Sennosides

Sennosides are a group of hydroxyanthracene glycosides derived from Senna plants (Cassia angustifolia or Cassia acutifolia) that function as stimulant laxatives rather than biological targets such as receptors or enzymes (StatPearls, 2023). They are pharmacologically classified as prodrugs, remaining inactive until they reach the colon, where they are hydrolyzed by bacterial beta-glycosidases into the active metabolite, rheinanthrone (PubChem, CID 5281110). Rheinanthrone stimulates the enteric nervous system to increase colonic motility and induces the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen by affecting ion transport mechanisms (NIH LiverTox, 2020). Clinically, sennosides are indicated for the short-term treatment of constipation and for bowel preparation before diagnostic tests like colonoscopies (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Because sennosides are the active therapeutic agents themselves, they do not serve as a target for other drugs; however, their use can lead to significant drug-drug interactions with medications like digoxin or diuretics due to potential electrolyte depletion (PubMed, PMID 15503451).

Other names

Senna glycosidesSennoside ASennoside BAnthraquinone glycosidesSenna

Sennosides are prodrugs that are hydrolyzed by colonic bacterial beta-glycosidases into the active metabolite rheinanthrone, which stimulates the myenteric plexus to increase peristalsis and alters colonic epithelial cell permeability to increase fluid and electrolyte secretion (StatPearls, 2023).