"Senna D" - a natural laxative for constipation and weight loss

Senna leaves are rich in anthraglycosides - substances that have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in general. Cassia aculifolia (another name for senna) is the most beloved and most commonly used natural laxative in China.

The roots and rhizomes of elecampane contain inulin, inulenin and helenin - compounds that naturally normalize the balance of intestinal microflora, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, activating the immune system, improving the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

It should be especially noted that the drug “Senna D” does not contain extracts (extracts). The plant parts included in its composition are used entirely. The human digestive system itself is able to determine which plant substances it needs. And the unique cryotreatment technology developed by specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR) allows the medicinal properties of these substances to be preserved as much as possible.

Chronic constipation is a disease of civilization

In the last decade, the list of diseases of civilization has expanded significantly. Among other things, it also includes such an ailment as constipation, which is a slow, difficult or systematically incomplete bowel movement. The fight against chronic constipation these days is acquiring a truly planetary character. According to Professor N.B. Gubergrits, 12% of the adult population of the planet suffers from difficult defecation. Constipation is diagnosed in 50% of residents of Great Britain and Russia, 30% of German citizens, and 20% of French citizens. And this is data only about those people who seek help from a doctor. Many people prefer to deal with a delicate problem on their own, using laxatives.

What is the reason for the widespread prevalence of the disease among all segments of the population? Experts name several main reasons .

1. Low physical activity as a result of a sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, lack of physical activity, and prolonged bed rest.
2. Poor nutrition: snacking on the run, excluding first courses from the diet, indulging in overly gentle diets, as well as foods rich in animal proteins, little consumption of water, vegetables, and fruits.
3. Changes in living conditions. Often found among travelers.
4. Taking certain medications that impair the motor function of the large intestine. These include atropine, narcotic drugs, psychotropic drugs (tranquilizers, antidepressants), anticonvulsants and some diuretics, iron supplements, aluminum hydroxide, baking soda and others.
5. Some diseases that cause a reflex slowdown in the peristalsis of the large intestine: diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, diseases of the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pulmonary heart failure, emphysema, neuroses, mental illnesses.
6. Chronic intoxication associated with poor working conditions, bad habits and other factors.
7. Surgeries on the abdominal and pelvic organs with the formation of adhesions that compress the intestines.

Irregular bowel movements are extremely dangerous for the body. Toxins are not removed outside, but enter the blood. All systems and organs suffer from their toxic effects. The immune system stops working at full strength, the skin loses its elasticity, becomes dull, appetite worsens, headaches and nausea appear. A person constantly experiences fatigue and irritability.

The fast pace of life, lack of free time, excessively false shame, and neglect of their health encourage patients to self-medicate; fortunately, the choice of laxatives in modern pharmacies is rich and varied, most of them are affordable and available without a doctor’s prescription. However, prolonged uncontrolled use of certain laxatives can seriously undermine human health.

Senna improves colonic motility

Senna leaves owe their laxative properties to special substances present in their composition - anthraglycosides. These natural compounds have a stimulating effect on intestinal function strictly locally: they enhance the peristalsis of the large intestine (motility) and do not disrupt the processes of digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Anthraglycosides do not have a toxic (poisonous) effect on the body and are well tolerated .

The action of anthraglycosides is completely consistent with human physiology . The fact is that the work of the intestines can be compared to the activity of a tireless worker - the heart. Just like the main motor of the body, the intestines continuously perform rhythmic contractions and relaxations of muscles. Thanks to this, food is thoroughly mixed with intestinal juice, comes into close contact with its mucous membrane and gradually moves towards the “exit”. Like cardiac glycosides, which stimulate the heart , anthraglycosides help the intestines improve and speed up the process of removing waste products from the body . Their laxative effect appears 8-10 hours after taking the drug.

Unlike other plants used to treat constipation, senna leaves contain a small amount of resinous substances that have a strong irritant effect on the intestinal mucosa.

Properties of Senna Alexandrina

The medicinal use of senna in medicine around the world goes back thousands of years. It was used as a laxative and detoxifying, that is, cleansing, as well as an expectorant, hepatoprotective, antidysenteric and antifever agent. The first two properties of senna listed above are the most well studied.

The active principles of senna, which determine its laxative effect, are sennosides A and B - substances from the group of glycosides . According to their structure, they belong to anthroquinones (anthraglycosides) , and their content in the plant reaches 1.24% [1]. Sennosides are a prodrug form. They are not digested in the stomach and small intestine and only in the large intestine, under the influence of bifidobacteria, they break down into rheinanthrone , the true active ingredient of senna [2]. 2 The effects of sennosides A and B are enhanced by other substances from the anthraglycoside group ( aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanol , etc.), which has been proven by their joint administration to animals and the identification of their synergistic laxative effect [3]. Russian scientists note the contribution to the laxative effect of senna not only of anthracene derivatives, but also of flavonoids (kaempferol derivatives) and naphthalene derivatives [4].

The mechanism of laxative action of senna anthraglycosides includes two aspects:

1) reflex enhancement of wave-like contractions of the intestine, that is, its peristalsis , which promotes the movement of contents to the exit;

2) stimulation of the secretion of electrolytes and a decrease in fluid absorption, which contributes to the accumulation of water in the intestines and the dilution of fecal matter [5].

Senna also has a positive effect on bile secretion, which makes it advisable to use it when there is insufficient flow of bile into the intestines. There are also reports of enhancement of the antitoxic function of the liver with the help of senna [6].

Although senna, like any laxative, is not recommended for long-term use, many people take it on an ongoing basis. Senna causes virtually no tolerance [7] and works for many months and even years without increasing dosages. Of course, this does not eliminate the need to treat diseases that cause constipation.

Elecampane restores microflora balance and stimulates intestinal motility

The action of the second component of the Senna D biocomplex - elecampane - is also aimed at normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Polysaccharides inulin and inulenin, present in large quantities in its roots and rhizomes (up to 44%), restore the balance of microflora and stimulate intestinal motility. What is this action based on?

Inulin (and its related carbohydrate inulenin) is a natural dietary fiber, a soluble fiber. It belongs to the group of prebiotics - organic substances that serve as food for microorganisms. Inulin is not digested or absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract; it enters unchanged into the large intestine, where it is completely processed by bifidobacteria, helping to increase their population and stimulating the activity of beneficial bacteria. In addition to bifidobacteria, some types of lactobacilli also multiply intensively in the presence of inulin. This is confirmed by independent studies conducted in different countries of the world.

1. T. Mitsuoka examined the intestinal microflora of 23 elderly patients before and after taking inulin with food (8 g/day) and found that in just a couple of weeks of taking the prebiotic, the number of bifidobacteria increased by 1000% (!). But the level of clostridia (the causative agents of such dangerous diseases as tetanus, botulism, gas gangrene) has decreased significantly .

The Institute of Human Nutrition (Germany/Potsdam) together with the Internal Medical Institute of Oranienburg compared the effects of inulin and lactose on the intestinal microflora. Elderly people suffering from constipation - study participants - were divided into two groups (10 and 15 people). One of them received inulin for 19 days, the other received lactose. It was found that while taking inulin, the number of bifidobacteria increased from 7.9 log/g to 9.2, the level of enterococci and enterobacteria decreased significantly , functional constipation decreased, and a better laxative effect appeared.

Taking inulin as part of Senna D promotes the growth of the intestinal OWN beneficial microflora and avoids the introduction of microorganisms from the outside. The increased population of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli creates unfavorable conditions for the life and reproduction of opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi. As a result, the disturbed balance of microorganisms in the colon is restored naturally .

With an increase in bacterial biomass, the volume of feces also increases, the latter begin to actively put pressure on the intestinal walls and thereby stimulate its motor functions .

However, the beneficial effect of inulin on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is not limited to this. It turns out that when it enters the stomach, it dissolves in its warm contents and turns into a gel. This gel envelops the mucous membranes of the stomach and partly the intestines and protects them from the effects of toxic substances and mechanical irritation from food .

The improvement of the motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal tract is greatly facilitated by the mixture of bitterness present in the essential oil of elecampane roots and rhizomes - the so-called helenin.

Also, the essential oil of elecampane roots and rhizomes has a pronounced bactericidal and antiseptic effect .

Thus, the action of “Senna D” perfectly corresponds to the famous aphorism of Hippocrates “nature heals, and the doctor only helps nature.”

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Senna D for weight loss

Fluctuations in body weight are closely related to metabolic processes occurring in the human body. If the gastrointestinal tract is clogged with metabolic products and filled with toxins, metabolic processes slow down. In such a situation, diets, no matter how low-calorie they are, will not bring results, and physical activity will only weaken you. Any actions aimed at losing weight should be preceded by cleansing the digestive and assimilation organs. Taking Senna D for weight loss will ensure not only the removal of waste products and toxins from the body, but also the effective breakdown of fats.

The cleansing effect of “Senna D” is ensured by the senna herb included in the drug, or rather its anthraglycosides, which we described above. These natural compounds help quickly and safely remove harmful substances from the body. In the alkaline environment of the gastrointestinal tract, under the influence of digestive juices and bacterial enzymes, anthraglycosides are converted into anthraquinones - substances to which the receptors of the large intestine are sensitive. Anthraquinones cause sluggish intestines to move intensively. Without disrupting the processes of digestion and absorption in the small intestine, senna nevertheless accelerates the passage of food through it and increases the rate of metabolic reactions. As a result, harmful substances are rapidly eliminated without remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for a long time, and fatty acids do not have time to be absorbed (the bulk of them are absorbed in the small intestine). The process of weight gain slows down.

The effect of elecampane contained in Senna D on body weight is also explained by the action of its components. Thus, gum reduces appetite and dulls the feeling of hunger. Inulin and helenin improve the functioning of the intestines, the latter, in addition to this, also stimulates the secretion of bile into the duodenum. Saponins and essential oil provide a diuretic effect.

The presence of elecampane roots and rhizomes in the composition of “Senna D” allows you to normalize metabolism and acid-base balance, promotes better absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from food.

The complex effect of the plant components of Senna D on the body ensures physiological weight loss.

Senna-D is more effective and safer than other senna drugs

Senna-D is distinguished from similar laxatives of plant origin by the presence in its composition, in addition to cassia aquifolia (senna), of two additional components - cryopowder of elecampane roots and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

If the lack of toxic properties of senna has been proven by scientific research, then it can still have a slight irritant effect on the intestinal mucous membranes. This may manifest itself as discomfort in the lower abdomen after taking it, or colic in children under 6 years of age. However, in Senna-D such side effects of cassia are neutralized due to its enveloping, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties [14; 15] effects of elecampane. Therefore, Senna D acts more mildly than other senna preparations .

In addition, elecampane helps improve digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract , acting as an antigastritis and antiulcer agent. It has pronounced antibacterial activity [16], including against Staphylococcus aureus [17; 18], often causing intestinal infection. It also serves to prevent oncology by suppressing the growth of tumor cells [19], [20].

also helps fight dysbiosis , a common cause of constipation. The normalization of intestinal microflora is facilitated by the fibrous substance inulin , which accumulates in the roots of the plant and reaches 40% of their mass [21]. The prebiotic properties of inulin have been proven by numerous studies [22-24]. The group of prebiotics also includes microcrystalline cellulose, which also has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiocenosis.

Plant fibers (inulin and MCC) prevent the development of inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. They reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by neutralizing the effects of carcinogens, in particular secondary bile acids, and providing a substrate beneficial to colon cells [25]. Scientists also associate the mechanism of reducing the risk of intestinal cancer due to prebiotics with increased production of short-chain fatty acids and normalization of cell proliferation and differentiation [26].

MCC and elecampane enhance the cleansing and detoxifying effects of senna, promoting the binding and removal of waste and toxins of various origins from the body. They also promote weight loss by creating a feeling of fullness in the stomach, suppressing appetite and lowering the glycemic index of foods.

Thanks to all of the above, Senna-D is not just a laxative, but a real enteroprotective (intestinal-protecting) herbal remedy, which has clear advantages over its analogues. An important trump card of Senna-D is the innovative method of plant processing used by the company Parapharm . This is cryotreatment, which allows the use of whole medicinal plants with maximum preservation of their substances and properties, in contrast to extracts, tinctures, and decoctions.

Indications and contraindications for taking Senna D biocomplex

Summarizing all of the above, we will talk about the indications and contraindications for taking Senna D.

The biocomplex will provide invaluable assistance in the following cases:

• for constipation (especially chronic) caused by hypotension and sluggish peristalsis of the large intestine;
• in case of imbalance of microflora in the intestines, dysbacteriosis;
• with irritable bowel syndrome;
• if you are overweight;
• for chronic colitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine);
• for skin diseases (skin pathologies are often a consequence of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract).

It is not recommended to use the drug "Senna D" for:

• pregnancy: elecampane in the composition of “Senna D” can provoke uterine bleeding and spontaneous miscarriage, muscle contractions caused by the action of senna can lead to the same result;
• diarrhea, dehydration;
• intestinal obstruction;
• uterine bleeding;
• individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

In therapeutic doses, “Senna D” does not have a toxic effect on the body even with long-term use, acting gently and painlessly. Unlike other laxatives (for example, those based on rhubarb), stopping the use of the biocomplex does not cause constipation. The use of Senna D is allowed even for persons suffering from liver and gallbladder diseases. Not all laxatives can boast of such an advantage. Thus, laxatives based on aloe juice are contraindicated for such patients.

Senna-D is a safe alternative to synthetic laxatives

As chemistry developed, synthetic laxatives significantly replaced senna. Accusations began to be made against a time-tested herbal medicine with truly worldwide fame. It has been hypothesized that it has a detrimental effect on the health of the liver and intestinal mucous membranes, impairs immunity and causes carcinogenesis in the colon. However, subsequent studies refuted them.

Thus, Swedish scientists proved in 1993 that senna does not cause tumor formation when taken for a long time . They found no association between long-term (two-year) administration of senna extract and tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys or adrenal glands in rats [8].

A 1997 study evaluating the effects of senna in both animals and humans disproved its genotoxicity/mutagenicity/carcinogenicity in humans when consumed at recommended dosages [9]. Moreover, Brazilian scientists report the antimutagenic and antioxidant effects of senna [10].

Italian researchers did not detect any damage to liver tissue or abnormalities in its functions, even when animals were administered doses of senna that significantly exceeded the doses usually used in humans. Senna is not hepatotoxic [11].

The results of a large review of scientific medical databases (2009) to analyze articles on senna also recognized the safety of this plant . Senna does not cause functional disorders or organic damage to the intestines, does not provoke tumors, and is not carcinogenic or genotoxic [12].

The above facts allow us to call Senna-D an effective and safe remedy. But synthetic laxatives are by no means harmless and can provoke the development of cancer. According to scientists from the Seattle Cancer Center , the likelihood of colon cancer increases by 49% when taking artificially synthesized drugs that do not contain plant fiber . In contrast, those who use fiber-based laxatives have a 56% reduced risk [13].

How to take Senna D

How to take Senna D? Only an experienced specialist can correctly calculate the dosage of the drug and correctly draw up a treatment regimen, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the cause of the disease, the purpose of administration and other factors. Adults are usually prescribed 1-3 tablets per day in the morning or evening with meals for 2-3 weeks.

Timely bowel movements are important for human health. “Blessed is the one who early in the morning has a chair without compulsion, food according to his gut, and all other pleasures,” A. S. Pushkin once wrote.

Senna D is the power of nature in a convenient form to solve a delicate problem.