Cassia angustifolia (Cassia angustifolia)
Other names: Senna alexandrina, Senna
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
The narrow-leaved cassia, also known as Senna alexandrina or simply Senna, is a plant native to northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This woody plant belongs to the bay family and grows to a height of about 0,5 to 1 metre, with narrow, five to eight centimetres long leaves and yellow or green flowers. The plant is popular for its growing fruits, which contain small seeds when ripe. Due to its medicinal properties, the narrow-leaved cassia is widely used in traditional medicines around the world, especially in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The products derived from narrow-leaved cassia are diverse and vary according to the area of use. Among the best known are senna tea or senna extract, which are commonly used for their laxative effects. The main constituents of these products are sennosides, which, when in contact with bacteria in the intestines, undergo a biochemical reaction that subsequently stimulates the peristalsis of the intestine, thereby facilitating the passage of stool. Furthermore, cassia products such as tablets or capsules are used to improve digestion and reduce constipation. In the cosmetic industry, cassia is mainly used as a component of shampoos and hair masks to promote the growth and healthy appearance of hair. In India, for example, cassia is used to make henna, which Indian women use to dye their hair and tattoo their skin. In addition, cassia is also used in veterinary medicine to treat various intestinal parasites in animals.
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