Senna is a member of the bean family; the leaves are steeped in water to make a tea and used as a laxative. Although a member of the Cassia genus, it is not botanically related to cinnamon, which is also called cassia. Senna plants are low branching shrubs native to areas of Somalia, the Middle East and India. There may be an association between the use of laxatives such as senna and colon cancer.
Senna
Senna was used in traditional Arabic and European medicine primarily as a cathartic, or laxative. Teas brewed with the leaves were the first form of the laxative, but it was difficult to control the dose or concentration of the active ingredients with this method. Eventually, standardized commercial dosage forms became available in the form of liquids, powders and tablets. Senna is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a cancer that occurs in the large intestine. The first indication of colon cancer is the presence of small clumps of cells in the colon or rectum called polyps. Although the polyps themselves are not cancerous, they can develop into cancer and should be removed by a doctor. Symptoms of colon cancer may be mild or missed entirely in the early stages. Changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, weakness or unexplained weight loss may be symptoms of colon cancer.
Research
Research data on laxatives such as senna tea and colon cancer is mixed. An early study in the 1998 “Journal of Epidemiology” found an association between chronic constipation – defined as constipation at least once a week – and colon cancer in middle-aged adults. A study reported in the April 2003 “American Journal of Gastroenterology” found that constipation – defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week – doubled the risk of colon cancer. This study found no association between colon cancer and laxative use.
More Research
An article in the September 2004 “European Journal of Cancer” reported that both constipation and chronic use of laxatives increased the risk of colon cancer. The relative risk of colon cancer for people who used laxatives twice a week or more was nearly three times higher than for those who did not use laxatives. A study in the September 2009 “Journal of Toxicology” found no convincing evidence that senna laxatives cause cancer in humans or rats.
Considerations and Warnings
There is good evidence to connect chronic constipation with an increased risk of colon cancer. While there is some indication that laxative use may also be related to colon cancer risk, it is unclear whether the risk is due to laxative use alone or its relation to constipation. Senna tea does have potential side effects and adverse reactions; it is difficult to assure the proper dose. If you have concerns about your bowel health and want to use senna tea or think you might have cancer, consult a health-care professional.
References
- Journal of Gastroenterology: Constipation, Laxative Use, and Colon Cancer in a North Carolina Population
- Drugs.com: Senna
- Journal of Toxicology: Is Senna Laxative Use Associated to Cathartic Colon, Genotoxicity, or Carcinogenicity?
- MayoClinic.com: Colon Cancer
- Epidemiology: Constipation, Laxative Use, and Colon Cancer Among Middle-Aged Adults
- European Journal of Cancer: Constipation, Laxative Use and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: The Miyagi Cohort Study
