AMERICAN SENNA Meaning and
Definition
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American senna, scientifically known as Senna hebecarpa, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to North America, specifically found in regions ranging from northeastern Canada to southern United States. It is a perennial herb that typically grows in moist habitats, such as wet meadows, marshes, and riverbanks.
American senna is characterized by its upright, slender stems that can reach up to four feet in height. The plant features pinnate leaves with numerous oval-shaped leaflets that are pale green in color. It produces clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers during the summer season, which are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers eventually give way to long, flattened seedpods containing several seeds.
In traditional medicine practices, American senna has been recognized for its purgative properties. The plant contains anthraquinone compounds, primarily sennosides, which act as laxatives by stimulating contractions of the intestines. The medicinal use of American senna has been employed to alleviate constipation and promote bowel movements. However, it is essential to exercise caution and seek medical advice before using American senna as a medicinal remedy, as improper and prolonged use can lead to dependency and adverse effects.
Outside of its medicinal applications, American senna also serves as a food source for certain wildlife, particularly for browsing ungulates and caterpillars of specific butterfly species. It can also be cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, thanks to its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers that add a splash of color and visual appeal.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMERICAN SENNA
- zmerican senna
- smerican senna
- wmerican senna
- qmerican senna
- anerican senna
- akerican senna
- ajerican senna
- amwrican senna
- amsrican senna
- amdrican senna
- amrrican senna
- am4rican senna
- am3rican senna
- ameeican senna
- amedican senna
- amefican senna
- ametican senna
- ame5ican senna
- ame4ican senna
- amerucan senna
Etymology of AMERICAN SENNA
The word "senna" comes from the Arabic word "sana", which refers to a thorny shrub with purgative properties. "American senna" is believed to have been named so due to its similarities to the senna plant. The term "American" is added to specify the particular region or origin of this type of senna, indicating that it is native to the Americas. The word "American" itself derives from the Latin term "Americānus", which means "pertaining to America".
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