HWN Suggests

Senna – A Sensational Laxative and Purgative

Senna has been used as a laxative and purgative for over a thousand years and is still one of the most commonly prescribed laxatives. Its effects are predictable and when dosed appropriately it can produce a mild catharsis or an aggressive evacuation of the colon. It is available as a sole entity product (Senakot®) or combined with other laxatives. Senna leaves are available combined with other agents such as peppermint in the form of a tea. However, because it is often difficult to control the concentration of the active ingredients in the tea leaves, an unpredictable effect may be obtained.

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Articles of Interest

Does Senna (Senokot) Cause Dependency?

However, long-term, or chronic use of senna can potentially cause dependence on the laxative, leading to problems with constipation when use is interrupted or stopped abruptly. This is also known as "cathartic colon". However, most studies suggest that senna has a relatively low risk of causing this would need to be used consistently for periods exceeding one year.

How Long Does Senna Take to Work? The Timeline

Senna leaves and pods contain unique compounds called sennosides. These sennosides stimulate the muscles in your colon, increasing their contractions and propelling stool forward. This gentle stimulation helps soften stool and eases its passage through the digestive tract, ultimately leading to a bowel movement.

Lactulose vs Senna

Senna, also known as Senokot among other brand names, is a non-prescription laxative used to treat constipation. It works by irritating the lining of the bowel, causing a laxative effect. Senna was first approved by the FDA in 1982 and remains one of the most commonly recommended over-the-counter treatments for short-term relief from occasional constipation. As an anthraquinone stimulant laxative, its mechanism differs substantially from osmotic laxatives like lactulose. The active components in senna are transformed by gut bacteria into rhein-anthrone derivatives that stimulate peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles that move stool along.

Senokot: The transformation of a constipation remedy to an inner-health product

Although already brand leader, research proved that there was untapped potential for the Senokot brand. The challenge was to make sufferers realise the benefits of prompt effective treatment, and that Senokot is an inner health product rather than simply a constipation product. An empathetic, authoritative and educational approach was taken using a metaphor of a handbag carrying waste food around to communicate that taking Senokot and fixing the problem is better than keeping your body constipated for days.

Why Senokot®?

Senokot works differently than other laxatives because it’s made from the senna plant, a natural vegetable laxative ingredient.

Resources

Ex-Lax

The ex-lax brand provides gentle, dependable overnight relief.

Senokot

Looking for constipation relief? Senokot provides gentle, dependable relief of occasional constipation by helping to stimulate bowel muscles to move stool through your body for gentle relief in just 6-12 hours.