Sennoside A
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
862.74
Molecular Formula
C42H38O20
IUPAC Name
(9R,9'R)-5,5'-bis(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4,4'-dihydroxy-10,10'-dioxo-9,9'-bianthracene-2,2'-dicarboxylic acid
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian), Cassia angustifolia (Tinnevelly)
Active Constituents
Sennosides A, B, C, D
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Metabolized by gut flora into active rhein-anthrone, stimulating Auerbach's plexus.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Negligible in upper GI.
D: Colonic.
M: Bacterial cleavage in colon.
E: Fecal and renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Increases colonic motility and alters fluid/electrolyte absorption (purgative).
Synthesis Pathway
Dimeric structure formed from polyketide-derived monomeric anthranoids.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Abdominal cramps, melanosis coli, hypokalemia (with chronic use).
Contraindications
Intestinal obstruction, undiagnosed abdominal pain, appendicitis.
Drug Interactions
K+-depleting diuretics, cardiac glycosides.
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Tablets, Syrups, Granules
Official Compendia
IP, BP, USP