Sanna Makki (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.): An Ancient Remedy in Modern Pharmacology: An Overview

Objective(s): This paper aims to give a comprehensive account of Senna (Cassia spp.) and its related species, with a focus on Senna Makki (Cassia angustifolia), by comparing its traditional uses in the Unani System of Medicine with modern pharmacological evidence. Data Sources: Classical Unani literature, historical records, and modern scientific references were reviewed. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical uses of various Cassia species. Study Selection: Both traditional references and contemporary studies addressing medicinal uses, active constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical safety of various Cassia species were included in the search. Summary of the Contents of the Article: There are 250-300 accepted species of Senna distributed throughout the world. Out of them, Cassia angustifolia (Senna Makki) and Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian Senna) are officially mentioned in various pharmacopoeias. Historically, Senna Makki's medicinal use dates back to the 9th – 10th centuries, with Arabian physicians employing its leaves and pods for different ailments. In Islamic medicine, it was prescribed for constipation, gout, haemorrhoids, arthritis, paralysis, sciatica, headaches, and back pain, and externally for wounds, pruritus, scabies, and alopecia. Its diverse therapeutic roles are reflected across Unani and other traditional medical systems, now supported by contemporary pharmacological studies. Conclusion: Senna Makki exemplifies the integration of traditional medicine with modern pharmacology. While its role as a laxative is well-supported, further studies are needed to validate the wider therapeutic claims of Unani medicine in managing other challenging diseases. Keywords: Senna Makki; Cassia angustifolia; Unani medicine; Laxative; Sennosides.