# Prapunnada

> Prapunnada (Senna tora) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Emodin undergoes extensive glucuronidation reducing systemic availability but providing enterohepatic recycling extending activity. Chrysophanol shows Tmax of 2-3 hours. Sennosides from seeds are pro-drugs activated by colonic bacteria; their laxative effect is localized to the colon.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Senna tora

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Prapunnada |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (seed powder), Kwatha (leaf decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Eye wash (leaf decoction), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder daily; 3-5 g leaf powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones) ([chrysophanol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysophanol), [emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin), [rhein](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rhein)) from Cassia occidentalis (Prapunnada/[Kasamarda](/herb/kasamarda/)) have moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Emodin undergoes extensive glucuronidation reducing systemic availability but providing enterohepatic recycling extending activity. Chrysophanol shows Tmax of 2-3 hours. Sennosides from seeds are pro-drugs activated by colonic bacteria; their [laxative](/reference/laxative/) effect is localized to the colon.

**Optimal Timing:** Seed powder for laxative effect: at bedtime. Leaf preparations for skin/eye conditions: morning and evening. Not on empty stomach due to potential GI irritation.

**Standardized Extract:** Prapunnada leaf extract (8:1) standardized to total anthraquinones 1-3% (as emodin). Seed extract: heat-treated, standardized to chrysophanol >1%, with toxalbumin testing (must be negative).

**Shelf Life:** Dried leaves: 12-18 months; Seed powder (heat-treated): 12-18 months; Extract: 18-24 months; Capsules: 24 months

**Storage:** Dried material: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light and moisture. Seeds: pest-proof containers, cool and dry. Eye wash: sterile container, 2-8 deg C, use within 24 hours of preparation.

**Marker Compounds:** Chrysophanol, Emodin, Rhein, [Physcion](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#physcion), Aloe-emodin, Sennosides, Gallic acid, Xanthone

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of leaves/seeds
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for anthraquinone profiling
- Chloroform extraction for emodin-rich fraction
- Traditional eye wash preparation (filtered cold infusion of leaves)

### Synergistic Combinations

- Amalaki (eye health formulation)
- [Saptamrit Lauh](/herb/saptamrit-lauh/) (ophthalmic [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/))
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) (laxative and eye health combination)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/))
- Kutaki (liver protective synergy with anthraquinones)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/prapunnada/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.