Calcium sennoside is a natural laxative derived from senna, a flowering plant belonging to the Cassia genus. It's a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat occasional constipation and clear the bowels before certain medical procedures. This article delves into the properties, mechanisms of action, uses, potential side effects, and safe administration of calcium sennoside.
Chemical Properties and Source
Calcium sennoside is a mixture of glycosides, and chemical compounds where a sugar molecule (glycone) is attached to a non-sugar molecule (aglycone). In this case, the aglycone is sennoside A and sennoside B. These glycosides are extracted from the dried leaves and pods of the senna plant. Commercially available calcium sennoside comes as a calcium salt, forming a stable and well-absorbed form.
