Senna
5 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
162 products in our catalogue print how much Senna a serving holds.
Most common: 250 mg to 500 mg, 76% of 162 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 10 mg or less | 5 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 5 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 3 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 3 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 18 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 123 |
| over 500 mg | 5 |
Dose per serving from research
15 study groups in 12 studies say how much Senna participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 10 mg to 25 mg, 33% of 15 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 10 mg or less | 1 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 5 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 1 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 0 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 0 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 2 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 3 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 0 |
| 2.5 g to 5 g | 2 |
| 5 g to 10 g | 1 |
Benefit Evidence
Research sources
Bowel regularity (44)
- [Comparison of the effectiveness and tolerability of the saccharosum-sennosid-B solution and sodium-picosulfate in preparation for colonoscopy. Prospective, multicenter, randomized study]
PubMed ID: 12974184
Sennoside‑containing prep gave good cleansing comparable to sodium picosulfate; useful for stool removal.
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral docusate in the management of constipation in hospice patients
PubMed ID: 22889861
In hospice patients on sennosides, stool‑form distribution shifted (docusate added had different effects), showing sennosides influence stool consistency.
- Lubiprostone vs Senna in postoperative orthopedic surgery patients with opioid-induced constipation: a double-blind, active-comparator trial
PubMed ID: 25473191
In opioid‑treated postoperative patients, senna improved constipation-related symptoms including completeness and abdominal pain versus lubiprostone.
- Efficacy and safety of gum chewing in adjunct to high-dose senna for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25434316
High‑dose senna + chewing gum adjunct produced fewer inadequate preps (inadequate decreased from 33.9% to 16.9%).
- Efficacy of MaZiRenWan, a Chinese Herbal Medicine, in Patients With Functional Constipation in a Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 29654915
Senna produced 57.7% responder rate at 8 weeks (substantial short‑term bowel response).
- The hospital-based evaluation of laxative prophylaxis in ICU (HELP-ICU): A pilot cluster-crossover randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 30986760
Cluster‑crossover ICU trial used senna‑containing regimens and found no timing difference — demonstrates role in routine protocolized care (but no clear timing benefit).
- Effect of Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage Versus Senokot Treatment on Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32993359
Senokot (sennosides) increased patients with ≥3 defecations/week from 40% to 100% and greatly increased sensation of complete evacuation.
- Comparative effectiveness of lactulose and sennosides for the prevention of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: an open-label, randomized, active-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 33596746
Sennosides worked comparably to lactulose for constipation in PD patients, supporting occasional use.
- Impact of STIMUlant and osmotic LAXatives (STIMULAX trial) on gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery: randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34136900
Multimodal regimen including senna shortened time to GI‑2 after surgery, consistent with enhanced motility though not attributable to senna alone.
- [Colorectal preparation for excision surgery. Development after 4 randomized multicenter studies]
PubMed ID: 2128929
Pooled randomized data showing sennosides more effective than conventional prep and better tolerated than mannitol for cleansing.
- Addition of senna improves colonoscopy preparation with lavage: a prospective randomized trial
PubMed ID: 1936833
Adding senna to PEG markedly increased colon free-of-debris rates, indicating clearing of stool buildup.
- [Combination intestinal lavage: a conservative procedure for colonoscopy]
PubMed ID: 1912715
Senna plus reduced Golytely produced equivalent cleansing to full-volume Golytely, indicating short-term emptying utility.
- Senna vs. bisacodyl in addition to Golytely lavage for colonoscopy preparation--a prospective randomized trial
PubMed ID: 1557921
Senna+Golytely produced high satisfactory cleansing (~95%) comparable to bisacodyl regimen.
- [Comparative study of the use of sennoside A and B vs polyethylene glycol and electrolytes in anterograde preparation of the colon]
PubMed ID: 10532133
Sennosides-alone produced superior bowel cleansing vs comparator, directly clearing stool buildup before procedures.
- Senna vs polyethylene glycol for mechanical preparation the evening before elective colonic or rectal resection: a multicenter controlled trial. French Association for Surgical Research
PubMed ID: 10323423
Single-evening senna prep produced superior colonic cleanliness preoperatively, demonstrating short-term emptying effect.
- Bowel preparation for the double-contrast barium enema: how to maintain coating with cleansing?
PubMed ID: 10210339
Large randomized comparison: sennosides+PEG improved cleansing vs PEG alone (context-dependent findings).
- High-dose senna compared with conventional PEG-ES lavage as bowel preparation for elective colonoscopy: a prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded trial
PubMed ID: 16393219
High‑dose oral senna cleaned colon better than PEG‑ES in a large RCT — direct evidence of clearing buildup.
- CT colonography: optimisation, diagnostic performance and patient acceptability of reduced-laxative regimens using barium-based faecal tagging
PubMed ID: 17404739
Reduced‑laxative CT regimens that included senna produced acceptable bowel prep and diagnostic accuracy.
- Half doses of PEG-ES and senna vs. high-dose senna for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy: a randomized, investigator-blinded trial
PubMed ID: 19844199
Half‑dose PEG+senna achieved immediate cleansing comparable to high‑dose senna — effective short‑term emptying with less pain.
- Low-volume bowel preparation is inferior to standard 4 1 polyethylene glycol
PubMed ID: 20812020
Lower‑volume regimen with senna improved tolerability and ease of taking prep which can support routine use, albeit with more inadequate cleanses.
- High- versus low-volume polyethylene glycol plus laxative versus sennosides for colonoscopy preparation in children
PubMed ID: 23568049
Large pediatric RCT found sennosides produced similar (but overall suboptimal) prep quality to PEG regimens.
- Comparison of the risk of surgical site infection and feasibility of surgery between sennoside versus polyethylene glycol as a mechanical bowel preparation of elective colon cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26319220
Sennoside mechanical bowel prep provided effective intraoperative clearance comparable to PEG for colon cancer surgery.
- Randomized controlled trial of 3 days fasting and oral senna, combined with mannitol and simethicone, before capsule endoscopy
PubMed ID: 29069003
Senna‑containing 3‑day fast substantially improved small‑bowel cleaning for capsule endoscopy and reduced luminal debris.
- Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Children: 1 Day PEG-3350 with Bisacodyl versus 3 Day Sennosides
PubMed ID: 30836366
Pediatric RCT: 3‑day sennosides produced similar cleansing success to 1‑day PEG‑bisacodyl (comparable prep adequacy).
- PEG vs. sennosides for opioid-induced constipation in cancer care
PubMed ID: 31321524
In cancer patients on opioids, sennosides produced bowel responses though PEG tended to be better — senna still active for constipation.
- Polyethylene glycol versus split high-dose senna for bowel preparation: A comparative prospective randomized study
PubMed ID: 32424868
Large RCT showing superior colon cleansing (higher BBPS and adequate prep rates) — strong evidence for clearing stool buildup.
- Pre-administration of super-low volume polyethylene glycol is as effective as senna laxative as bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized controlled phase 2 trial
PubMed ID: 34159460
Senna‑based prep produced similar cleansing responder rate to PEG in RCT (but with worse tolerability).
- Efficacy of 1 L Polyethylene Glycol Plus Ascorbic Acid With Linaclotide Versus Senna for Bowel Preparation: A Multicenter, Endoscopist-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (Apple Trial)
PubMed ID: 39996602
When used as adjunct to 1L PEG, senna achieved high adequate‑cleansing rates though somewhat inferior to linaclotide.
- Comparison of Various Diet Regimens Involving Sennoside for Bowel Cleansing Prior to Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 40444380
Sennoside A+B calcium produced acceptable BBPS scores for colonoscopy prep in a 150‑patient trial.
- A blinded, randomized comparison of a novel, low-dose, triple regimen with fleet phospho-soda: a study of colon cleanliness, speed and success of colonoscopy
PubMed ID: 10691270
Triple prep including senna produced superior colon cleanliness and improved procedural metrics.
- Chronic constipation in long stay elderly patients: a comparison of lactulose and a senna-fibre combination
PubMed ID: 8219947
Double‑blind crossover RCT in elderly chronic constipation: senna‑fibre produced more frequent, easier stools than lactulose.
- A comparison of Agiolax and lactulose in elderly patients with chronic constipation
PubMed ID: 8234437
Same dataset (Agiolax) showing greater stool frequency and improved consistency/ease vs lactulose.
- Lack of influence of intestinal transit on oxidative status in premenopausal women
PubMed ID: 8863019
Randomized intervention showed senna shortened whole‑gut transit time in premenopausal women (direct motility effect).
- Lower serum oestrogen concentrations associated with faster intestinal transit
PubMed ID: 9252210
Senna sped intestinal transit and produced measurable decreases in serum oestrogens; strong evidence of motility increase.
- Is bowel preparation before excretory urography necessary? A prospective, randomized, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 16407020
Senna reduced fecal residue and improved right renal visualization for IVP, reflecting effective fecal clearance.
- The use of senna with docusate for postoperative constipation after pelvic reconstructive surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20207340
Randomized double‑blind after pelvic surgery: senna+docusate shortened time to first bowel movement and reduced rescue laxative use.
- Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32969946
Randomized DB trial showed large, significant increases in spontaneous bowel movements and symptom improvement with senna.
- Content analysis of bowel protocols for the management of constipation in adult critically ill patients
PubMed ID: 32408108
Content analysis found senna included in 81% of ICU bowel protocols, showing its routine clinical use to support elimination.
- A multi-investigator clinical evaluation of oral controlled-release morphine (MS Contin tablets) administered to cancer patients
PubMed ID: 2088995
In cancer patients on morphine, a senna+docusate product was associated with less constipation versus prior regimens (adjunct evidence).
- Safety and efficacy of a bulk laxative containing senna versus lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation in geriatric patients
PubMed ID: 8234438
Bulk laxative with senna increased bowel movement frequency and was well tolerated in elderly long‑stay patients.
- Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time
PubMed ID: 9299672
Controlled study in healthy volunteers: senna sped whole‑gut transit, increased defecation frequency and softened stool.
- The effect of sennosides on colonic mucosal histology and bowel preparation
PubMed ID: 9531685
High‑dose sennoside used for bowel prep — practical evidence of potent evacuation / motility stimulation (with histologic effects).
- Efficacy of senna versus lactulose in terminal cancer patients treated with opioids
PubMed ID: 9436336
In opioid‑treated terminal cancer patients senna had similar laxative efficacy to lactulose (RCT).
- [Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine Plantain and Senna Granule in treatment of functional constipation: a randomized, controlled trial]
PubMed ID: 22088586
Plantain+Senna trial reported decreased GI transit time and improved transit measures (direct evidence of motility increase).
Digestive support (30)
- Addition of senna improves colonoscopy preparation with lavage: a prospective randomized trial
PubMed ID: 1936833
Adding senna to PEG improved colon cleanliness and reduced lavage volume, supporting digestive clearance.
- [Comparative study of the use of sennoside A and B vs polyethylene glycol and electrolytes in anterograde preparation of the colon]
PubMed ID: 10532133
Sennosides-alone produced superior bowel cleansing in RCT — direct support for digestive clearance.
- Senna vs polyethylene glycol for mechanical preparation the evening before elective colonic or rectal resection: a multicenter controlled trial. French Association for Surgical Research
PubMed ID: 10323423
Single-evening senna produced cleaner colons than PEG preop in a large randomized trial.
- Bowel preparation for the double-contrast barium enema: how to maintain coating with cleansing?
PubMed ID: 10210339
Regimen comparisons showed that combining sennosides with PEG changed cleansing and mucosal-coating outcomes (supportive in contexts).
- High-dose senna compared with conventional PEG-ES lavage as bowel preparation for elective colonoscopy: a prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded trial
PubMed ID: 16393219
High‑dose oral senna cleaned colon better than PEG‑ES in a large blinded RCT (clinical digestive clearance).
- Half doses of PEG-ES and senna vs. high-dose senna for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy: a randomized, investigator-blinded trial
PubMed ID: 19844199
Half‑dose PEG + senna gave similar cleansing with substantially less abdominal pain (improved comfort).
- Low-volume bowel preparation is inferior to standard 4 1 polyethylene glycol
PubMed ID: 20812020
2 L PEG + senna was better tolerated than 4 L PEG though with more cleansing failures — tradeoff favoring comfort.
- Comparison of the risk of surgical site infection and feasibility of surgery between sennoside versus polyethylene glycol as a mechanical bowel preparation of elective colon cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26319220
Sennoside bowel prep was non‑inferior to PEG in elective colon surgery, supporting effective digestive clearance preop.
- Randomized controlled trial of 3 days fasting and oral senna, combined with mannitol and simethicone, before capsule endoscopy
PubMed ID: 29069003
3‑day fast with oral senna markedly improved small‑bowel cleanliness and reduced luminal bile, increasing distal lesion detection.
- Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Children: 1 Day PEG-3350 with Bisacodyl versus 3 Day Sennosides
PubMed ID: 30836366
3‑day sennosides achieved similar cleansing success to PEG‑B in children, indicating effective clearance.
- Polyethylene glycol versus split high-dose senna for bowel preparation: A comparative prospective randomized study
PubMed ID: 32424868
Split high‑dose senna produced superior colon cleansing and higher adequate‑prep rates vs PEG — clear digestive clearance support.
- Pre-administration of super-low volume polyethylene glycol is as effective as senna laxative as bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized controlled phase 2 trial
PubMed ID: 34159460
Senna‑based bowel prep produced cleansing rates similar to PEG in a colonoscopy prep trial (but worse tolerability).
- Efficacy of 1 L Polyethylene Glycol Plus Ascorbic Acid With Linaclotide Versus Senna for Bowel Preparation: A Multicenter, Endoscopist-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (Apple Trial)
PubMed ID: 39996602
As adjunct to 1L‑PEG, senna produced high cleansing rates though slightly inferior to linaclotide.
- Comparison of Various Diet Regimens Involving Sennoside for Bowel Cleansing Prior to Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 40444380
Sennoside A+B calcium provided adequate bowel cleanliness with acceptable BBPS scores in prep study.
- A blinded, randomized comparison of a novel, low-dose, triple regimen with fleet phospho-soda: a study of colon cleanliness, speed and success of colonoscopy
PubMed ID: 10691270
Triple prep including senna improved colon cleanliness and exam times vs comparator.
- Comparative study of two bowel preparation regimens for colonoscopy: senna tablets vs sodium phosphate solution
PubMed ID: 17006995
Senna tablets were preferred for taste and had fewer side effects vs sodium phosphate (better patient comfort).
- Lack of influence of intestinal transit on oxidative status in premenopausal women
PubMed ID: 8863019
Direct evidence that senna shortens whole‑gut transit time in premenopausal women supports relief of sluggish digestion.
- Lower serum oestrogen concentrations associated with faster intestinal transit
PubMed ID: 9252210
Senna-induced faster transit shown with reductions in circulating oestrogens; supports transient motility stimulation.
- Is bowel preparation before excretory urography necessary? A prospective, randomized, controlled trial
PubMed ID: 16407020
Senna reduced fecal residue in IVP prep and improved regional visualization — applied digestive clearance evidence.
- The use of senna with docusate for postoperative constipation after pelvic reconstructive surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20207340
Clinical improvement in postoperative return of bowel function supports relief of transient sluggishness.
- Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32969946
RCT showed improved patient‑reported QOL/symptoms with senna, indicating better digestive comfort.
- Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time
PubMed ID: 9299672
Robust evidence that senna speeds transit and increases bowel frequency — directly relieves sluggish digestion short‑term.
- [Comparison of the effectiveness and tolerability of the saccharosum-sennosid-B solution and sodium-picosulfate in preparation for colonoscopy. Prospective, multicenter, randomized study]
PubMed ID: 12974184
Sennoside‑based regimen achieved good cleansing efficacy comparable to sodium picosulfate in RCT.
- [Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine Plantain and Senna Granule in treatment of functional constipation: a randomized, controlled trial]
PubMed ID: 22088586
Plantain+Senna showed short‑term symptom improvement and transit time reduction, suggesting improved comfort.
- Lubiprostone vs Senna in postoperative orthopedic surgery patients with opioid-induced constipation: a double-blind, active-comparator trial
PubMed ID: 25473191
Improved abdominal pain and some PAC‑SYM subscales indicate better digestive comfort with senna.
- Efficacy and safety of gum chewing in adjunct to high-dose senna for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25434316
Adjunct gum improved cleaning with high‑dose senna, supporting its role in digestive clearance regimens.
- Efficacy of MaZiRenWan, a Chinese Herbal Medicine, in Patients With Functional Constipation in a Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 29654915
Senna produced short‑term responder rates for constipation, indicating transient benefit for slow gut transit.
- Effect of Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage Versus Senokot Treatment on Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32993359
Rapid increase in defecation frequency and evacuation sensation supports relief of temporary sluggishness.
- Impact of STIMUlant and osmotic LAXatives (STIMULAX trial) on gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery: randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34136900
Use of senna within a multimodal laxative protocol after colorectal surgery improved stool passage and reduced prolonged ileus (supports digestive clearance though causality unclear).
- [Colorectal preparation for excision surgery. Development after 4 randomized multicenter studies]
PubMed ID: 2128929
Pooled randomized studies found sennosides improved bowel cleansing versus some preparations.
Heart health (8)
- Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32969946
Strong RCT evidence of increased and more regular spontaneous bowel movements and symptomatic response.
- Safety and efficacy of a bulk laxative containing senna versus lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation in geriatric patients
PubMed ID: 8234438
Senna-containing bulk laxative improved weekly evacuation frequency consistent with rhythm restoration.
- Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time
PubMed ID: 9299672
Physiologic acceleration of transit and increased defecation frequency supports re‑establishing regular rhythm.
- Efficacy of MaZiRenWan, a Chinese Herbal Medicine, in Patients With Functional Constipation in a Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 29654915
Senna produced robust short‑term CSBM responses, supporting rhythm restoration while taken.
- Effect of Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage Versus Senokot Treatment on Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32993359
Strong evidence of restored weekly defecation frequency and sense of complete evacuation after short treatment with Senokot.
- Impact of STIMUlant and osmotic LAXatives (STIMULAX trial) on gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery: randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34136900
Multimodal laxative protocol containing senna hastened return of gastrointestinal function after surgery (may aid rhythm restoration, though effect not isolated).
- The use of senna with docusate for postoperative constipation after pelvic reconstructive surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20207340
Postoperative RCT: senna+docusate measurably hastened return of bowel function, supporting rhythm restoration.
- Chronic constipation in long stay elderly patients: a comparison of lactulose and a senna-fibre combination
PubMed ID: 8219947
RCT evidence for increased stool frequency supports restoration of more regular bowel rhythm in constipated patients.
Weight management (1)
- Comparison of Various Diet Regimens Involving Sennoside for Bowel Cleansing Prior to Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 40444380
Sennoside A+B prep produced similar bowel cleanliness with a low‑fiber preps vs clear‑liquid diet in colonoscopy patients—shows usefulness across diet conditions.
Bloating & gas (1)
- Lubiprostone vs Senna in postoperative orthopedic surgery patients with opioid-induced constipation: a double-blind, active-comparator trial
PubMed ID: 25473191
Senna reduced abdominal pain in opioid-postop patients (P=0.04), which is related to bloating/discomfort reduction.
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with Senna
Search all420 products whose verified label declares Senna — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.
Being studied right now
Recruiting clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A trial in progress has no result yet — this is what the field is asking, not what it found.