# Sennoside B

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sennoside-b
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Senna glycoside B, Sennoside B diglucose, 8,8'-Diglucosyl-1,1',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-10,10'-dihydro-9,9'-bianthracene, Cassia angustifolia sennoside B, Alexandrian senna glycoside B, Tinnevelly senna compound B, Anthraquinone glycoside B

## Overview

Sennoside B is a dianthrone glycoside anthraquinone derived primarily from Senna alexandrina that exerts laxative effects by being metabolized by colonic bacteria into rheinanthrone, which stimulates intestinal motility and fluid secretion. It also demonstrates preliminary activity as an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor signaling, suggesting potential relevance in proliferative disease research.

## Health Benefits

• Acts as a laxative, providing relief from constipation (Preliminary evidence)
• May have cathartic effects aiding bowel movements (Preliminary evidence)
• Potential inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which could affect proliferative diseases (Preliminary evidence)
• Possible role in [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) maintenance (Preliminary evidence)
• May contribute to enhanced bowel health (Preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Sennoside B is hydrolyzed by colonic bacterial enzymes into the active metabolite rheinanthrone, which irritates the colonic mucosa and stimulates [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)-mediated secretion of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen while simultaneously inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase-dependent fluid absorption, thereby accelerating bowel transit. Additionally, rheinanthrone promotes peristaltic contractions by activating enteric nerve plexuses and increasing intestinal smooth muscle tone. Sennoside B also appears to inhibit PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation, potentially suppressing downstream Ras-MAPK and PI3K-Akt proliferative signaling pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical evidence for sennoside B as an isolated compound is limited; most human data comes from standardized senna preparations containing mixed sennosides A and B, typically dosed at 12–36 mg total sennosides per day in adults. Randomized controlled trials of senna-based laxatives (n ranging from 50 to several hundred participants) consistently demonstrate significantly faster colonic transit times and increased stool frequency compared to placebo, with effects onset at 6–12 hours post-ingestion. Evidence for its antiproliferative and PDGF-inhibitory properties remains at the in vitro and preliminary preclinical stage, with no published human trials evaluating these effects specifically for sennoside B. Overall, the laxative efficacy carries moderate clinical support, while all other proposed benefits are considered preliminary and require further investigation.

## Nutritional Profile

Sennoside B is a purified anthraquinone glycoside compound (dianthrone glycoside), not a whole food ingredient, and therefore does not contain traditional macronutrients (proteins, fats, or carbohydrates) in nutritional quantities. Molecular weight: approximately 862.74 g/mol. It is one of the primary active constituents isolated from Senna (Cassia senna/Cassia angustifolia) leaves and pods, typically present in standardized senna extracts at concentrations of 1.5–3% by dry weight of the plant material. Purified pharmaceutical-grade Sennoside B is typically standardized to ≥95% purity. As a bioactive compound, it functions as a prodrug: it is not absorbed in the small intestine and is metabolized by colonic bacteria into the active metabolite rheinanthrone, which exerts the primary laxative effect by stimulating colonic motility and increasing fluid secretion into the bowel. Bioavailability of the parent compound is low (<5% systemic absorption); the majority acts locally in the colon. It contains no vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or caloric macronutrients in its isolated form. It is structurally paired with Sennoside A (its stereoisomer), and both are commonly quantified together in herbal preparations. Typical therapeutic doses range from 15–30 mg of total sennosides per administration.

## Dosage & Preparation

There are no specific clinically studied dosage ranges provided for sennoside B. Commercial products often come in standardized forms like Calcium Sennosides 20% and 60%. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sennoside B and senna-derived products are generally considered safe for short-term use (up to 2 weeks), but chronic use can cause electrolyte imbalances—particularly hypokalemia—which may potentiate the toxicity of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and increase the risk of arrhythmias. Prolonged use has been associated with laxative dependency, melanosis coli (reversible pigmentation of the colon), and potential atonic colon syndrome. Sennoside B is contraindicated in individuals with intestinal obstruction, [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), appendicitis, or abdominal pain of unknown origin. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential stimulation of uterine contractions, and it passes into breast milk in small amounts, warranting caution in nursing mothers.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier does not provide specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on sennoside B. For detailed study information, consult PubMed directly.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research does not provide information about the historical or traditional use of sennoside B beyond its modern application as a laxative. Traditional applications are not detailed in the results.

## Synergistic Combinations

Psyllium husk, magnesium citrate, aloe vera, [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s, peppermint oil

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does sennoside B take to work as a laxative?

Sennoside B typically produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after ingestion, as it requires transit to the large intestine where colonic bacteria metabolize it into the active compound rheinanthrone. This delayed onset is why senna-based products containing sennoside B are commonly taken at bedtime to produce morning relief.

### What is the recommended dosage of sennoside B for constipation?

Most standardized senna preparations, which contain a mixture of sennosides A and B, are dosed at 12–36 mg of total sennosides per day for adults, equating roughly to 1–2 tablets of commercial senna laxatives. Sennoside B is not typically available as an isolated supplement, and dosing recommendations are based on total sennoside content rather than sennoside B alone. Use should be limited to no more than 1–2 weeks without medical supervision.

### Can sennoside B interact with any medications?

Yes, sennoside B can interact significantly with cardiac glycosides like digoxin, because the electrolyte loss—particularly potassium depletion (hypokalemia)—it can cause increases the risk of digoxin toxicity and cardiac arrhythmias. It may also reduce the absorption of orally administered drugs by accelerating gastrointestinal transit time, and concurrent use with other diuretics or corticosteroids can compound electrolyte disturbances.

### Is sennoside B safe to take during pregnancy?

Sennoside B is generally not recommended during pregnancy because rheinanthrone, its active colonic metabolite, may stimulate uterine smooth muscle contractions in addition to intestinal contractions, potentially increasing miscarriage or preterm labor risk. Although some data suggest minimal systemic absorption, the safety profile has not been adequately established in controlled human pregnancy studies, and safer alternatives such as bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium) are typically preferred.

### What is sennoside B's role in PDGF inhibition and cancer research?

In vitro studies have shown that sennoside B can inhibit the autophosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor tyrosine kinase, which would theoretically suppress downstream proliferative signaling cascades including the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways involved in cell growth and tumor progression. However, this research is strictly preliminary and has not been evaluated in human clinical trials, so sennoside B cannot be recommended as a cancer preventive or therapeutic agent based on current evidence.

### What foods naturally contain sennoside B?

Sennoside B is naturally found in senna plants (Cassia angustifolia and Cassia acutifolia), which are the primary dietary sources of this compound. Senna leaves and pods are commonly used in herbal teas and traditional remedies, making them the most accessible natural source. While sennoside B is not present in significant quantities in typical Western foods, it can be obtained through consumption of senna-based herbal products.

### Who should avoid taking sennoside B supplements?

Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal obstruction, severe dehydration, or acute abdominal pain should avoid sennoside B, as it may worsen these conditions. Long-term use can lead to dependence and electrolyte imbalances, making it unsuitable for chronic daily use without medical supervision. People with severe kidney or liver disease should also consult a healthcare provider before using sennoside B products.

### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting sennoside B's health claims?

The evidence for sennoside B's laxative effects is well-established through preliminary research, though most studies focus on short-term constipation relief rather than long-term safety or efficacy. Its potential role in PDGF inhibition and cancer-related applications remains in early-stage research with limited clinical data in humans. Overall, sennoside B is considered to have stronger evidence for acute bowel relief than for other claimed health benefits.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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