Senna

Senna/Drug Interactions:

  • NoteNote: According to a review, anthranoid-containing plants, including senna (Cassia senna), may decrease the absorption of drugs (39). However, the authors commented that available research on herb to drug interactions in this area is inconclusive.
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: Based on in vitro research, cassine isolated from the leaves of Senna racemosa may exhibit antimicrobial activity (114).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Excessive bleeding may occur in patients using anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (33), although further details are lacking.
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Based on in vitro evidence, rhein, an active constituent of senna, has been shown to induce apoptosis and chemotaxis in human cell lines (115; 116).
  • AntivenomAntivenom: Based on animal evidence, the whole Senna dariensis (Caesalpiniaceae) plant has been shown to exhibit 100% neutralizing capacity against the hemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom from Antioquia and Choc?, in northwestern Colombia (25).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: Based on in vitro evidence, Senna petersiana extract was tested for antiviral activity using the agar dilution method and showed some activity at the highest nontoxic concentration of 24mcg/mL (117). However, there was a lack of information about which viruses this extract may exert antiviral activity against.
  • DigoxinDigoxin: According to secondary sources, senna may cause potassium deficiency and therefore may increase side effects associated with digoxin. Based on in vitro evidence, secretory permeability has been shown to be affected by rhein, although not strongly (48).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Based on secondary sources, both diuretics and senna may promote the loss of potassium from the body. Based on in vitro evidence, furosemide permeability was enhanced by rhein, an active constituent of senna (48).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In one study of 40 premenopausal women, the increase in intestinal transit time induced by senna use was found to significantly lower serum estrogen concentrations (118; 119).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: According to secondary sources, senna may cause potassium depletion and may have additive effects with other laxatives.

    • Senna/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • NoteNote: According to a review, anthranoid-containing plants, including senna (Cassia senna), may decrease the absorption of drugs (39). However, the authors commented that available research on herb to drug interactions in this area is inconclusive.
  • AloeAloe: According to secondary sources, senna could increase the laxative effects of aloe, also a laxative.
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Based on in vitro research, cassine, isolated from the leaves of Senna racemosa, may exhibit antimicrobial activity (114).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Excessive bleeding may occur in patients using anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (33), although further details are lacking.
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Based on in vitro evidence, rhein, an active constituent of senna, has been shown to induce apoptosis and chemotaxis in human cell lines (115; 116).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Based on in vitro study, Senna alata had a moderate antioxidant effect as measured by free radical-scavenging and cytokine-reducing properties (120).
  • AntivenomAntivenom: Based on animal evidence, the whole Senna dariensis (Caesalpiniaceae) plant has been shown to exhibit 100% neutralizing capacity against the hemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom from Antioquia and Choc?, in northwestern Colombia (25).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Based on in vitro evidence, Senna petersiana extract was tested for antiviral activity using the agar dilution method and showed some activity at the highest nontoxic concentration of 24mcg/mL (117). However, there was a lack of information about which viruses this extract may exert antiviral activity against.
  • DigoxinDigoxin: According to secondary sources, senna may cause potassium deficiency and therefore may increase side effects associated with digoxin. Based on in vitro evidence, secretory permeability has been shown to be affected by rhein, although not strongly (48).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Based on secondary sources, both diuretics and senna may promote the loss of potassium from the body. Based on in vitro evidence, furosemide permeability was enhanced by rhein, an active constituent of senna (48).
  • Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: In one study of 40 premenopausal women, the increase in intestinal transit time induced by senna use was found to significantly lower serum estrogen concentrations (118; 119).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: According to secondary sources, senna may cause potassium depletion and may have additive effects with other laxatives.
  • Rhamnus catharticaRhamnus cathartica: According to secondary sources, senna could increase the laxative effects of Rhamnus cathartica, also a laxative.
  • Rhamnus frangulaRhamnus frangula: According to secondary sources, senna could increase the laxative effects of Rhamnus frangula, also a laxative.
  • Rhamnus purshianaRhamnus purshiana: According to secondary sources, senna could increase the laxative effects of Rhamnus purshiana, also a laxative.
  • Yellow dockYellow dock: According to secondary sources, senna could increase the laxative effects of yellow dock, also a laxative.

    • Senna/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Senna/Lab Interactions:

  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: Excessive bleeding may occur in patients using anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (33), although further details are lacking.
  • Digoxin levelDigoxin levels: According to secondary sources, senna may cause potassium deficiency and therefore may increase side effects associated with digoxin. Based on in vitro evidence, secretory permeability has been shown to be affected by rhein, although not strongly (48).
  • HormonesHormones: In one study of 40 premenopausal women, the increase in intestinal transit time induced by senna use was found to significantly lower serum estrogen concentrations (118; 119).
  • PotassiumPotassium: According to secondary sources, prolonged use of senna may lead to reduced potassium levels in the body.
  • Senna detectionSenna detection: Senna-induced diarrhea has been found to reduce the sensitivity of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to detect senna in urine or stool (121).