50 Facts About Senokot

What is Senokot?

Senokot is a popular over-the-counter medication used to relieve occasional constipation. Derived from the senna plant, it has a long history in traditional medicine.

1. Senokot is a laxative that helps stimulate the muscles in the intestines to move stool through the digestive system more quickly.
2. The active ingredient in Senokot is sennosides, naturally occurring compounds found in the senna plant.
3. Senokot is a brand name owned by Atlantis Consumer Healthcare, Inc.
4. It is available in various formulations, including regular strength and standardized senna concentrate tablets.

How Does Senokot Work?

Understanding how Senokot works can help users make informed decisions about its use.

5. Sennosides in Senokot increase the amount of water in the intestines and stimulate the muscles to move stool.
6. This process helps to soften and move stool, making it easier to pass.
7. Senokot generally produces a bowel movement in 6-12 hours.

Forms and Dosage

Senokot comes in different forms and has specific dosage instructions based on age.

8. Senokot is available in various forms, including tablets and standardized senna concentrate tablets.
9. Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 2 tablets once a day, maximum 4 tablets twice a day.
10. Children 6 to under 12 years: 1 tablet once a day, maximum 2 tablets twice a day.
11. Children 2 to under 6 years: 1/2 tablet once a day, maximum 1 tablet twice a day.
12. Children under 2 years: Consult a doctor for dosage instructions.

Ingredients and Storage

Knowing the ingredients and proper storage can ensure the medication's effectiveness.

13. Each Senokot tablet contains inactive ingredients such as croscarmellose sodium, calcium phosphate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, mineral oil, polyethylene glycol, and talc.
14. Senokot tablets should be stored at room temperature (25°C or 77°F) and can be kept between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Warnings and Precautions

It's crucial to be aware of the warnings and precautions associated with Senokot.

15. Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.
16. Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
17. Stop use if you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that continues over a period of 2 weeks.
18. Stop use if you experience rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using the laxative.
19. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
20. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

History and Origin

The senna plant has a rich history in traditional medicine.

21. The senna plant, from which Senokot is derived, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
22. It is native to Africa and Asia and has been a part of various traditional healing practices.

Chemical and Biological Information

Understanding the chemical and biological aspects of Senokot can provide deeper insights.

23. The chemical formula for sennosides is C42H38O20.
24. Sennosides are also known as senna glycosides or senna.
25. More than 90% of sennosides are excreted in the feces as polymers, with 2-6% excreted unchanged in the urine and bile.
26. The half-life of radiolabelled intravenous sennoside B in rats was 8.568±0.651 hours.
27. The clearance of radiolabelled intravenous sennoside B in rats was 0.065±0.007 L/h/kg.

Side Effects and Toxicity

Being aware of potential side effects and toxicity is essential for safe use.

28. Common adverse effects of Senokot include increased amounts of apoptosis in the large intestine shortly after use.
29. Chronic use has been associated with p53 resistance and potential carcinogenicity leading to colon cancer.
30. Senna causes increased amounts of apoptosis in the large intestine shortly after use due to upregulated p53 activity.
31. The LD50 value in rats was 5000 mg/kg. Subacute studies in rats receiving 20 mg/kg and dogs receiving 500 mg/kg did not produce signs of toxicity.
32. Tests for mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity do not indicate toxic effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Special considerations are needed for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

33. Senokot is not recommended for use in pregnancy due to genotoxic risks associated with chemically similar compounds.
34. The active metabolite of sennosides is excreted in breast milk, though there are no reports of the laxative effect in breast-fed babies.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Senna has been used in various traditional and modern applications.

35. The senna plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
36. It is an important medicinal plant of the family Fabaceae, and its leaves and pods yield sennosides and rhein-based laxatives.
37. Adulteration of Indian senna (Senna alexandrina Mill.) is a serious issue, highlighting the need for proper identification and quality control of herbal medicines.
38. The genus Senna contains globally distributed plant species, including Senna alexandrina and Senna italica.

Research and Studies

Ongoing research and studies continue to explore the potential of Senokot and senna-based compounds.

39. Notable chemical compounds derived from Senna spp. include sennosides and emodin.
40. Senna spp. also contribute to improving nutritional quality and food security.
41. The genetic diversity of Senna spp. remains poorly known, particularly in regions like Burkina Faso.
42. An in-silico approach has been used to unravel the structure of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS).
43. Metabolomics analysis has revealed the metabolite profiles of Rheum tanguticum grown under different altitudinal gradients.
44. Phytochemical investigation of leaves of Senna siamea Lam. has led to the isolation of demethycassiarin B, 6,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1H isochromenone, and 6-hydroxymellein.
45. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials have investigated the effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on chronic constipation in adults.

Potential and Future Applications

The potential and future applications of Senokot and senna-based compounds are vast.

46. The laxative properties of senna are attributed to the presence of sennosides produced in the plant.
47. Understanding biosynthetic pathways helps to engineer plants to produce more sennosides.
48. Bofutsushosan (BTS; fangfengtongshengsan in Chinese) is a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo that includes senna as one of its ingredients.
49. Phytochemical investigation of leaves of Senna siamea Lam. has led to the isolation of compounds that may help in the amelioration of obesity.
50. This research highlights the potential of senna-based compounds in treating metabolic disorders.

Final Thoughts on Senokot

Senokot is a go-to remedy for occasional constipation. Derived from the senna plant, its active ingredient, sennosides, helps stimulate bowel movements. Available in various forms like tablets, it's designed for quick relief, usually within 6-12 hours. Dosage varies by age, so always follow the instructions. While effective, it’s crucial to use Senokot responsibly. Overuse can lead to side effects like increased intestinal apoptosis and potential long-term risks. The senna plant has a rich history in traditional medicine, and its compounds are still being studied for various health benefits. Whether you're dealing with temporary irregularity or exploring natural remedies, Senokot offers a reliable solution. Just remember, moderation is key. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if symptoms persist.