Senna

(sen’-ah) of various species [Arab., sena’]. of Ca ia, The leaflets a genus of the order Leguminosae. S. of the U. S. P. is derived from Ca ia a cut i folia. S. of theB. P. is of two varieties — Alexandrian S., from Ca ia a cut i folia, and East India or Tinnevelly S., from Ca ia an gust i folia. S. contains cathartic acid, a glucosid representing the purgative properties of S., the bitter principles, senna pic rin and sennacrol, and a coloring matter, chrysophan. S. is used as a purgative, generally in combination with an aromatic to prevent griping. Dose g -ij (2.0-8.0). Preparations and doses: Confectio sennae (U. S. P., B. P.). Dose 3 ij (8.0). Extractum sennae fluidum (U. S. P.). Dose f^j-iv (4.0-16.0). Infusum sennae (B. P.). Dose fjjiv (128. o). Infusum sennae compos i tum (U. S. P.), black draught, contains S., manna, and magnesium sulphate. Dose f £ iv (128.0). Pulvis glycyrrhizae compos it us (U. S. P., B. P.), compound liquorice powder. Dose gr. xxx— lx (2.0-4.0). Syrupus sennae (U. S. P., B. P.). Dose f^j-iv (4.0-16.0). Tinctura sennae (B. P.). Dose f^j-iv (4.0-16.0). 574