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Herbs & Supplements
Cassia angustifolia
Scientific Name: Senna
Other Names: Cassia acutifolia, Cassia senna
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Cases of liver damage have been reported in individuals who consumed very large amounts of senna-containing products for long periods of time.
Prolonged use of senna can lead to reduced potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can result in muscle weakness and potentially dangerous changes in heart rhythm.
Chronic, long-term use of senna may also result in aching joints, weakened bones or muscles, and loss of weight due to decreased appetite. Cases of "clubbing" (a rounded, ball-like effect that occurs at the ends of the fingers or toes) have also been reported after taking senna for a long time.
Less Severe Side Effects
Senna-containing laxatives may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
The anthraquinones in senna may give the urine a reddish, pink, or brownish color. In addition, they may contain pigments that cause the lining of the intestines to become darkened. Neither of these side effects is believed to be harmful; however, and both generally disappear after senna is stopped.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
