Prapunnada
Senna tora
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.
| Botanical name | Senna tora |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. III: PRAPUNNADA (Seed) |
| Also called | Cassia occidentalis (Senna occidentalis) (attribution recorded without a cited source) Cassia tora L. (syn. Senna tora) (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2957728 · Wikidata Q2739004 · NCBI Taxonomy 362788 |
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 (chrysophanol, emodin, rhein) from Cassia occidentalis (Prapunnada/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 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, 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 (ophthalmic Rasayana)
- Triphala (laxative and eye health combination)
- Haridra (anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective)
- Kutaki (liver protective synergy with anthraquinones)
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