« Agoè Gbé » : against indigestion

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Extract from the article: Senna leaves (Agoè Gbé in Ewé or Cassia senna, Cassia angustifolia) are known for their laxative properties. They are recommended in cases of constipation : phytotherapist Sénam Kokou Bédi-Djinékou explains that senna leaves have « the particularity

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Senna leaves (Agoè Gbé in Ewé or Cassia senna, Cassia angustifolia) are known for their laxative properties. They are recommended in cases of constipation : phytotherapist Sénam Kokou Bédi-Djinékou explains that senna leaves have « the particularity of accelerating intestinal transit and stimulating peristaltic movements. Senna leaves purify the digestive tract and intestinal flora, and hydrate the stools, increasing their volume and promoting proper defecation ».

Senna leaves are mainly used as an infusion, but are also sometimes found in powder form in capsules, or compressed to make tablets. The yellowish-green « Agoè Gbé » leaves have a faint odour and a pleasant mucilaginous flavour. The husk of senna seeds contains between 2% and 5.5% anthranoids, while the leaves contain around 3%. They are dried in the sun and reduced to a powder, which is used as is or to obtain a liquid extract. Anthranoids or anthraquinones are natural derivatives in the leaves and have proven therapeutic power in treating all functional intestinal disorders such as functional colopathy, laxophobia and constipation.

According to Sénam Bédi-Djinékou, « Agoè Gbé is a vermifuge, antibiotic, type 2 diabetes treatment, diuretic and astringent, and combats urinary tract, bacterial and intestinal infections. When it comes to constipation, it speaks for itself, especially as it fights intestinal and bacterial infections ».

Recognised effectiveness

The World Health Organisation considers senna leaves to be « an occasional treatment for constipation ».  Senna leaves contain anthracene derivatives (sennosides A and B).These sennosides are digested in the colon by bacteria in the intestinal flora, which release anthraquinones. « These anthraquinones accelerate transit in two ways: being hydrophilic, they inhibit the absorption of water contained in digested food, so stools remain soft and do not become lumpy.Secondly, they increase the peristaltic movements of the colon, stimulating intestinal movement », explains Sénam Kokou Bédi-Djinékou.

In addition to the effects of anthraquinones, the laxative effect of senna is also due to its irritant action on the intestinal walls. « By stimulating intestinal transit, senna effectively combats temporary constipation and digestive problems, acting as an intestinal purgative. This action is beneficial in cases of haemorrhoids, as soft stools are easier to defecate than hard stools, which can be painful », says Bédi-Djinékou. Senna leaves contain flavonoids, mucilage, essential oils and resins. The laxative effects of senna leaves are due to anthracene glycosides which « increase the secretion of fluids and mucus in the intestine, prevent the reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the intestine and stimulate intestinal motility.They soften stools without increasing their frequency », says Sénam Bédi-Djinékou.Approximately 8 hours after intake, senna causes constipated people to pass a stool.

How should Senna leaves be used?

« The recommended dose depends on the concentration of senna in sennosides, with a maximum of 30 mg of sennosides, which usually corresponds to a dose of 1 to 2 g of dry leaves.Reserve use for adults and children over the age of twelve, and limit use to a short period only », says the phytotherapist.

It is generally advisable to drink one infusion a day, usually in the evening before going to bed.A course of senna should always be short and to the point, never exceeding 8 days.If no effect is observed after 4 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Recipe: Heat water without boiling, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried senna leaves (no more than 2g) to infuse in the hot water for 10 minutes, then filter. You can add a little honey to improve its flavour. For external use, make an infusion and use the tea as a hair rinse, or soak a clean cloth in the decoction and apply as a poultice to the hair.In all cases, senna leaves should be used episodically and as a short course of treatment: no more than eight to ten days.

Caution ! In addition to using senna leaves, you should adopt a healthy diet (a varied, balanced diet and regular exercise) to avoid putting on weight after the cure.

Contraindications

Constipation may conceal a more serious condition, so always consult a doctor before using any medicinal plant.Senna should not be taken for more than 8 days, as it can irritate the intestines.Senna should not be used by people suffering from inflammation of the colon, chronic constipation or abdominal pain of unknown origin or due to obstruction of the digestive tract (intestinal stricture, stool blockage). « It is contraindicated in people suffering from severe dehydration, especially if this is associated with a loss of mineral salts.Senna should not be used by people with heart problems. Anyone taking heart or kidney medication should consult their doctor before taking senna.Avoid senna during pregnancy.Women who are breast-feeding should also abstain.Consult a naturopath or herbalist », warns the specialist.

Undesirable effects and overdose

The undesirable effects of senna are abdominal pain and diarrhoea.Prolonged use of senna, like all laxatives containing anthracene derivatives, may lead to potassium loss, which may cause heart problems. Prolonged use of senna can also lead to a risk of dependence: a regular need for the laxative is felt. Occasional overdoses can lead to profuse diarrhoea, toxic hepatitis or heart problems requiring immediate medical attention, particularly in the elderly. Taking senna changes the colour of the urine to a reddish-brown.

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