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Svarnapatri स्वर्णपत्री
Senna alexandrina · Fabaceae
Also known as: Senna, Sanay, Cassia angustifolia, Pure Senna leaves
Part used: Leaf
Svarnapatri (Senna alexandrina) is senna, one of the most widely used purgatives in the world and a well-established laxative in both Ayurvedic and modern practice. Its anthraquinones act on the large bowel, and it is effective, reliable and — importantly — not for habitual use.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Senna alexandrina
- Part used: Leaf
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Leaf 1–3 g as infusion or powder, short-term for constipation.
Svarnapatri in other languages
Introduction
Svarnapatri (senna, Senna alexandrina), or Sanay, is a dependable classical laxative whose leaves relieve constipation by stimulating the bowels. Light and cleansing, it clears Pitta and Kapha downward.
Classification
Of the Fabaceae family, Svarnapatri is grouped among the Rechana (laxative) dravyas. Its pungent-bitter taste, light-dry qualities and heating potency mobilise the bowels and clear Ama.
Uses & benefits
Senna is a stimulant purgative used for constipation and in the classical Virechana preparations. It acts on the large bowel and is given in the smallest effective dose, usually with carminatives such as ginger or fennel to prevent griping.
Svarnapatri for constipation
A reliable stimulant laxative acting on the large bowel, effective within 8 to 12 hours.
Svarnapatri in Virechana
Used in classical therapeutic purgation as part of Panchakarma, under supervision.
Svarnapatri before procedures
Used to clear the bowel before surgery or endoscopy, a use it shares with modern practice.
Svarnapatri for piles
Used in Arshas where hard stool aggravates the condition, softening the passage.
Svarnapatri for skin disease
Named among the Kushtaghna drugs on the classical principle that clearing the bowel clears the skin.
Svarnapatri for worms
Used to expel intestinal parasites through purgation.
Svarnapatri for abdominal distension
Used where constipation underlies bloating and heaviness.
Svarnapatri in Swadisht Virechan Churna
A component of the classical palatable purgative powder.
Svarnapatri as a short-term measure
Its proper role — a few days at most, not a standing habit, which distinguishes it from Triphala.
Svarnapatri combined with carminatives
Classically paired with fennel or ginger to reduce the griping it otherwise causes.
Dosage — how much to take
Leaf 1–3 g as infusion or powder, short-term for constipation. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Svarnapatri?
The citations held for Svarnapatri in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Svarnapatri?
Described as Rechana (laxative). Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga.
What is Svarnapatri traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Senna is a stimulant purgative used for constipation and in the classical Virechana preparations. It acts on the large bowel and is given in the smallest effective dose, usually with carminatives such as ginger or fennel to prevent griping.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Svarnapatri?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Svarnapatri classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Svarnapatri carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Svarnapatri is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf.
How much Svarnapatri is taken, and how?
Leaf 1–3 g as infusion or powder, short-term for constipation. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Svarnapatri be avoided?
A stimulant laxative — use short-term and in appropriate doses. Avoid in pregnancy, cramping and prolonged use.
Where does Svarnapatri grow?
Senna is a small shrub cultivated in the drier regions of India, especially the south, for its medicinal leaves.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga
Described as Rechana (laxative). - Classical Vibandha texts — —
Cited among laxative dravyas.
Modern research
-
Effectiveness of senna vs polyethylene glycol as laxative therapy in children with constipation related to anorectal malformation
(see source). Journal of Pediatric Surgery (2017)
A randomized controlled trial reporting senna (Svarnapatri) was effective as laxative therapy for constipation, supporting its use as a stimulant laxative.
View study doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.10.021
Safety & precautions
A stimulant laxative — use short-term and in appropriate doses. Avoid in pregnancy, cramping and prolonged use.
Where it grows
Senna is a small shrub cultivated in the drier regions of India, especially the south, for its medicinal leaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is Svarnapatri used for?
Constipation, chiefly. It is a stimulant laxative acting on the large bowel, effective within 8 to 12 hours, and is also used in classical therapeutic purgation and to clear the bowel before procedures.
Is senna safe for long-term use?
No. Prolonged use causes dependence, electrolyte loss and a condition called melanosis coli, and the bowel becomes less responsive without it. Use it for a few days at most. Triphala is the classical choice for long-term bowel support because it tones rather than stimulates.
What is the dose of senna?
Leaf powder 1–3 g at night, or as directed. Start at the low end — the difference between an effective dose and one that causes griping and cramping is small, and varies between people.
Who should avoid senna?
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in children, in inflammatory bowel disease, and in any suspected bowel obstruction — where a stimulant laxative is dangerous. Take medical advice if you are on diuretics or digoxin, since potassium loss compounds.
Why does senna cause cramping?
It works by stimulating bowel contraction, and that stimulation is what produces griping. Classical practice pairs it with carminatives such as fennel or ginger to reduce this, which is why it rarely appears alone in a formulation.
What is senna called in Hindi?
Sonamukhi or Sanay. In English it is Alexandrian or Indian senna. The botanical name is Senna alexandrina, revised from Cassia angustifolia which older sources use.
What is the difference between senna and Triphala?
Senna is a stimulant laxative — fast, effective, and habit-forming with prolonged use. Triphala is a bowel tonic that works more gently and does not create dependence, which is why it is the one classically approved for long-term use.
