Senna alexandrina is an herbal supplement often used as a laxative. While it has some health benefits, senna can cause serious health problems when used too frequently. How often you can safely use senna depends on a number of factors, such as your overall health and reasons for taking the supplement. Understanding how senna works in the body can help you use it more safely. To prevent adverse effects, consult your doctor before using senna.
Identification
The Senna genus is a diverse group of plants that grow throughout the tropics. Senna alexandrina is often used for its laxative effects and may be found in some over-the-counter laxatives and colon cleansing products. Like other stimulant laxatives, senna works by increasing muscle contractions in the lower bowel to encourage bowel movements.
Side Effects and Health Risks
Senna can cause unwanted effects in some users. Drug Information Online lists stomach cramps, severe diarrhea, bloating and weight loss as possible side effects. Like other laxatives, senna can be dangerous when taken too frequently. Mayo Clinic.com states that serious side effects such as potassium loss can result from overuse of laxatives like senna. Abuse and dependence are also more common with stimulant-type laxatives. In addition, senna can cause moderate interactions with more than 100 medications and supplements, including hydrocortisone, haloperidol and methadone.
Application
The only way to completely prevent all risk of side effects associated with senna is to avoid using it. Senna is generally taken before bed to produce a bowel movement within six to 12 hours. Drug Information Online warns that senna may not be approved for certain uses and should not be taken for longer than one week at a time. When taking senna, follow dosing directions on the package or those provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Stop using senna and seek medical attention at once if you experience severe side effects such as trouble breathing or bloody stools.
Misconceptions
The belief that a supplement is safe just because it is natural is false and can potentially result in life-threatening complications. Like other supplements, senna products are not tested for purity or quality by the Food and Drug Administration before they are sold. As a result, they may contain unidentified ingredients or impurities. To help ensure quality, only buy senna from trusted manufacturers.
Member Comments