Side Effects of senna: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Senna, a commonly used laxative, has been shown to have various side effects. 21 found that senna (EP) and polysaccharide extracted from senna (PEP) improved intestinal motility and reduced intestinal inflammation associated with constipation in a loperamide-induced constipated mice model. 27 reported senna to cause skin rash. 19 reported cases of perianal blistering in children who had been taking senna for a long time. 17 suggested that senna may affect rat kidneys and liver.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of senna are due to anthraquinone compounds contained in senna. Anthraquinone compounds promote intestinal peristalsis and have a laxative effect, but they can also cause inflammation and irritation of the intestinal tract. 17

Common Side Effects

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain and cramps may occur when taking senna. This is a side effect that occurs when senna stimulates the intestinal tract. 28

Diarrhea

Senna can cause diarrhea because it promotes intestinal peristalsis. 13

Dehydration

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. 25

Electrolyte Imbalance

Senna can disrupt electrolyte balance in the body. 7

Anal Irritation

Senna can irritate the anus, causing pain and inflammation. 19

Allergic Reactions

Senna can cause allergic reactions. 28

Kidney and Liver Effects

Senna may have adverse effects on the kidneys and liver. 17

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Drink Plenty of Water

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking senna. Drinking fluids can reduce the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. 25

Consult a Doctor

It is important to consult a doctor before taking senna. Especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a pre-existing condition such as kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor. 7

Combined Use with Other Medications

Caution is needed when taking senna in combination with other medications. Senna may potentiate or weaken the effects of other medications. 20

Long-term Use

Long-term use of senna can lead to a decline in bowel function. Therefore, follow your doctor's instructions if you need to take senna for a long time. 19

Comparison of Studies

Similarities of Studies

Multiple papers have shown that senna is effective in improving constipation. 21 23 The possibility of senna side effects is also commonly pointed out. 28 17

Differences of Studies

The incidence and severity of senna side effects vary between studies. This is thought to be due to differences in the age, gender, health status, dosage, and duration of use of the study subjects.

Considerations for Application in Real Life

Senna is effective in improving constipation, but it also carries the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking senna and to follow the instructions on dosage and administration. If you need to take senna for a long period, be sure to consult your doctor regularly to check for side effects.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of senna is still not sufficient. In particular, further research is needed on the effects of long-term use and the effects on people with specific diseases.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of senna side effects and establish safer methods of administration. In particular, it is important to advance research on the metabolic pathway of senna and its effects on the gut microbiota.

Conclusion

Senna is effective in improving constipation, but it can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, anal irritation, and allergic reactions. When taking senna, it is important to consult a doctor, follow instructions on dosage and administration, and avoid long-term use. Consult your doctor if necessary.

Literature analysis of 28 papers
Positive Content
23
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
3
Article Type
0
1
3
7
28
1.

Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines Among the Paediatric Population: Analysis of the European Surveillance Systems and Pivotal Clinical Trials.

Author: AhmadizarFariba, LuxiNicoletta, RaethkeMonika, SchmikliSandor, RiefoloFabio, SaraswatiPutri Widi, BucsaCamelia, OsmanAlhadi, LiddiardMegan, MaquesFrancisco Batel, PetrelliGiuliana, SonderlichováSimona, ThurinNicolas H, VillalobosFelipe, TrifiròGianluca, SturkenboomMiriam,

COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring

The safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children is being monitored through several surveillance systems and published clinical trials.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Low volume polyethylene glycol combined with senna versus high volume polyethylene glycol, which regimen is better for bowel preparation for colonoscopy? A randomized, controlled, and single-blinded trial.

Author: SadeghiAmir, RahmaniKhaled, Ketabi MoghadamPardis, AbdiSaeed, JahanianAli, FathyMobin, MohammadiMahsa, Mahdavi RoshanMehran, OlfatifarMeysam, ZaliMohammad Reza, HatamnejadMohammad Reza, RajabniaMohsen

Bowel preparation

This study aimed to improve bowel preparation for colonoscopy by lowering the amount of PEG and adding senna, an herbal stimulant laxative. It aimed to reduce the unpleasantness and adverse effects of traditional PEG-based bowel preparation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Herbal Medicines for Constipation and Phytochemical Comparison of Active Components.

Author: MaQinge, WangChong-Zhi, SawadogoWamtinga R, BianZhao-Xiang, YuanChun-Su

constipation relief

Rhubarb, senna leaf, and aloe are commonly used herbal medications for constipation. This review summarizes their chemical components and their purgative effects, highlighting the potential benefits and risks of using anthraquinones as natural laxatives.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Non-pharmacologic approach to pediatric constipation.

Author: SantucciNeha R, ChogleAshish, LeibyAlycia, MascarenhasMaria, BorlackRachel E, LeeAmanda, PerezMaria, RussellAlexandra, YehAnn Ming

Mind-body interventions
Non-pharmacologic treatment

This review discusses non-pharmacological approaches to treat functional constipation in children. Some supplements like prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber show promise, but evidence for other supplements and botanicals is limited. Mind-body interventions and movement/manipulative interventions may also be beneficial.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Promising preventive and therapeutic effects of TaibUVID nutritional supplements for COVID-19 pandemic: towards better public prophylaxis and treatment (A retrospective study).

Author: El SayedSalah Mohamed, AboonqMoutasem Salih, El RashedyAmr Gamal, AljehaniYasmeen Talal, Abou El-MagdRabab M, OkashahAhmed M, El-AnziMariam E, AlharbiMansour Barakah, El-TahlawiRehab, NaboManal Mohamed Helmy, YousefReda S, ElshazleyMomen, Abu-ElnagaMostafa, MahmoudHany Salah, El-AlafHassan, AbdelrahmanAbdelrahman Ibrahim, Abdel-GawadAbdelhady Ragab, SolimanTamer M

COVID-19 prophylaxis
COVID-19 treatment
Diarrhea
Hyperglycemia
Sweating

TaibUVID nutritional supplements, containing nigella sativa, chamomile, and natural honey, may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients and contacts. A retrospective study suggests potential benefits in improving lymphopenia, preventing infection, and alleviating respiratory symptoms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Prevalence and management of constipation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in U.S. children's hospitals.

Author: BelskyJennifer A, StanekJoseph R, O'BrienSarah H

Reduced constipation

Constipation was the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis in hospitalized children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), affecting 33.9% of patients during induction admission. Younger age (<6 years), female sex, longer hospital stay, and opioid use were significantly associated with constipation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : English

12.

Antipyretic potential of dichloromethane leaf extract of <i>Eucalyptus globulus</i> (Labill) and <i>Senna didymobotrya</i> (Fresenius) in rats models.

Author: MworiaJoseph Kiambi, KibitiCromwell Mwiti, NgugiMathew Piero, NgeranwaJoseph Ngari

Antipyretic potential

This study aimed to determine the antipyretic potential of DCM extracts of Eucalyptus globulus and Solenostemon didymobotrya in Swiss albino rats.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiling studies of sennoside B by UPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Author: WuHongyu, FengFeng, JiangXiunan, HuBinchuan, QiuJieying, WangCaiHong, XiangZheng

Side effects

This study investigated the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of sennoside B, a compound found in senna that is used as a laxative. The researchers identified 14 metabolites and studied how sennoside B is absorbed, distributed, and eliminated from the body.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Validation StudyResearch to assess the validity and reliability of new measurement methods or diagnostic tests.

Language : English

15.

Nonprescription Medication Use in Hospice Patients.

Author: BaltzAlan P, GresslerLaura E, CostantinoRyan C, McPhersonMary Lynn

Improved hospice care

Nonprescription medication use in hospice patients was common, with analgesics, laxatives, and antacids being the most frequently utilized therapeutic classes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

18.

Efficacy and safety of laxatives for chronic constipation in long-term care settings: A systematic review.

Author: AlsalimyN, MadiL, AwaisuA

Constipation relief
Side effects

Senna and lactulose were the most studied laxatives in LTC patients, and senna was found to be superior to or as effective as other laxatives. There is a need to conduct more robust RCTs to evaluate long-term outcomes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

19.

Are Senna based laxatives safe when used as long term treatment for constipation in children?

Author: Vilanova-SanchezAlejandra, GasiorAlessandra C, ToocheckNicole, WeaverLaura, WoodRichard J, ReckCarlos A, WagnerAndrea, HooverErin, GagnonRenae, JaggersJordon, MaloofTassiana, NashOnnalisa, WilliamsCharae, LevittMarc A

Constipation treatment
Perineal blistering

Senna is a common laxative used for children. While it is generally safe, there are reports of perineal blistering occurring with its use. This study calls for further research on the side effects of Senna in children.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

20.

Clozapine and Gastrointestinal Hypomotility.

Author: CohenDan

Schizophrenia treatment
Clozapine side effects

This review discusses the prevalence, impact, and management of gastrointestinal hypomotility (GIH), a serious side effect of clozapine, an antipsychotic medication.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

22.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of colon cleansing preparations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Author: RestelliniSophie, KheradOmar, BessissowTalat, MénardCharles, MartelMyriam, Taheri TanjaniMaryam, LakatosPeter L, BarkunAlan N

Improved bowel cleansing
Side effects

Low-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimens were as effective as high-volume PEG regimens in cleansing the colon of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Low-volume regimens were also associated with greater willingness to repeat the procedure.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

24.

An experimental study on providing a scientific evidence for seven-time alcohol-steaming of Rhei Rhizoma when clinically used.

Author: SimYeomoon, OhHyein, OhDal-Seok, KimNamkwon, GuPil Sung, ChoiJin Gyu, KimHyo Geun, KangTong Ho, OhMyung Sook

laxative effect
side effects

This study evaluated the clinical application guideline for Rhei Rhizoma (RR) in elderly patients, which recommends alcohol-steaming RR seven times before use. The study aimed to experimentally verify this guideline, which is described in Dongeuibogam, the most famous book on Korean traditional medicine.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

26.

Adjuncts to colonic cleansing before colonoscopy.

Author: ParkSanghoon, LimYun Jeong

Improved bowel cleansing
Drug interactions

This review examines the use of adjunctive agents to improve colonic cleansing effectiveness during colonoscopy preparation. While no single agent has completely overcome limitations of the gold standard method, several promising options, such as bisacodyl, magnesium citrate, senna, simethicone, metoclopramide, and prokinetics, can enhance the efficiency of traditional bowel preparation agents.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

27.

In vitro cytokine expression by peripheral mononuclear cells in herbal drug-induced skin eruption.

Author: NorisugiOsamu, YoshihisaYoko, ShimizuKyoko, ShimizuTadamichi

Skin eruptions

This study investigated the mRNA expression of cytokines in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from two patients with herbal drug-induced skin eruptions. High mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were detected in PBMCs stimulated by keishi-bukuryo-gan (KBG) and senna.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

28.

Possible adverse reactions to herbal products: a study with individuals who resort to popular medicine in the city of Diadema, SP, Brazil.

Author: Soares NetoJulino A R, GaldurózJosé Carlos F, MarquesLuis Carlos, KatoEdna Tomiko, MacriniThiago, RodriguesEliana

Herbal product risks

This study examined adverse reactions (ADRs) reported by 100 users of over-the-counter herbal products. Five cases of ADRs were reported, highlighting the importance of monitoring and reporting ADRs associated with herbal products.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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