Senna Occidentalis: Facts, Benefits, Grow & Care Tips

Senna occidentalis is a Fabaceae family weed that grows in damp, disturbed, or junkyards at low altitudes throughout the world. First discovered in tropical South America, the plant is deadly if consumed in excessive numbers; however, all components of the plant are utilised as medicine and food by many people worldwide. The seeds are frequently used as a coffee replacement.

It is a 0.5-2.5 m tall, unarmed thin straight shrub. It is a yearly or eternal Ayurvedic plant used in numerous traditional medicines to treat various ailments. This weed contains germ-destroying, antimycotic, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antihepatotoxic properties. 

The plant’s phytochemical evaluation revealed that it is high in carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, bioflavonoids, resins, sterols, terpenoids, anthraquinones, balsam, and other nutrients. All of these compounds demonstrate that Senna occidentalis has a high potential for application as a phytomedicine. Let’s learn how to manage Senna occidentalis, its potential health benefits, and more.

 

Crucial facts about Senna Occidentalis

Name of the Species	Senna occidentalis
Taxonomic tree	Domain: Eukaryota  Phylum: Spermatophyta  Family: Fabaceae  Genus: Senna
Plant type	Herbaceous  Seed propagated Shrub  Woody  Annual or Perennial
Distribution	North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, etc.
Other names	Coffee senna, negro coffee, Nigerian senna, septicweed, styptic weed, etc
Cultural/amenity	Impact- Positive
Human health	Impact- Positive and negative
Uses	Used as a coffee replacement, a decorative and organic fertiliser and traditional medicinal applications
Temperature range	59-96 F (15-36C)
Best season for growth	Summer
Maintenance	Low

 

How does Senna Occidentalis grow?

Senna occidentalis needs ample sun and a profound, well-drained quite rich sandy dirt-like soil. It favours soil with a neutral pH but will also thrive in alkaline soils. It spreads easily through seed. Scarification of the seeds before sowing helps in accelerate and improve germination. Senna occidentalis thrives in disturbed environments such as deserted fields or houses and roadside ditches. When crushed, the plant emits a powerful, unpleasant odour.

 

Health benefits of  Senna Occidentalis

The following are the most notable health benefits of using Senna occidentalis 

• Alleviate acid reflux – Those who suffer from acid reflux may consider using Senna occidentalis instead of coffee as it can neutralise excess gastric acid.
• Encourages proper digestion – Taking Senna occidentalis after meals can help with healthy digestion. Senna occidentalis is also indicated for persons who suffer from constipation.
• Eliminates parasites – Senna occidentalis can also help those with parasitic worms in their intestines. It is capable of alleviating stomach cramps and distension.
• Treats iron deficiency – Senna occidentalis provides the body with iron, a mineral required for the formation of red blood cells. Hence, it is generally accepted as an effective treatment for iron deficiency anaemia.
• Reduces inflammation – Senna occidentalis is often used to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer since it has the potential to reduce inflammation in the body. Senna occidentalis is also reported to help with joint discomfort and edema.
• Treats a variety of skin problems – Senna occidentalis can be made into a cataplasm, infusion, or pulp that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Rashes, bug bites, psoriasis, and eczema are a few examples.

 

Description of Senna occidentalis

The following are the detailed description of Senna occidentalis:

Plant –  Senna occidentalis is an annual undershrub that is slightly rough or hairy, smells strong, and grows to a height of a few feet.

 

Stem – The stem is firm and cylindrical, while the base is woody.

 

Leaves – Senna occidentalis has alternate, pinnately compound leaves and consists of  3-6 pairs of leaflets. The blade of the leaf is oval to elliptic in form, measuring 40-70 x 15-25 mm, with the terminal leaflet being the largest. The bottom surface and complete margin are hairy; the top surface is hairless. The top is pointed, and the bottom is unevenly rounded or tapering. A prominent dark-coloured gland can be found around the stalk base. Stipules are barely trilateral, nearly 2-4 mm longer, and shed too soon, leaving merely modest scars.

Inflorescence –  Senna occidentalis produce a tiny inflorescence of 2-4 blooms that grows at the upper angle and terminal.

Flowers – Senna occidentalis has yellow flowers. Calyx has five green sepals that are elliptic in form and slightly uneven. The corolla is around 1.5-3 cm in diameter, and five yellow petals make up the corolla.  The petals are unevenly free, oblong, rounded, and hairy.  The number of stamens is ten, and the flower is likely to have six fertile stamens that are distinctly asymmetrical, measuring 2-8 mm longer.  It has six uneven fertile anthers that are 4-6 mm longer and have short beaks. The ovary is straight, extended, and curved, including a hairy stigma.

Fruit – Senna occidentalis fruit is a flattened pod that is straight to oval or slightly elliptical. It is 10- 15 cm long, and 7 to 8 mm wide. Suture lines are heavy, and the seeds have a bulge.

Seeds – Senna occidentalis seeds are levelled, brown seeds that are 4 mm broad and 3 mm long and generally ovate. Seeds are lined up and kept apart by a narrow membrane.

 

Traditional applications and benefits of Senna Occidentalis

• Senna occidentalis is a traditional treatment for typhoid, liver problems, malaria, and snake as well as dog bites.
• Diabetes, rheumatism, venereal illnesses, fevers, convulsions, and hematuria are also treated with it.
• The plant is cooked and gargled for throat problems.
• The root has cholagogue, laxative, and purgative properties.
• An infusion is used to treat common fever, bilious fever, and menstrual cramps.
• The root tincture is applied to rheumatic areas.
• The leaf is used to treat renal calculi.
• The plant’s root is utilized as a tonic and diuretic in intermittent fevers.
• The leaves are used to cure gonorrhea and other urinary tract problems.
• The dried flowers and roots are brewed into a tea to cure gastrointestinal difficulties, colds and flu, and circulatory disorders.
• Skin problems such as eczema are treated using poultices produced from the roots and blossoms.
• An ointment made from the leaves is used to treat ringworm and other skin conditions.
• Flowers are utilised in preparation to help youngsters reduce stomach acid.
• Senna occidentalis seed has febrifuge and sedative properties.
• An infusion is consumed to soothe nerves and as a medicine for kidney disorders, bleeding, worms, and cleansing of the uterus and tubes.
• In India, Senna occidentalis is mostly utilised as a herbal therapy for bone fractures and dislocations.
• Steamed leaves, seeds, and flowers can be consumed like a vegetable.

 

How to effectively manage Senna Occidentalis?

Senna occidentalis is easily managed by cultivation or herbicides while in the seedling phase. Pre-emergence herbicides provide effective management of germinating seeds in crops. In pastures with enough bare ground, it is important to maintain an effective cover by decreasing grazing pressure and topdressing whenever necessary. It will be appropriate to use herbicides to manage growing seedlings. 

 

Bottom line

Senna occidentalis is thought to have digestive, diuretic, and purgative properties. The plant’s seeds, leaves, and roots are extremely beneficial in the treatment of several ailments. However, it is best to avoid Senna occidentalis during pregnancy and lactation, and people who have diarrhea should also avoid it.

 

FAQs

Can Senna occidentalis be eaten?

Nearly all components of the Senna occidentalis are utilised as food and medicinal by tribal communities in India.

Is Senna occidentalis toxic?

The plant is harmful to humans if consumed in excessive quantities. The herb is toxic to cattle. In farmlands and plantations, it is regarded as a weed, and it can build up in densely grazed pastures because cattle will not eat it.

Is Senna occidentalis harmful to the liver?

Senna occidentalis is normally safe and well-accepted, but when utilized in large dosages for longer than authorised periods, it can induce adverse consequences such as clinically visible liver injury.

What effect do Senna occidentalis seeds have on constipation?

Senna occidentalis seeds contain anthraquinone, which has purgative effects that release stool and accelerate bowel movements.

What is the suggested dose of Senna coffee?

Sennosides are recommended for laxative usage in adults and children aged 12 years and older at a dose of 8.6 to 17.2 mg orally a couple of times a day. The dose is 8.6 mg orally daily at bedtime for children aged 6 to 11 years. However, it should keep in mind that there are many different types of senna available, and dosing is not uniform among dose forms.