Definition

Noun 1. A specific medicinal plant: "True senna" refers to an erect shrub (Senna alexandrina, formerly classified in genus Cassia) known for its clusters of tawny yellow flowers. Its dried leaves are used medicinally primarily for their strong laxative (cathartic) properties.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pharmacist recommended a tea made from true senna for relief.
  • Botanists study the cultivation of true senna for its medicinal compounds.
  • This herbal supplement lists true senna leaf as its main ingredient.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In taxonomic discussions, one might note, "The plant commonly known as true senna was once classified under the genus ."

Variants and Related Words

• Senna (n): A more general term for plants of the genus , which includes true senna and other species, many with similar medicinal uses.
• Alexandrian senna (n): Another common name for the same plant, .
• Cassia senna (n): An older, synonymic botanical name reflecting its previous classification.

Synonyms

• Alexandrian senna
• Senna alexandrina (Botanical name)
• Cassia senna (Former botanical name)

Related Phrases

• Senna leaf: Refers specifically to the harvested and dried part of the true senna plant used in medicine.
• Senna pods: Refers to the fruit of the true senna plant, also used for similar medicinal purposes.

Noun

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