Sennae Fructus. Senna Pods.
Related entries: Alexandrian Senna - Indian Senna - Cassia pulp
Synonym.—Senna Legumes.
Senna pods are the dried fruits of C. acutifolia, Delile, and of C. angustifolia, Vahl. The pods are brown or greenish-brown, broadly oblong, very flat legumes, curved and rounded at each extremity. They vary from 3 to 6 centimetres in length and from 2 to 2.5 centimetres in width, and contain several flat, obovate-cuneate seeds. Indian senna pods are usually darker and slightly narrower than the Alexandrian, and the remains of the base of the style usually more distinct.
Constituents.—The constituents of senna pods are apparently the same as those of senna leaves.
Action and Uses.—A sweetened infusion of senna pods is a valuable laxative for children, and the liquid extract or the corresponding elixir may be used in place of the preparations of the leaves. These preparations are considered by many practitioners to be more certain in their action and to cause less griping.
PREPARATIONS.
- Elixir Sennae Leguminorum, B.P.C.—ELIXIR OF SENNA PODS. Syns.—Liquor Sennae Leguminorum Dulcis; Sweet Essence of Senna Pods. 1 (liquid extract) in 2.
- Considered to be rather more active, and to gripe less, than preparations of the leaves. Dose.—4 to 12 mils (1 to 3 drachms).
- Extractum Sennae Liquidum, B.P.C.—LIQUID EXTRACT OF SENNA. Syn.—Extractum Sennae Leguminorum Liquidum; Liquid Extract of Senna Pods, 1 in 1.
- Has come into favour as the most active and certain of the senna preparations. It should be prescribed with aromatics and carminatives, in order to diminish any tendency to griping Dose.—2 to 4 mils (½ to 1 fluid drachm)
