THE SENNA LEAVES AND PODS COMPANY

Senna contains naturally occurring chemicals called anthraquinone glycosides. They are strong laxatives that soften stools and increase the contractions of intestinal muscle, thereby stimulating bowel movements. Senna usually starts to work in three to nine hours. Anthraquinone laxatives, such as senna, are believed to alleviate constipation by increasing the amount of water and electrolytes in the intestine. They also work by stimulating contractions of the colon muscles, which help to accelerate the passage of stool. Senna is considered among the strongest of the anthraquinone laxatives which includes dianthrone glycosides, sennosides A and B, sennosides C and D. Its effectiveness as a purgative has been supported by centuries of anecdotal reports as well as modern human and animal studies.