Senna (genus)

2010-04-23T11:07:46Z

Jann112:

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Senna''
| image = Senna-sp.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = ''Senna'' sp. inflorescence in [[Costa Rica]]
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Fabales]]
| familia = [[Fabaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Caesalpinioideae]]
| genus = '''''Senna'''''
| genus_authority = [[Philip Miller|Mill.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Selected species
| subdivision = See text
}}
'''''Senna''''' is a large genus of about 250–260 species of [[flowering plant]]s in the family [[Fabaceae]], subfamily [[Caesalpinioideae]]. This [[biodiversity|diverse]] genus is native throughout the [[tropics]], with a small number of species reaching into [[temperate|temperate region]]s.

Typically ''Senna'' species have yellow flowers. Some species of ''Senna'' are notable for being host to particular butterfly species — for instance [[Cloudless Sulphur]] butterflies.

''Senna alexandrina'' is a small [[shrub]], about 0.5-1 m high, with a pale green smooth erect [[Plant stem|stem]], long spreading [[branch]]es, bearing four or five pairs of [[leaves]]. The [[flower]]s are small and yellow, the [[pod]]s broadly oblong and containing about six [[seed]]s.

Senna is an [[Arab]]ian name, and the plant is grown mostly in [[Nubia]]. Twice a year the plants are cut down, dried in the sun, stripped and packed in [[Arecaceae|palm]]-leaf bags and sent on [[camel]]s to [[Essouan]] and [[Darao]] then up the [[Nile]] to [[Cairo]] or else to [[Red Sea]] ports.

It is a [[purgative]], similar to [[aloe]] and [[rhubarb]] in having as active ingredients [[anthraquinone]] derivatives and their [[glucoside]]s. Its action is on the lower [[bowel]], and is especially useful in alleviating [[constipation]]. It increases the [[peristalsis|peristaltic]] movements of the colon.

Another species of senna, ''[[Cassia obovata]]'', is used as a [[hair]] treatment with effects similar to [[henna]], but without the red color. The active component is an anthraquinone derivative called ''chrysophanic acid'', which is also found in higher concentrations in rhubarb root. It adds a slight yellow color. ''Cassia obovata'' is often called "neutral henna".

==Selected species==
[[Image:Senna.png|thumb|right|200px|Senna]]
*''[[Senna aculeata]]''
*''[[Senna acutifolia]]'' (syn. ''Cassia acutifolia''; ِAlexandrian senna; Senna alexandrina)
[[Image:Candle Bush (Senna alata).jpg|right|thumb|240px|Candle Bush (''Senna alata'') flowers]]
*''[[Senna alata]]'' (Candle Bush)
*''[[Senna angulata]]''
*''[[Senna armata]]''
*''[[Senna artemisioides]]''
*''[[Senna auriculata]]''
*''[[Senna australis]]''
*''[[Senna bicapsularis]]''
*''[[Senna birostris]]''
*''[[Senna candolleana]]''
*''[[Senna corymbosa]]''
*''[[Senna covesii]]'', ([[Desert senna]], Rattleweed)
*''[[Senna cumingii]]''
*''[[Senna didymobotrya]]''
*''[[Senna fruticosa]]''
*''[[Senna hebecarpa]]''
[[Image:Sennacandolleana3.JPG|thumb|200px|S.candolleana]]
*''[[Senna helmsii]]''
*''[[Senna hirsuta]]''
*''[[Senna italica]]''
*''[[Senna ligustrina]]''
*''[[Senna lindheimeriana]]''
*''[[Senna macranthera]]''
*''[[Senna marilandica]]''
*''[[Senna multiglandulosa]]''
*''[[Senna multijuga]]''
*''[[Senna nicaraguensis]]''
*''[[Senna nitida]]''
*''[[Cassia obovata]]''
*''[[Senna obtusifolia]]''
*''[[Senna occidentalis]]''
*''[[Senna odorata]]''
*''[[Senna oligophylla]]''
*''[[Senna pallida]]''
*''[[Senna purpusii]]''
*''[[Senna siamea]]'' (syn. ''Cassia siamea''; Siamese cassia; Siamese senna)
*''[[Senna wislizeni]]'' Shrubby Senna, Wislizenus' Senna (syn. ''Cassia wislizeni'', ''Palmerocassia wislizenii'')

==Uses==
===Medicinal Use===

Because of the presence of [[anthraquinone]]s, senna species are used as the primary ingredient in certain commercial [[stimulant]] [[laxative]]s. It is also the primary ingredient found in most "dieter's tea." The combination of acting as a [[stimulant]] which reduces a dieter's appetite, and the [[laxative]] properties that cause food to move through their system before as many calories can be absorbed is a combination that can lead to rapid and even dangerous weight loss.

The [[stimulant]] action of [[Sennosides]], the active ingredient in teas and tablets, should be taken into account for those who suffer from any conditions where [[stimulant | stimulants]] are [[contraindicated]], such as past [[heart disease]], [[high blood pressure]], [[Anxiety_attack|anxiety attacks]], etc.

{{commonscat|Senna}}

===Culinary use===
In some [[Southeast Asia]]n cuisines (particularly those of [[Thai cuisine|Thailand]] and [[Lao cuisine|Laos]]), the leaves and flowers of Siamese Cassia (''[[Senna siamea]]'', called ''khi-lek'' in [[Thai language|Thai]]), either fresh or pickled in brine, are used in cooking, particularly in ''gaeng khi-lek'' (''khi-lek'' curry).[http://www.thai4uk.com/acatalog/shop.html?http%3A//www.thai4uk.com/acatalog/Vegetables_Herbs.html&CatalogBody][http://eatingasia.typepad.com/eatingasia/2005/09/gaeng_ki_lek_on.html]

==External links==
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SENNA U.S. Agriculture Department - PLANTS Database - ''Senna'']
*[http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/sennahebe.html Connecticut Botanical Society - ''American Senna'']
[[Category:Caesalpinioideae]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]

Related Link:

[http://www.healthandmuscle.com/fat-burning-furnace-review.html '''Fat burning furnace review'''']

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Senna (genus)