-
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 1997Stool form scales are a simple method of assessing intestinal transit rate but are not widely used in clinical practice or research, possibly because of the lack of... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Stool form scales are a simple method of assessing intestinal transit rate but are not widely used in clinical practice or research, possibly because of the lack of evidence that they are responsive to changes in transit time. We set out to assess the responsiveness of the Bristol stool form scale to change in transit time.
METHODS
Sixty-six volunteers had their whole-gut transit time (WGTT) measured with radiopaque marker pellets and their stools weighed, and they kept a diary of their stool form on a 7-point scale and of their defecatory frequency. WGTT was then altered with senna and loperamide, and the measurements were repeated.
RESULTS
The base-line WGTT measurements correlated with defecatory frequency (r = 0.35, P = 0.005) and with stool output (r = -0.41, P = 0.001) but best with stool form (r = -0.54, P < 0.001). When the volunteers took senna (n = 44), the WGTT decreased, whereas defecatory frequency, stool form score, and stool output increased (all, P < 0.001). With loperamide (n = 43) all measurements changed in the opposite direction. Change in WGTT from base line correlated with change in defecatory frequency (r = 0.41, P < 0.001) and with change in stool output (n = -0.54, P < 0.001) but best with change in stool form (r = -0.65, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that a stool form scale can be used to monitor change in intestinal function. Such scales have utility in both clinical practice and research.
Topics: Adult; Antidiarrheals; Cathartics; Contrast Media; Defecation; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Motility; Humans; Loperamide; Middle Aged; Senna Extract; Statistics, Nonparametric
PubMed: 9299672
DOI: 10.3109/00365529709011203 -
Fitoterapia Oct 2009A review is made of chemical, ethnopharmacological and pharmacological papers dealing with Senna alata (L.) Roxb., a plant that belongs to the Creole traditional system... (Review)
Review
A review is made of chemical, ethnopharmacological and pharmacological papers dealing with Senna alata (L.) Roxb., a plant that belongs to the Creole traditional system of medicine and that has recently been introduced in the French Pharmacopoeia. The proofs existing for its various usages are presented. The species is mainly used against constipation and skin diseases. The laxative activity is supported by scientific findings. In contrast the dermatologic use requires further investigation. The species can be considered as safe for short-term or topical use.
Topics: Animals; Constipation; Ethnopharmacology; France; Laxatives; Mice; Pharmacopoeias as Topic; Phytotherapy; Rats; Senna Extract; Senna Plant; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 19446609
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2009.05.008 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Feb 2020Senna alexandrina is traditionally used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but little information is available concerning its potential protective...
Senna alexandrina is traditionally used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but little information is available concerning its potential protective effects against cadmium, which is a widespread environmental toxicant that causes hepatotoxicity. Here, we explored the effects of S. alexandrina extract (SAE) on cadmium chloride (CdCl)-induced liver toxicity over 4 weeks in rats. Rats were allocated into four groups: control, SAE (100 mg/kg), CdCl (0.6 mg/kg), and SAE + CdCl, respectively. Cadmium level in hepatic tissue, blood transaminases, and total bilirubin as indicators of liver function were assessed. Oxidative stress indices [malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate/nitrite (NO), and glutathione (GSH)], antioxidant molecules [superoxide dismutase (SOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione-derived enzymes, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)], pro-inflammatory mediators [interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3), and histological alterations to the liver were examined. SAE administration before CdCl exposure decreased cadmium deposition in liver tissue and the blood liver function indicators. SAE pre-treatment prevented oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic reactions and decreased histological alterations to the liver caused by CdCl exposure. SAE can be used as a promising protective agent against CdCl-induced hepatotoxicity by increasing Nrf2 expression. Graphical abstract.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Dietary Supplements; Hazardous Substances; Liver; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Rats; Senna Extract; Senna Plant; Sennosides; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 31863371
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07117-3 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... May 2021Senna alata L. Roxb or candle bush is a traditional medicinal plant with a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal....
BACKGROUND
Senna alata L. Roxb or candle bush is a traditional medicinal plant with a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal. Leaf extract of S. alata showed the anti-tumor activity in various cancer cell lines. In this study, we focused on the inhibitory mechanism of S. alata extract (SAE) on cancer metastasis including cell migration, cell invasion and signaling pathways in chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the anti-metastatic mechanisms of Senna alata extract on chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells.
METHODS
Screening for phytochemicals in biologically active fraction of SAE was analysed by H NMR spectroscopy. Cell viability and cytoxicity were determined by using MTT assay. Cell migration was observed by scratch wound healing and transwell migration assay. Cell invasion and cell adhesion assay were examined by Matrigel coated transwell chambers or plates. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and NF-κB were detected by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS
The SAE treatment at the sub-cytoxic and non-cytotoxic concentrations significantly inhibited cell migration, cell invasion and cell adhesion of SW1353 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The results from Western blot analysis showed decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, while increased TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression in SAE treated cells. Moreover, SAE suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Akt but decreased NF-κB transcription factor expression in SW1353 cells.
CONCLUSION
These results revealed that SAE could reduce MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression by downregulation of NF-κB which is downstream of MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SW1353 cells resulting in reduced cancer cell migration and invasion. Therefore, SAE may have the potential use as an alternative treatment of chondrosarcoma metastasis.
Topics: Cell Adhesion; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Chondrosarcoma; Humans; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; NF-kappa B; Neoplasm Metastasis; Oncogene Protein v-akt; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase; Senna Extract; Signal Transduction; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2
PubMed: 33582453
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111337 -
Biomolecules Mar 2020Many biologically-active plant-derived compounds have therapeutic or chemopreventive effects. The use of plant in vitro cultures in conjunction with modern genetic...
An Extract of Transgenic Senna obtusifolia L. Hairy Roots with Overexpression of PgSS1 Gene in Combination with Chemotherapeutic Agent Induces Apoptosis in the Leukemia Cell Line.
Many biologically-active plant-derived compounds have therapeutic or chemopreventive effects. The use of plant in vitro cultures in conjunction with modern genetic engineering techniques allows greater amounts of valuable secondary metabolites to be obtained without interfering with the natural environment. This work presents the first findings concerning the acquisition of transgenic hairy roots of overexpressing the gene encoding squalene synthase 1 from () (SOPSS hairy loot lines) involved in terpenoid biosynthesis. Our results confirm that one of PgSS1-overexpressing hairy root line extracts (SOPSS2) possess a high cytotoxic effect against a human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NALM6) cell line. Further analysis of the cell cycle, the expression of apoptosis-related genes () and the observed decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential also confirmed that the SOPSS2 hairy root extract displays the highest effects; similar results were also obtained for this extract combined with doxorubicin. The high cytotoxic activity, observed both alone or in combination with doxorubicin, may be due to the higher content of betulinic acid as determined by HPLC analysis. Our results suggest synergistic effects of tested extract (betulinic acid in greater amount) with doxorubicin which may be used in the future to develop new effective strategies of cancer chemosensitization.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Doxorubicin; Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Humans; Leukemia; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Panax; Pentacyclic Triterpenes; Plant Proteins; Plant Roots; Plants, Genetically Modified; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Senna Extract; Senna Plant; Betulinic Acid
PubMed: 32230928
DOI: 10.3390/biom10040510 -
Pharmacology Oct 1993Senna consists of the dried leaflets or fruits of Cassia senna (C. acutifolia) known in commerce as Alexandrian senna and of Cassia angustifolia commonly known as... (Review)
Review
Senna consists of the dried leaflets or fruits of Cassia senna (C. acutifolia) known in commerce as Alexandrian senna and of Cassia angustifolia commonly known as Tinnevelly senna. The senna plants are small shrubs of Leguminosae cultivated either in Somalia, the Arabian peninsula and near the Nile river. Tinnevelly senna is obtained from cultivated plants mainly in South India and Pakistan. Owing to the careful way in which the plant is harvested, the leaflets of the drug are usually little broken. Damaged leaves and lower quality products are often used for making galenicals. The senna pods (fruits) are collected during the same period as the leaves, then dried and separated into various qualities. The active principle of Senna was first isolated and characterized by Stoll in 1941. The first two glycosides were identified and attributed to the anthraquinone family. These were found to be dimeric products of aloe emodin and/or rhein which were named sennoside A and sennoside B. They both hydrolyze to give the aglycones sennidin A and B and two molecules of glucose. Later work confirmed these findings and further demonstrated the presence of sennosides C and D. Small quantities of monomeric glycosides and free anthraquinones seem to be present as well. The active constituents of the pods are similar to those of the leaves but present in larger quantities. Two naphthalene glycosides isolated from senna leaves and pods are 6-hydroxymusicin glucoside and tinnevellin glucoside. Both compounds can be utilized to distinguish between the Alexandrian senna and the India senna, since tinnevellin glucoside is only found in the latter and the first only in the C. senna.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Topics: Anthraquinones; Cassia; Glycosides; Plants, Medicinal; Senna Extract
PubMed: 8234429
DOI: 10.1159/000139654 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Apr 2018Senna is a stimulant laxative commonly used by pediatricians, pediatric gastroenterologists, and pediatric surgeons. Many clinicians avoid Senna for reasons such as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Senna is a stimulant laxative commonly used by pediatricians, pediatric gastroenterologists, and pediatric surgeons. Many clinicians avoid Senna for reasons such as tolerance or side effects but this has little scientific justification. We recently found several patients we were caring for developed perineal blistering during the course of Senna treatment. Because of this we chose to review the literature to identify side effects in children taking this medication as well as to analyze our Center's experience with Senna's secondary effects.
METHODS
We performed a literature review (MEDLINE, PUBMED) using the keywords of Senna, sen, sennosides and children, and pediatric and functional (idiopathic) constipation. We looked for articles with information regarding perineal blisters related to Senna as well as other secondary effects of Senna laxatives in children when used on a long-term basis. We also reviewed the charts of our patients who had previously taken Senna or are currently taking Senna, looking for adverse reactions.
RESULTS
Eight articles in the literature reported perineal blisters after administration of Senna laxatives in 28 patients. Of those occurrences, 18 patients (64%) had accidental administration of Senna and 10 (36%) had Senna prescribed as a long term treatment. All of the blistering episodes were related to high dose, night-time accidents, or intense diarrhea with a long period of stool to skin contact. At our institution, from 2014 to 2017, we prescribed Senna and have recorded data to 640 patients. During the study period, 17 patients (2.2%) developed blisters during their treatment. Patients who developed blisters had higher doses 60mg/day; 60 [12-100] vs. 17.5 [1.7-150] (p<0.001). All of the blistering episodes were related to night-time accidents, with a long period of stool to skin contact. 83 (13%) patients presented minor side effects such as abdominal cramping, vomiting or diarrhea which resolved once the type of laxatives were changed or enemas were started. The doses of Senna was not significantly different in these patients 15mg/day [4.4-150] vs. 17.5mg/day [1.5-150]. There were no other long-term side effects from Senna found in the pediatric literature for long-term treatment besides abdominal cramping or diarrhea during the first weeks of administration. We found no evidence of tolerance to Senna in our review.
CONCLUSION
There is a paucity of information in the literature regarding side effects of sennosides as a long-term therapy, and to our knowledge, this is the first review of Senna side effects in children. Senna induced dermatitis is rare, but may occur when patients need a higher dose. All of the cases described had a long period of exposure of the skin to stool. Besides the perineal rash with blisters, we could find no other described major side effect with Senna administration in the pediatric population or evidence of the frequently mentioned concern of the development of tolerance to Senna. Pediatric caregivers should advise families of the rare side effect of skin blistering and educate them to change the diaper frequently in children who are not toilet- trained to reduce stool to skin exposure. We can conclude from this review that Senna is a safe treatment option for constipation in children.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
Topics: Child; Constipation; Drug Administration Schedule; Humans; Laxatives; Phytotherapy; Senna Extract; Senna Plant
PubMed: 29429768
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.01.002 -
Lancet (London, England) Mar 1952
Topics: Reference Standards; Senna Extract; Sennosides
PubMed: 14909514
DOI: No ID Found -
Orthopedic Nursing 2020
Review
Topics: Constipation; Diet; Humans; Laxatives; Nonprescription Drugs; Polyethylene Glycols; Senna Extract
PubMed: 32443098
DOI: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000666 -
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical... May 2019The main objective of this study was to evaluate the hydroethanolic extract of Senna alata for the possible free radical scavenging and cytotoxic properties. Using such...
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the hydroethanolic extract of Senna alata for the possible free radical scavenging and cytotoxic properties. Using such hydroethanolic extract, various in vitro antioxidant assays at different concentrations were performed and analyzed. In all the assays, plant extract has good inhibitory effect. Ethanolic extract of Senna alata was further subjected into cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line. Accordingly, it was also found that the plant extract has appreciable potency against cancer cell lines.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Biphenyl Compounds; Ethanol; Free Radical Scavengers; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Hydroxyl Radical; Nitric Oxide; Picrates; Plant Leaves; Senna Extract; Senna Plant; Superoxides
PubMed: 31278702
DOI: No ID Found