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Dietary supplement

Senna Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Senna label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Senna against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Senna is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for short-term constipation relief, bowel cleansing before procedures, occasional irregularity.Based on those ingredients, 140 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Senna Leaf Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: senna leaf extract, a plant-based stimulant laxative. It works by encouraging your colon to contract and move stool along, helping relieve constipation.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients—cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and a vegetable cellulose capsule—which are fillers and the capsule shell itself.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: short-term constipation relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Bowel preparation, occasional irregularity, digestive regularity.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Senna is rated "Likely Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Senna is rated "Possibly Effective" for Bowel preparation.

Senna is likely effective for constipation relief. It's possibly effective for bowel preparation (cleansing the bowel before a medical procedure).

The evidence on using senna for high potassium (hyperkalemia) isn't established in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Senna

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Senna is generally well tolerated when you use it short-term in normal doses. The most common side effects are abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and urgent bowel movements; your urine may also change color.

Rare serious effects include skin reactions. Long-term daily use without medical guidance isn't recommended.

Overuse over weeks can lead to more serious problems like low potassium, abnormal heart rhythms (especially if you're also on digoxin), and in extreme cases, bone and muscle changes. We don't have pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data on file for this ingredient—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Senna

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Senna.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 140 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking senna, check if you're on blood thinners (especially warfarin), heart medications like digoxin, water pills (diuretics), estrogens including birth control, or other laxatives. All carry Moderate-severity interactions with this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Senna is a straightforward choice for short-term constipation relief if you're not on blood thinners, heart medications, diuretics, or estrogen-based birth control. If you take any of those, or any prescription drug, check your medications below before starting.

Use it only as directed and for short periods; don't make it a daily habit without your doctor's okay.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 26, 2011.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Senna, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
Barcode (UPC) 048107064891
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsules
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 707
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107064891
IngredientAmount% DV
Senna Leaf Extract125 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Formulation

No Sugar, No Artficial Colors, No Artifical Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

WARNING: This product contains Senna. Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because Senna may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health.

Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

125 mg 10% Sennosides

Made in the USA

Natural Laxative*

Visit us at www.gnc.com

General

CODE 195611 JFG

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Senna label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Senna Leaf Extract

Interacts with
140 drugs
125 mg per serving Form: Sennosides

Senna is a plant-based stimulant laxative that is widely used and generally effective for short-term relief of constipation. It is best used occasiona...

Senna Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Senna?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
140Drugs
140 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Senna Leaf Extract 140

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Senna interact with 140 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Senna interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Senna Leaf Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Senna with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Senna Leaf Extract5 drug types · 140 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, senna might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with digoxin.
Overuse/abuse of senna increases the risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, due to potassium depletion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, senna might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Overuse of senna might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss and increase the risk for hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking senna may interfere with the absorption of exogenous estrogens.
Some preliminary clinical evidence suggests that senna reduces the absorption of estradiol and decreases serum concentrations of estrone and estrone sulfate by decreasing intestinal transit time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, senna might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with other stimulant laxatives.
Senna is a stimulant laxative; concomitant use with other stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, excessive use of senna might increase the effects of warfarin.
Senna has stimulant laxative effects and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case report, excessive use of senna for 3 weeks resulted in diarrhea, bloody stools, and an elevated INR of 11.9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Senna Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Senna, from the product label.

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

See all GNC Herbal Plus Standardized products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized: Common Questions

Does Senna by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Senna has a known interaction with 140 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Senna contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take senna every day?
The safety data advises against daily long-term use without medical guidance. It's meant for short-term occasional relief. If you're taking it regularly, talk to your doctor—overuse raises the risk of serious side effects like low potassium and electrolyte problems.
What are the most common side effects?
You might experience abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Your urine may also turn darker. These usually stop once you finish the product.
Will senna work for constipation?
Yes—senna is likely effective for constipation relief. It's also possibly effective if you need bowel preparation before a medical procedure.
Is senna safe while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We don't have pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data for senna on file. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
Can I use senna if I'm on birth control?
You'll want to check with your pharmacist first. Senna can speed up how fast your gut moves food and pills through your body, which might reduce how well your birth control is absorbed. This is a Moderate-level interaction.
What's actually in these capsules besides senna?
The active ingredient is senna leaf extract. The inactive fillers are cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and the vegetable cellulose capsule itself.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Senna label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Senna’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Senna

Interacts with 140 drugs

Senna is a plant-based stimulant laxative that is widely used and generally effective for short-term relief of constipation. It is best used occasionally and for only a few days at a time, s...

Read the full Senna monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Senna's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 42 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Senna 42 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics. The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics 2001;108:776-89. PubMed
  4. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  5. Seybold U, Landauer N, Hillebrand S, Goebel FD. Senna-induced hepatitis in a poor metabolizer. Ann Intern Med 2004;141:650-1. PubMed
  6. Vanderperren B, Rizzo M, Angenot L, et al. Acute liver failure with renal impairment related to the abuse of senna anthraquinone glycosides. Ann Pharmacother 2005;39:1353-7. PubMed
  7. Xing JH, Soffer EE. Adverse effects of laxatives. Dis Colon Rectum 2001;44:1201-9. PubMed
  8. Prior J, White I. Tetany and clubbing in patient who ingested large quantities of senna. Lancet 1978;2:947. PubMed
  9. Langmead L, Rampton DS. Review article: herbal treatment in gastrointestinal and liver disease--benefits and dangers. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001;15:1239-52. PubMed
  10. Joo JS, Ehrenpreis ED, Gonzalez L, et al. Alterations in colonic anatomy induced by chronic stimulant laxatives: the cathartic colon revisited. J Clin Gastroenterol 1998;26:283-6. PubMed
  11. Godding EW. Laxatives and the special role of senna. Pharmacology 1988;36:230-6. PubMed
  12. van Os FH. Anthraquinone derivatives in vegetable laxatives. Pharmacology 1976;14:7-17. PubMed
  13. Sondheimer JM, Gervaise EP. Lubricant versus laxative in the treatment of chronic functional constipation of children: a comparative study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1982;1:223-6. DOI
  14. Perkin JM. Constipation in childhood: a controlled comparison between lactulose and standardized senna. Curr Med Res Opin 1977;4:540-3. PubMed
  15. Shelton MG. Standardized senna in the management of constipation in the puerperium: A clinical trial. S Afr Med J 1980;57:78-80.
  16. [No authors listed] Senna in the puerperium. Pharmacology 1992;44:23-5. PubMed
  17. Passmore AP, Davies KW, Flanagan PG, et al. A comparison of Agiolax and lactulose in elderly patients with chronic constipation. Pharmacology 1993;47:249-52. PubMed
  18. Passmore AP, Wilson-Davies K, Stoker C, Scott ME. Chronic constipation in long stay elderly patients: a comparison of lactulose and a senna-fibre combination. BMJ 1993;307:769-71. PubMed
  19. MacLennan WJ, Pooler AFWM. A comparison of sodium picosulphate ("Laxoberal") with standardised senna ("Senokot") in geriatric patients. Curr Med Res Opin. 1974;2:641-7. PubMed
  20. Kittisupamongkol W, Nilaratanakul V, Kulwichit W. Near-fatal bleeding, senna, and the opposite of lettuce. Lancet 2008;371:784. PubMed
  21. Prather CM. Pregnancy-related constipation. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2004;6:402-4. PubMed
  22. Werthmann WM Jr, Krees SV. Quantitative excretion of Senokot in human breast milk. Med Ann Dist Columbia 1973;42:4-5.
  23. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact 1998;14:259-62. PubMed
  24. Faber P, Strenge-Hesse A. Senna-containing laxatives: excretion in the breast milk? Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 1989;49:958-62.
  25. Faber P, Strenge-Hesse A. Relevance of rhein excretion into breast milk. Pharmacology 1988;36 Suppl 1:212-20. PubMed
  26. Duncan AS. Standardized senna as a laxative in the puerperium; a clinical assessment. Br Med J 1957;1:439-41. PubMed
  27. Stickel, F. and Schuppan, D. Herbal medicine in the treatment of liver diseases. Dig.Liver Dis. 2007;39(4):293-304. PubMed
  28. BALDWIN, W. F. CLINICAL STUDY OF SENNA ADMINISTRATION TO NURSING MOTHERS: ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON INFANT BOWEL HABITS. Can.Med Assoc.J 9-14-1963;89:566-568. DOI
  29. Sonmez, A., Yilmaz, M. I., Mas, R., Ozcan, A., Celasun, B., Dogru, T., Taslipinar, A., and Kocar, I. H. Subacute cholestatic hepatitis likely related to the use of senna for chronic constipation. Acta Gastroenterol.Belg. 2005;68(3):385-387.
  30. Beuers, U., Spengler, U., and Pape, G. R. Hepatitis after chronic abuse of senna. Lancet 2-9-1991;337(8737):372-373. PubMed
  31. Lim, A. K., Hooke, D. H., and Kerr, P. G. Anorexia nervosa and senna misuse: nephrocalcinosis, digital clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Med J Aust. 1-21-2008;188(2):121-122. PubMed
  32. McLaughlin, A. F. Anorexia nervosa and senna misuse: nephrocalcinosis, digital clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Med J Aust. 9-15-2008;189(6):348. PubMed
  33. Soyuncu, S., Cete, Y., and Nokay, A. E. Portal vein thrombosis related to Cassia angustifolia. Clin.Toxicol.(Phila) 2008;46(8):774-777.
  34. Levine, D., Goode, A. W., and Wingate, D. L. Purgative abuse associated with reversible cachexia, hypogammaglobulinaemia, and finger clubbing. Lancet 4-25-1981;1(8226):919-920. PubMed
  35. Malmquist, J., Ericsson, B., Hulten-Nosslin, M. B., Jeppsson, J. O., and Ljungberg, O. Finger clubbing and aspartylglucosamine excretion in a laxative-abusing patient. Postgrad.Med J 1980;56(662):862-864. PubMed
  36. Lewis, S. J., Heaton, K. W., Oakey, R. E., and McGarrigle, H. H. Lower serum oestrogen concentrations associated with faster intestinal transit. Br.J Cancer 1997;76(3):395-400. PubMed
  37. Lewis, S. J., Oakey, R. E., and Heaton, K. W. Intestinal absorption of oestrogen: the effect of altering transit-time. Eur.J Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 1998;10(1):33-39. PubMed
  38. Vilanova-Sanchez A, Gasior AC, Toocheck N, et al. Are Senna based laxatives safe when used as long term treatment for constipation in children? J Pediatr Surg 2018;53(4):722-7. PubMed
  39. Cogley K, Echevarria A, Correa C, De la Torre-Mondragón L. Contact Burn with Blister Formation in Children Treated with Sennosides. Pediatr Dermatol 2017;34(2):e85-e88. PubMed
  40. Coskun Y, Yuksel I. Polyethylene glycol versus split high-dose senna for bowel preparation: A comparative prospective randomized study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;35(11):1923-1929.
  41. Haoudar A, Chekhlabi N, El Kettani C, Dini N. Acute Hepatitis and Pancytopenia in a Child With Chronic Abuse of Senna. Cureus 2021;13(1):e12436. PubMed
  42. Irazábal B, Sánchez de Vicente J, Galán C, et al. Anaphylaxis Due to Senna (Cassia angustifolia). J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2021;31(1):71-73. PubMed

See these in context on the Senna monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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