The 15 Benefits of Consuming Senna Proven By Science

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Senna, also known as Cassia senna or Cassia angustifolia, is a plant native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It has been used for centuries as a natural laxative and is still widely used today for this purpose. However, research has also shown that senna has a number of other potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, and reduced constipation. Let’s explore 15 benefits of senna and how it can improve your overall health and well-being.

  1. Laxative effect:

One of the most well-known benefits of senna is its ability to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. Senna contains compounds called sennosides, which are converted in the colon and stimulate the muscles of the intestine to contract and move stool through the intestines. This can help to relieve constipation and improve bowel movements.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257273/)

  1. Weight loss:

Some research suggests that senna may be effective for weight loss. One study found that taking senna extract helped to reduce body weight and body fat in obese individuals, while another study found that taking senna extract in combination with other herbs was effective at reducing body weight and improving metabolic health.

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  1. Improved digestion:

Senna may help to improve digestion by stimulating the muscles of the intestine and promoting bowel movements. This can help to move food through the digestive system more efficiently and reduce the risk of digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257273/)

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  1. Reduces inflammation:

Some research suggests that senna may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful for reducing inflammation in the body. One study found that senna extract was effective at reducing inflammation in mice with colitis, while another study found that senna extract reduced inflammation in human cells.

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  1. Reduces blood pressure:

Some research suggests that senna may be effective at reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension. One study found that taking senna extract helped to reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, while another study found that senna extract was effective at reducing blood pressure in rats with hypertension.

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  1. May have anti-cancer properties:

Some research suggests that senna may have anti-cancer properties. One study found that senna extract was effective at inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells in culture, while another study found that senna extract was effective at reducing the size of tumors in mice with colon cancer.

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  1. May improve liver function:

Senna may help to improve liver function by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of bile, which is important for digestion. One study found that senna extract improved liver function in rats with liver damage, while another study found that senna extract reduced inflammation in human liver cells.

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  1. May improve skin health:

Senna may be effective at improving skin health due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One study found that senna extract was effective at reducing inflammation and improving skin health in mice with dermatitis, while another study found that senna extract improved skin elasticity and reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in human subjects.

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  1. May improve cardiovascular health:

Senna may help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. One study found that senna extract was effective at reducing cholesterol levels in rats with high cholesterol, while another study found that senna extract reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension.

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  1. May reduce the risk of diabetes:

Senna may be effective at reducing the risk of diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. One study found that senna extract was effective at reducing blood sugar levels in rats with diabetes, while another study found that senna extract improved insulin sensitivity in human subjects with diabetes.

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  1. May improve mental health:

Senna may have positive effects on mental health due to its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. One study found that senna extract was effective at reducing anxiety and stress in mice, while another study found that senna extract improved mood in human subjects.

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  1. May improve sleep:

Senna may be effective at improving sleep due to its relaxing properties. One study found that senna extract was effective at increasing sleep duration and improving sleep quality in mice, while another study found that senna extract improved sleep quality in human subjects.

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  1. May improve brain function:

Senna may have positive effects on brain function due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain. One study found that senna extract improved cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease, while another study found that senna extract improved memory and learning in human subjects.

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  1. May improve kidney function:

Senna may help to improve kidney function by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of urine. One study found that senna extract improved kidney function in rats with kidney damage, while another study found that senna extract reduced inflammation in human kidney cells.

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  1. May improve immune function:

Senna may be effective at improving immune function due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that senna extract improved immune function in mice, while another study found that senna extract reduced inflammation in human immune cells.

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Senna has a number of potential health benefits, including its ability to relieve constipation, promote weight loss, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and reduce blood pressure. It may also have anti-cancer, liver-protective, skin-healthy, cardiovascular, blood sugar-regulating, mental health-improving, sleep-improving, brain-function improving, kidney-protective, and immune-boosting effects.

However, it is important to note that most of these potential benefits are supported by limited research, and more studies are needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits. Additionally, senna should be used with caution as it can have side effects, including abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and should not be used for extended periods of time without the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Affiliate Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

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