Saponins
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19. Frequently Asked Questions
Write monograph of Senna (Mar/Apr-04 & 06, Dec- 03)
Write the collection and preparation of Senna
for the market and mention its source, constituents and uses (Mar/Apr-05, Jun-02)
Give the macroscopic and microscopic characters
of Senna (Mar - 03)
Write the Botanical source, Chemical constituents and Uses of Senna. (Dec - 01)
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