Senna Leaf & Chelated Magnesium: Risks & Uses for Constipation

Senna leaf is a traditional purgative used to treat constipation and for weight loss. Chelated magnesium is a dietary supplement used to relieve magnesium deficiency and as a laxative.

Uses

• Senna leaf and magnesium chelate are prescribed for relief of acute constipation. They also are used in weight-loss programs to reduce absorption of food.

Effects

• Senna leaf acts as a irritating stimulant of the lower bowel, while magnesium compounds work on the fluid balance of the small intestine. Both stimulate peristalsis.

Contraindications

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid taking stimulant laxatives unless advised to do so by their physician.

Allergies

• Magnesium chelate can trigger severe allergic reaction due to the amino acids used in chelation.

Lazy Bowel Syndrome

• One major effect of chronic stimulant laxative use is "lazy bowel" syndrome or laxative dependency as the bowel becomes desensitized to normal peristalsis stimuli. A change to emollient or bulk-producing laxatives is often recommended to relieve the condition.