Evidence supporting the use of: Indian Cassia
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Indian Cassia (Cassia angustifolia, also known as Senna) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and other South Asian medical systems, as a natural laxative for the treatment of constipation, including in children. The plant's leaves and pods contain compounds known as anthraquinone glycosides (mainly sennosides), which stimulate peristalsis in the colon and promote bowel movements. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records document its utility for this purpose. However, while its use is well-established in tradition and is included in some pharmacopeias for constipation, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in children is less robust than in adults. Clinical studies in pediatrics are limited, though some small-scale trials and case reports suggest efficacy. International guidelines (such as those from NICE or ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN) sometimes mention senna as a second-line agent for pediatric constipation, generally recommending it only when other measures fail and with medical supervision, due to potential side effects like cramping, diarrhea, and, with prolonged use, dependency or electrolyte disturbances. In summary, the use of Indian Cassia for childhood constipation is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate supporting evidence and cautious endorsement in clinical practice. Proper dosing and medical oversight are essential, especially in pediatric populations.
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Indian Cassia
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores