Single Herb Glossary
Fān Xiè Yè 番瀉葉
| Pharmaceutical name | Sennae Folium Cassia angustifolia leaf Senna leaf “foreign purging leaf” |
| Category | Downward Draining |
| Key Properties | Drains downward and guides out stagnant heat in the Intestines |
| Properties | Sweet Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains downward, Guides Out Stagnation (constipation due to Heat Accumulation) |
| Dosages | 1.5-3 g – mild laxative 4.5-9 g (6-12g) – strong purge, menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, vomit Add last 15 min |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Pregnancy & lactation Caution during menses and with hemorrhoids Long term use: SP Deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Sennoside A,B,C,D; rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Laxative: sennoside A and B both have marked laxative effects; following oral administration, these substances are absorbed systemically and converted to active components, they then exert laxative effect on large intestine • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect on E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus proteus, Candida albicans, and some pathogenic fungi • Hemostatic: oral administration of powder helps to stop bleeding; hemostatic effect attributed to increased platelet activities |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Diuretics: overuse of herb aggravates loss of potassium associated with use of diuretic drugs • Cardiac glycosides: excessive loss of potassium increases toxicity of cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.