sennoside B

Sennoside B is a hydroxyanthracene glycoside and a stimulant laxative derived from the leaves and pods of the Senna plant (*Cassia* species). It is a stereoisomer (the meso-form) of sennoside A. As a prodrug, sennoside B is hydrolyzed by colonic bacterial enzymes, such as beta-glycosidases, into its active metabolite, rhein anthrone. This metabolite acts directly on the intestinal mucosa and the myenteric plexus to stimulate peristalsis and increase the secretion of water and electrolytes into the colonic lumen, thereby facilitating bowel movements. It is widely used for the short-term treatment of constipation and for bowel evacuation prior to medical procedures.

Brand names

SenokotEx-LaxSenna-Lax

Other names

sennosid Bmeso-sennoside B