Cassia Angustifolia Leaf
Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription stimulant laxative for short-term constipation but EFSA has concluded that hydroxyanthracene derivatives in senna leaf raise safety concerns including genotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity, and the EU has prohibited use of these compounds as food substances except in defined medicinal preparations. Long-term/chronic use is associated with electrolyte loss, melanosis coli, and laxative dependence.
What it is
Leaf of Cassia angustifolia (senna), a flowering plant containing sennosides (anthranoid glycosides).
Pharmacological laxative; herbal tea ingredient. Not a typical food ingredient.
Why it's flagged
- genotoxicity concern (hydroxyanthracenes)
- electrolyte loss with chronic use
- not a food-grade ingredient in EU
What regulators actually say
"The Panel concluded that the hydroxyanthracene derivatives aloe-emodin, emodin and the structurally related substance danthron have been shown to be genotoxic in vitro."
"Aloe-emodin, emodin, danthron, and preparations from the leaf of Cassia senna L. and Cassia angustifolia Vahl shall not be added to food."
"Senna is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation; chronic use can cause electrolyte abnormalities and melanosis coli."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Senna sennosides recognized as OTC laxative under 21 CFR 334; not a food additive.
European Union — EFSA
Hydroxyanthracene derivatives from senna leaf prohibited in food in the EU under Regulation 2021/468.
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