Senna
Also known as cassia angustifolia, senna extract, senna leaf, sennosides
Key takeaways
- A meta-analysis of 3,343 patients supports the efficacy of senna for bowel preparation before colonoscopy (PMID: 35758925).
- Senna was found to be as effective as super-low volume polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation in a phase 2 trial (PMID: 34159460).
- Senna is an effective treatment for chronic constipation when compared to magnesium oxide (PMID: 32969946).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 14 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Senna is a stimulant laxative used primarily for the treatment of constipation and as a bowel preparation agent for colonoscopies. Research indicates it is effective for short-term relief of constipation and comparable to other laxatives like polyethylene glycol (PEG) in specific clinical settings.
By condition
Chronic Constipation
Moderate
Senna is effective for treating chronic constipation in adults, elderly patients, and children, showing comparable efficacy to magnesium oxide and lactulose.
Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy
Moderate
Senna is an effective bowel preparation agent, with some studies suggesting it is as effective as polyethylene glycol (PEG) for colon cleansing.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though studies mention 'high-dose senna' and 'standardized senna' for clinical use.
Safety & interactions
Genotoxic risk assessments have been conducted (PMID: 9020301); however, specific drug-drug interactions were not detailed in the provided abstracts.
Limitations
Many of the studies are older or focus on specific populations (e.g., puerperium or pediatric patients), and there is a lack of standardized dosing across the provided RCTs.
Top-rated Senna products
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How it's sold
Data aggregated from 94 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 14 sources, sorted by quality
**Tian et al., Unknown** | Gastroenterol Nurs | Meta Analysis Tian Hefeng, Fan Ying, ... Wang Xiu. The Efficacy of Senna Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gastroenterol Nurs. ;45(6):428-439. doi:10.10…
**Ishibashi et al., 2022** | Surg Endosc | Rct Ishibashi Fumiaki, Tanaka Ryu, ... Baba Satoshi. Pre-administration of super-low volume polyethylene glycol is as effective as senna laxative as bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized …
**Coskun et al., 2020** | J Gastroenterol Hepatol | Rct Coskun Yusuf, Yuksel Ilhami. Polyethylene glycol versus split high-dose senna for bowel preparation: A comparative prospective randomized study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020-Nov;35(11…
**Passmore et al., 1993** | BMJ | Rct Passmore A P, Wilson-Davies K, ... Scott M E. Chronic constipation in long stay elderly patients: a comparison of lactulose and a senna-fibre combination. BMJ. 1993-Sep-25;307(6907):769-71 OBJECTIVES: T…
**Morishita et al., 2021** | Am J Gastroenterol | Rct Morishita Daisuke, Tomita Toshihiko, ... Miwa Hiroto. Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol. …
**Terry et al., 2013** | J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr | Rct Terry Natalie A, Chen-Lim Mei Lin, ... Mamula Petar. Polyethylene glycol powder solution versus senna for bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nut…
**Santos-Jasso et al., 2017** | J Pediatr Surg | Rct Santos-Jasso Karla Alejandra, Arredondo-García José Luis, ... Lezama-Del Valle Pablo. Effectiveness of senna vs polyethylene glycol as laxative therapy in children with constipation relat…
**Shelton et al., 1980** | S Afr Med J | Rct Shelton M G. Standardized senna in the management of constipation in the puerperium: A clinical trial. S Afr Med J. 1980-Jan-19;57(3):78-80 Successful treatment of constipation in the immediate p…
**Kinnunen et al., 1993** | Pharmacology | Rct Kinnunen O, Winblad I, ... Salokannel J. Safety and efficacy of a bulk laxative containing senna versus lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation in geriatric patients. Pharmacology. 1…
**Seethapathy et al., 2015** | Int J Legal Med | Other Seethapathy Gopalakrishnan Saroja, Ganesh Doss, ... Ravikanth Gudasalamani. Assessing product adulteration in natural health products for laxative yielding plants, Cassia, Senna, and Ch…
Frequently asked questions
What is Senna and what is it used for?
Senna is a stimulant laxative primarily used for the short-term relief of constipation and as a bowel preparation agent for colonoscopies. It works by stimulating bowel movements to help clear the digestive tract effectively.
Does Senna work for chronic constipation?
Yes, there is moderate evidence that Senna is effective for treating chronic constipation in adults, elderly patients, and children. Research indicates it shows comparable efficacy to other laxatives like magnesium oxide and lactulose for this condition.
Is Senna effective for bowel preparation before a colonoscopy?
Yes, there is moderate evidence supporting Senna as an effective bowel preparation agent. A meta-analysis of 3,343 patients and specific phase 2 trials suggest it is as effective as polyethylene glycol (PEG) for colon cleansing.
What is the effective dose of Senna?
The provided evidence does not detail specific dose ranges, though studies refer to the use of 'high-dose senna' and 'standardized senna' for clinical applications. Consumers should consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing instructions.
Is Senna safe to use long-term?
Senna is primarily indicated for short-term relief of constipation, and long-term safety data is not detailed in the provided evidence. Genotoxic risk assessments have been conducted, but you should consult a healthcare provider before using it for extended periods.
Does Senna have any drug interactions?
No drug-drug interactions were documented in the provided evidence summary. However, because specific interaction data is limited, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety, especially if you are taking other medications.
Who should avoid taking Senna?
Individuals with abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting should avoid Senna as it may worsen these symptoms. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those on other medications, should consult a healthcare provider before use to ensure safety.