SENNA- ITS CHEMISTRY, DISTRIBUTION AND PHARMACEUTICAL VALUE.

Abstract

The active principles in senna are anthraquinone derivatives, namely, rhein,aloe-emodin, chrysophanic add and physcion present both in free and in the form of glycosides. Sennosides A and B present in senna are the dianthrone derivatives of rhein with two glucose units. The leaves contain maximum sennosides at the time of flowering and the hand-picked pods are superior to black pods with regard to sennosides content. The anthraquinone derivatives are biosynthesized via (i) The acetate-polymalonate pathway and (ii) from shikimic acid. The cathartic action of senna is attributed to the presence of anthraquinones and/or related compounds. Preparations involving leaves and pods of Cassia species are described.