Cassia is a tropical deciduous tree endemic to India with an upright and slender trunk and small branches. It grows slowly and reaches 9-20 m in height and 3-5 m in width at maturity. Leaves are green and wedge-shaped at the base, the flowers are yellow, the fruits have brown pods, the seeds are brown and shiny. Especially ripe pods and seeds are used as a laxative. The root, bark, leaves and fruit pulp also have laxative properties, but to a lesser extent. It contains natural laxatives and has an important function in relieving constipation.
Senna is authorised by the US FDA as a non-prescription laxative. It also provides a substance that removes toxins from the body and helps to lose weight. The leaves contain seven pharmacologically active compounds: Tinnevellin glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-gentiobioside, kaempferol, aloe emodin, apigenin-6,8-di-C-glycoside, D-3-O-methylinositol and emodin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.
Other compounds: Tinnevellin glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-gentiobioside, kaempferol, aloe emodin, apigenin-6,8-di-C-glycoside, D-3-O-methylinositol and emodin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.