The leaflets of Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian senna), and of Cassia elongata (Indian senna).

Senna Alexandrina, B.P. Alexandrian Senna. - The dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia (Cassia lanceolata). Imported from Alexandria, and sometimes in a more or less contaminated condition, in which case the true senna leaflets should be carefully separated from all extraneous matters.

Characters. - Lanceolate or oval-lanceolate leaflets, about an inch long, unequally oblique at the base, brittle, greyish-green, of a faint peculiar odour, and mucilaginous sweetish taste.

Senna Indica, B.P. Tinnevelly Senna. - The dried leaflets of Cassia angustifolia (Cassia elongata). Southern India.

Characters. - About two inches long, lanceolate, acute, unequally oblique at the base, flexible, entire, green, without any admixture; odour and taste those of Alexandrian senna, in place of which it may be used.

Composition. - The properties of senna are due principally to a glucoside, cathartic acid, which, when isolated, is powerfully purgative.

Adulteration. - Of Alexandrian senna, Solenostemma Argel; none of Tinnevelly senna.

Fig. 189. Alexandrian Senna, half natural size.

Fig. 189. - Alexandrian Senna, half natural size.

Fig. 190. Indian Senna, half natural size.

Fig. 190. - Indian Senna, half natural size.

Test. - Senna-leaves have always an unequally oblique base, and are free from bitterness. Other leaves are equally oblique at the base.

Preparations

B.P.

Dose.

Confectio Sennae............................

60 120 gr.

Infusum ,, ....................................

1-2 fl. oz.

Mistura ,, Compostia...........................

1-l 1/2 fl. oz.

Syrupus ,, .....................................

1 fl. dr. upwards.

Tinctura ,, ..................................

1 fl. dr. to 1/2 fl. oz.

Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus........................

30-60 gr.

U.S.P.

Confectio Sennae.......................

60-120 gr.

Extractum Sennae Fluidum................................

1 fl. dr. (4 c.c.)

Infusum Sennae Compositum...............................

2 1/2 fl. oz. (75 c.c.)

Pulvi Glycyrrhizae Compositus..........................

30 60 gr. (2-4 gm.)

Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus............................

1 4 fl. dr. (4-16 c.c.)

Syrupus Sennae..............................

1 4 fl. dr. (4-16 c.c.)

Confectio Sennae. Confection of Senna. - Senna, in fine powder, 7; coriander, 3; figs, 12; tamarind, 9; cassia pulp, 9; prunes, 6; extract of liquorice, 1; refined sugar, 30; distilled water, up to 75 (B.P.) Senna, 10; coriander, 6; cassia fistula, 16; tamarind, 10; prunes, 7; figs, 12; sugar, 50; water, 60 (U.S.P.).