Definition

Noun 1. A medicinal plant: "Alexandrian senna" refers to an erect shrub (Senna alexandrina) characterized by clusters of tawny yellow flowers. Its dried leaves are used in medicine primarily for their strong laxative (cathartic) properties. * Historically, it was sometimes classified under the genus Cassia.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The pharmacist recommended a tea made from Alexandrian senna for relief.
  • Ancient Egyptian texts document the use of Alexandrian senna as a purgative.
  • The cultivation of Alexandrian senna is important for the pharmaceutical industry.

Advanced Usage

• As a botanical/medical term: The term is used almost exclusively in botanical, pharmacological, or historical contexts to specify this particular species of senna, which is a key source of the laxative compound sennoside.
  • The study compared the sennoside content in Alexandrian senna to that of other Senna species.

Variants and Related Words

• Senna (n): The common name for the plant and the medicinal preparation derived from it. "Alexandrian senna" is a specific type.
  • The package was labeled simply as "senna leaves."
• Cassia senna (n): An older, synonymous botanical name sometimes seen in historical or alternative classifications.
  • In some older herbals, you will find it listed as Cassia senna.

Synonyms

• Tinnevelly senna (n): Another variety of , named for a different region of cultivation (Tinnevelly, India). It is considered a synonym in commerce and botany.
• Senna leaf (n): A more general term for the dried leaf used as an herb.
• Purgative cassia (n): A descriptive historical name highlighting its medicinal function.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Senna pods: The dried fruit pods of the senna plant, also used medicinally.
  • Some preparations use senna pods instead of the leaves.
• Sennosides (n): The active glycoside compounds in senna responsible for its laxative effect.
  • The effectiveness of Alexandrian senna is due to its high concentration of sennosides.

Noun

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