CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Cassia angustifolia, commonly known as senna or Indian senna, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to India, but is also widely cultivated in other countries with warm climates.
Senna is a perennial herb with a shrub-like growth habit, reaching heights of about 1-2 meters. It has slender, lance-shaped leaves with a distinct veined pattern. The plant produces clusters of yellow flowers, which eventually give rise to elongated, flattened seed pods containing numerous seeds.
This plant is famous for its medicinal properties, particularly its use as a powerful laxative and purgative. The leaves and pods of Cassia angustifolia are rich in anthraquinone glycosides, primarily sennosides A and B, which stimulate bowel movements and help alleviate constipation. These active compounds act on the smooth muscles of the intestines, increasing their motility and promoting the elimination of waste from the body.
The dried leaves and pods of Cassia angustifolia are commonly used to prepare herbal teas, capsules, tinctures, and even liquid extracts for medical purposes. Senna products are widely available over-the-counter as a natural remedy for occasional constipation. However, it is important to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as prolonged and excessive use may lead to dependency and potential side effects such as abdominal cramps or electrolyte disturbances.
-
The source of Indian senna.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA
- xassia angustifolia
- vassia angustifolia
- fassia angustifolia
- dassia angustifolia
- czssia angustifolia
- csssia angustifolia
- cwssia angustifolia
- cqssia angustifolia
- caasia angustifolia
- cazsia angustifolia
- caxsia angustifolia
- cadsia angustifolia
- caesia angustifolia
- cawsia angustifolia
- casaia angustifolia
- caszia angustifolia
- casxia angustifolia
- casdia angustifolia
- caseia angustifolia
- caswia angustifolia
Etymology of CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA
The word "Cassia angustifolia" has a botanical etymology.
The term "Cassia" comes from the Greek word "κασσία" (kassia), which referred to a type of plant with aromatic bark. The word eventually made its way into Latin as "cassia", and it became a common name for several plants in the Cassia genus.
The specific epithet "angustifolia" is a combination of two Latin words: "angustus", meaning "narrow", and "folium", meaning "leaf". This epithet is used to describe the plant's narrow leaves, which is a defining characteristic of Cassia angustifolia.
Overall, "Cassia angustifolia" refers to a particular species of the Cassia plant with narrow leaves.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
