Prune and Senna

Prune is a fruit which have been used traditionally for constipation as it may have laxative actions. It contains a high level of fibre and complex sugars which swell in the intestines and soften stools. Senna (Cassia senna) has also been traditionally for regulating bowel movements especially by people in northern Africa, India, China, and throughout southwestern Asia. Senna was also traditionally uses also included controlling fevers, alleviating indigestion, and helping hemorrhoids. Northern African healers prescribed it to heal stomach problems. Plant scientists have found that the effectiveness of senna as a laxative and bowel toxin cleanser is due primarily to molecules known as sennosides. These constituents have been shown to increase the functionality of the colon and thus remedy the cause of constipation.

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Sennosides are actually a group of anthraquinone glycosides converted by colonic bacteria into a substance called rhein-anthrone. Rhein anthrones stimulate colonic activity and help to increase fluid secretion by the colon. The resultant peristaltic (wavelike contraction of alimentary canal walls) movement in the lower bowel signals the colon is functional again. Senna has a gentle action on the colon and is far less harsh than many laxative mediciations available on the market. An extract in capsules or tablets providing 20–60 mg of sennosides per day is sometimes recommended. This can be continued for a maximum of ten days. Use beyond ten days is strongly discouraged. If constipation is not alleviated within ten days, people should seek the help of a healthcare professional.