Physical Appearance:
Shape: Flat, elongated pods.
Color: Green to yellowish-brown when fresh, brown when dried.
Size: Typically 2-5 cm long.
Taste and Aroma:
Taste: Slightly bitter.
Aroma: Mild, somewhat earthy.
Uses and Applications
Medicinal:
Laxative: Used to treat constipation. The sennosides in senna pods irritate the lining of the bowel, causing a laxative effect.
Detox: Sometimes included in detox teas and supplements.
Culinary: Rarely used in cooking due to its strong laxative properties.
Specifications
Sennoside Content: Standardized extracts typically contain 2-3% sennosides.
Purity: Minimum 99% pure.
Foreign Matter: Maximum 0.5%.
Moisture Content: Should not exceed 12%.
Ash Content: Maximum 8%.
Senna pods are primarily used for their potent laxative effects due to their sennoside content. They are a key ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives and are also used in traditional medicine. While effective for short-term relief of constipation, they should be used with caution to avoid potential side effects and dependency.
