Definition

Noun: * A tropical shrub (Senna alexandrina, formerly Cassia senna), characterized by its erect growth, clusters of yellow flowers, and pinnate leaves. Its dried leaflets and pods are used medicinally as a strong laxative.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Senna alexandrina is cultivated in many arid regions for its medicinal properties.
  • The active compounds in Senna alexandrina stimulate muscle contractions in the colon.
  • Pharmacists often recommend preparations made from Senna alexandrina for short-term relief of constipation.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In botanical nomenclature, is the accepted scientific name, while is a synonym reflecting its previous taxonomic classification.
  • The genus was reclassified, moving the plant from Cassia to Senna, hence the name Senna alexandrina.
• Pharmaceutical Context: The term is used to specify the plant source of the crude drug "senna," distinguishing it from other species.
  • The monograph specifies that the medicinal senna must be derived from Senna alexandrina or Senna angustifolia.

Variants and Related Words

• Senna (n): The common name for the medicinal product (dried leaves and pods) derived primarily from and a few related species.
  • The tea contains senna, which is a powerful laxative.
• Alexandrian senna (n): A direct synonym for , often used in herbal and commercial contexts.
  • Alexandrian senna is known for its particularly potent effects.
• Cassia senna (n): The former scientific name for this plant, still encountered in older texts.

Synonyms

• Alexandrian senna: The common name synonym.
• Cassia senna: The former botanical name synonym.
• Tinnevelly senna: A commercial variety name, referring to senna from a specific region, often from the related species .

Related Phrases

• Senna leaves: Refers specifically to the dried leaflets of the plant used medicinally.
  • The infusion is made from crushed senna leaves.
• Senna pods: Refers to the dried fruit pods of the plant, also used medicinally, sometimes considered milder than the leaves.
  • Some preparations use senna pods instead of the leaves.

Notes

• is primarily a term of botany, pharmacology, and herbal medicine. It is not typically used in everyday conversation, where the simpler term "senna" is common.
• Its use as a cathartic (a strong laxative that cleanses the bowel) should be short-term and under guidance, as prolonged use can lead to dependency or electrolyte imbalance.

Noun

1. erect shrub having racemes of tawny yellow flowers; the dried leaves are used medicinally as a cathartic; sometimes placed in genus Cassia