Sana Makki (Cassia angustifolia / Senna)

Sana Makki (Cassia angustifolia) is not consumed as a macronutrient-dense food but rather as a medicinal herb, so its nutritional value is assessed primarily through its bioactive compound profile. Key Bioactive Compounds: Sennosides A and B (anthraquinone glycosides) are the principal active constituents, typically present at 2.5–4.5% w/w in dried leaves, with sennoside A concentrations around 1.5–2.5% and sennoside B around 1.0–2.0%. Additional anthraquinone derivatives include aloe-emodin (0.05–0.2%), rhein (0.1–0.5%), and chrysophanol in trace amounts. Flavonoids: Kaempferol and isorhamnetin glycosides are present at approximately 0.3–0.8% w/w, contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Minerals (per 100 g dried leaf, approximate): Calcium 1,200–1,800 mg, potassium 800–1,200 mg, magnesium 300–500 mg, iron 15–25 mg, manganese 5–10 mg, zinc 2–5 mg, and phosphorus 150–250 mg. Vitamins: Modest amounts of vitamin C (approximately 5–15 mg per 100 g dried leaf) and small amounts of B-complex vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin) in trace quantities. Fiber: Crude fiber content of dried leaves is approximately 10–15% w/w, consisting largely of insoluble cellulosic material. Protein: Approximately 5–8% w/w crude protein in dried leaves. Essential oils and resins: Present at roughly 0.5–1.0%, contributing to the herb's aroma and mild antimicrobial action. Mucilage: Approximately 6–10% w/w, which provides a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal lining. Bioavailability Notes: Sennosides are prodrugs that are poorly absorbed in the upper GI tract; they pass largely intact to the colon where gut microbiota (particularly Bifidobacterium and Clostridium species) cleave the sugar moieties to release active aglycones (rhein-anthrone), which exert the laxative effect locally on colonic mucosa. Oral bioavailability of intact sennosides into systemic circulation is very low (<5%), which limits systemic toxicity but concentrates the therapeutic effect in the large intestine. Mineral bioavailability from dried leaf preparations may be moderate due to the presence of oxalates and tannins (approximately 2–4% w/w) that can chelate divalent cations and reduce absorption. Flavonoid bioavailability is estimated at 5–15%, improved slightly by co-consumption with warm water or mild acidic infusions (as is traditional in Middle Eastern preparation).