DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link
Common Name: Coffee senna
Family – Fabaceae, Sub Family: Caesalpinioidae
Genus: Senna
Species: occidentalis
Malayalam Name: Ponnari
Tamil Name: Paayavarai
Synonyms: Cassia occidentalis
Description:
An erect, annual undershrub that can grow to be 0.5–2.5 meters tall
Leaves: Paripinnate leaves with 3–5 pairs of leaflets that are ovate to ovate-elliptic
Flowers: Yellow flowers with dark veins that bloom in short axillary racemes
Pods: Short, flat, brown pods that are compressed and many-seeded
Stems: Ridged stems that are subglabrous
Glands: A large dome- or cone-shaped gland near the base of the petiole
USES
Coffee senna has been used for its diuretic, laxative, blood purifier, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, as well as for treatment of hemorrhoids, gout, rheumatism, diabetes, whooping cough, convulsions, heart disease, snakebite, asthma, fever, and the flu. It is used to treat internal bacterial and fungal disorders, and to kill parasites and viruses.
Promotes immunity: It can enhance immunity and promote perspiration.
In South India and Maldives, the bitter-sweet leaves of the plant are eaten as a vegetable and as medicine for the treatment of these conditions.
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