Senna is an Arabian name and the herb was first brought into use by the Arabian physicians Serapion and Mesue. Traditionally Senna was used in love sachets. Plants growing at different localities of India have also been found to contain different amount of sennoside B in leaves and pods, and also differ in chromosome morphology. Sennosides along with other anthraquinone like hydroxyanthracene glycosides are the derivatives of Senna leaves. In the traditional & modern routine of medicines they have been used as proven laxatives in a natural way.

Morphology

The stem is erect, smooth, and pale green. It has long, spreading branches, bearing leaflets in four or five pairs, averaging an inch long. It is lanceolate or obviate, unequally oblique at the base, veins distinct on the under surface, brittle, greyish-green, of a faint, peculiar odour, and mucilaginous, sweetish taste. The form of the base, and freedom from bitterness, distinguish the Senna from the Argil leaves, which are also thicker and stiffer. The flowers are small and yellow. The pods are broadly oblong; about 2 inches long by 7/8 inch broad, and contain about six seeds.