senna

(sen’ah) [L. from Arabic]. The leaflets of Cas’sia acutifo'lia, C. an gust i folia, and other leguminous plants of the same genus. Senna is a purgative cholagogue. Its active principle is said to be cathartic acid, an unstable glucosid: combined with ammonia it is a strong purgative, but the acid injected into the veins has no effect. Senna is much employed in the constipation of children and pregnant women. Jts action appears to be exerted upon all parts of the intestinal canal. In infusion with spigelia it is very serviceable against ascarides. As an _aperient it is used to promote menstruation. It is an ingredient of black draft. Vienna draft, licorice powder, and many other laxative preparations. Dose in substance, 5-60 gr. (0.333-4 gm.); of confection, 1-2 dr. (4-8 gm.); of fluidextract, 1-4 fl.dr. (4-16 c.c.); of syrup, 1-2 fi.dr. (4-8 c.c.); of tincture, 1-4 fl.dr. (4-16 c.c.); of pul’vis glycyrrhi’se compos’ it us, Having one-half the Of or pertaining to old 30 gr. (2 gm.); of mistu’ra sen'ne compos’ ita (black draft), 1-4 fl.oz. (30-120 c.c.). Alexandrian s., a variety derived mainly from Cas’sia acutifo’lia. American 5., Cas’sia marilan'dica, an inferior and unofficial species. Indian s., Tinnevelly 8., the leaflets of Cas’sia angustifo'lia or C. elonga’- ta, grown in India. - sennatin (sen‘at-in). An active principle extracted from senna: used subcutaneously as a cathartic.