Senna
Also known as: Senna alexandrina, Cassia senna, sennoside, senna glycoside, Senna tora, Senna alata
Effective Dosage
12-24 mg sennosides daily based on study doses
What the Science Says
Senna is a plant-based stimulant laxative derived from the leaves and pods of Senna alexandrina. Its active compounds — sennosides — irritate the colon lining and speed up bowel movements, making it effective for short-term constipation relief and pre-colonoscopy bowel cleansing. Clinical trials also show it can meaningfully lower potassium levels in kidney dialysis patients, which may help reduce dangerous heart rhythm risks in that population.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a weight loss tool — any weight drop is just water and stool. No evidence it detoxes your body or cleanses your liver. Won't treat chronic constipation long-term safely. Not proven to fight obesity, parasites, or malaria in humans based on available clinical data. Don't expect it to improve gut microbiome health — studies show it temporarily disrupts bile acid metabolism and microbiome composition.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Senna is primarily used as a natural laxative, effective in treating constipation. It works by stimulating bowel movements through its active compounds, sennosides, which irritate the lining of the bowel.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 10-30 mg daily (as a laxative)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor (systemic absorption is minimal by design — sennosides act locally in the colon after bacterial conversion; effects are largely confined to the gut)
Red Flags to Watch For
- Long-term use can cause dependency — your bowels may stop working well without it
- Disrupts gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism even with short-term use; effects may take weeks to reverse
- Not safe for people with kidney disease without medical supervision — may affect electrolyte balance
- Can cause dangerous potassium shifts; use with caution if you take heart or blood pressure medications
- Widely available in 747+ supplement products, often marketed as 'detox' or 'cleanse' — these claims are not supported by clinical evidence
Products Containing Senna
See how Senna is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06