Senna Leaves

            Senna leaf comes from the plant known by the Latin botanical name of Senna alexandrina. It is also commonly known as wild senna, locust plant and American senna.

           Historically, Senna alexandrina was used in the form of senna pods, or as herbal tea made from the leaves, as a laxative. It also serves as a fungicide.

           Modern medicine has used extracts since at least the 1950s as a laxative. If accidentally ingested by infants, it can cause side effects such as severe diaper rash. The active ingredients are several senna glycosides which interact with immune cells in the colon.