306 Botanic Drugs 



has enjoyed a vogue as an ingredient of the purga- 

 tive confections. Cassia Marilandica, AMERICAN 

 SENNA, acts similarly to other species but is less 

 active, and doses must be one-half larger. PRAIRIE 

 SENNA, Cassia chamaecrista, is another American 

 species similar in action to the American senna. 



PHARMACOLOGY. Senna, rhubarb, aloes, cascara, 

 and some minor purgatives belong to the anthracene 

 group; they contain derivatives of anthraquinone, 

 emodin and related compounds being found in them. 

 This group has a mildly irritant action, acting 

 better than the resin anhydrids in chronic constipa- 

 tion; the seat of action is largely in the lower intes- 

 tinal tract. Unlike rhubarb, senna possesses no 

 astringency. The principle that nauseates and 

 gripes is removed by exhausting with alcohol, and 

 the official products so prepared are as pleasant as 

 any proprietary preparations. 



THERAPEUTICS. Senna is an efficient and safe 

 cathartic, non-irritating and not followed by con- 

 stipation. Its most active preparation is the fresh 

 infusion, which is apt to be unpleasant, in that it 

 induces nausea and griping. Carminatives may be 

 combined with it, as is done in making the syrup 

 (dose, 1 fl. drachm), a most eligible and reliable 

 preparation. The compound infusion, BLACK 

 DRAUGHT, contains senna, manna, magnesium sul- 

 phate, and fennel. It is given in doses of 3 to 6 

 fluidounces in the morning, usually following a 

 mercurial taken at night. It is a nasty dose, and 

 it is inferior to the compound licorice powder, q. v. 

 To children is given the confection of senna, N. F., 

 the average adult dose being 60 grains. 



If a nursing woman takes senna it purges the 



