256 SENNA. 



Dose, 10-20 drops. Infusion B.P. : Dose, 4-8 drachms. 

 Cone, solut. B.P. : Dose, -1 drachm. Syrup U.S. P. : 

 Dose, i drachm. 



Distinctive character Root usually having a knotty 

 crown, from which the slender stems arise, having the 

 remains of rudimentary leaves at their base. The root 

 is of a light yellowish grey colour, -1 inch thick, usually 

 less than three inches long, often spirally contracted and 

 sparingly branched, and having a keel-shaped ridge 

 running along the main root on the concave side. 

 Fracture short and brittle, showing a cleft central 

 column. Taste, acrid and slightly acid, and recalling 

 that of Gaultheria, with a characteristic, somewhat 

 rancid odour. 



SENNA. Cassia acutifolia, Del. 



N.O. Leguminosa. 



Syn. Alexandrian Senna, Cassia angustifolia, Vahl., 

 East Indian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna. 



Parts used Leaves, Pods. 



Action Laxative, cathartic. Is generally combined 

 with aromatics and stimulants to modify its griping 

 effects. The following may be regarded as a good 

 formula for making an infusion : Senna leaves 2 ounces, 

 Ginger i drachm, boiling water i pint. Let it stand for 

 one hour, strain through muslin and take in wineglass- 

 ful doses. Alexandrian Senna Leaves and Pods are 

 considered to have a milder and yet as certain an action 

 as the East Indian variety to which they are generally 

 preferred. 



Preparations Powdered leaves : Dose, i drachm. 

 Syrup B.P. and U.S. P. : Dose, 2 drachms. Fluid 

 extract, Dose, -1 drachm. Compound mixture B.P. : 

 Dose, 4-16 drachms. Compound liquorice powder 

 B.P. : Dose, 1-2 drachms. Confection B.P. : Dose, 



