Definition

Noun 1. A medicinal plant: A specific type of senna plant (Senna alexandrina), an erect shrub characterized by clusters of tawny yellow flowers. Its dried leaves are used medicinally primarily for their strong laxative (cathartic) effect. * Botanical Note: This plant was formerly classified under the genus Cassia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pharmacist recommended a tea made from alexandria senna for relief.
  • Alexandria senna is cultivated in many regions for its medicinal leaves.
  • The active compounds in alexandria senna stimulate the colon.

Advanced Usage

• "Dried alexandria senna": Refers specifically to the prepared form of the plant used in herbal medicine.
  • The recipe calls for two grams of dried alexandria senna.
• In botanical and pharmacological contexts, it is often referred to by its former name, or .

Variants and Related Words

• Senna (n): The general term for plants of the genus , many of which have similar medicinal uses.
  • Several types of senna are used in herbal laxatives.
• Cassia (n): A related genus of flowering plants; historically, alexandria senna was placed in this genus.
• Tinnevelly senna (n): Another important medicinal variety of senna (), often compared with alexandria senna.

Synonyms

• Senna alexandrina (n): The current botanical Latin name.
• Cassia senna (n): A former botanical Latin name.
• Egyptian senna (n): A common name reflecting one of its regions of origin.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Cathartic (n/adj): A substance that accelerates defecation; having a strong laxative effect.
  • The cathartic properties of the plant are well-documented.
• Purgative (n/adj): Another term for a strong laxative substance.
  • It is used as a herbal purgative.

Noun

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