Pronunciation: [sˈɛnə] (IPA) 
The word "senna" is spelled as /ˈsɛnə/. The first sound is an "s" pronounced as /s/, followed by a short "e" sound /ɛ/. The second syllable starts with an "n" sound /n/, followed by a long "e" sound /iː/. The final sound is another short "a" sound pronounced as /ə/. Senna is a plant with medicinal properties that is commonly used as a laxative. Its name is derived from the Arabic word "sana," which means "to leave the bowels open."
Senna refers to a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae), specifically in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. The term "senna" is commonly used to describe various species within this genus, which consists of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and small trees. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Senna is well-known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries as a natural laxative due to its strong cathartic effects. The leaves and pods of certain species, such as Senna alexandrina (formerly Cassia senna), are harvested for their high anthraquinone content, particularly sennosides, which stimulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation. Senna is commonly consumed in the form of teas, herbal supplements, or incorporated into various pharmaceutical preparations.
Beyond its use as a laxative, senna has also been attributed with other potential health benefits, including its active compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective properties. However, it is worth noting that prolonged or excessive use of senna can lead to dependency and gastrointestinal disturbances.
In addition to its medicinal value, senna is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant, thanks to its attractive bright yellow flowers and feathery green foliage. It is also occasionally used as fodder for livestock.
Overall, senna is a diverse genus of plants that provides substantial health benefits and displays aesthetic appeal, while remaining a significant component of traditional medicine practices around the world.
The dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia and C. angustifolia; laxative in doses of gr. 40-60 (2.6-4.0).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The leaves of several Eastern plants, much used in medicine as a purgative.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "senna" has its origins in Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic word "sānā", which refers to the senna plant. The Arabic term was then borrowed into Latin as "senna". From there, the word spread to various other languages. Senna is commonly associated with plants of the Cassia genus that are used for their medicinal properties, particularly for their laxative effects.
