Senna alexandrina is part of the senna genus, and the pea family. No subspecies are listed. Senna is the fruit (pod) or leaf of the plant Senna alexandrina. It is approved in the US as a laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation. Senna contains chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the mucous membrane in the intestine, causing the laxative effect.
Senna is an FDA approved laxative. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before procedures such as colonoscopy. People also use senna for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, weight loss and many other conditions.