Family Name: N.O. Leguminosae
Botanical Name(s): Cassia acutifolia (DELL.)
Popular Name(s): Alexandrian Senna, Nubian Senna, Cassia
lenitiva, Cassia Lanceolata
Parts Used: Dried leaflets and pods
Habitat: Senna is found in Egypt, Nubia, Arabia and Sennar.
Description: Senna is a small shrub growing to a height of 2
feet. The plant possesses erect stem, pale green colour and long,
spreading branches. The branches bear leaflets which occur in four or
five pairs with an average length of an inch. The flowers are small and
yellow in colour. The pods are broadly oblong with a length of 2 inch
and breadth of 7/8 inch. It contains about six seeds.
Uses: Senna is used as purgative. As its actions centre on the
lower bowel so it is suitable in habitual costiveness.
