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- PubMed.gov: “Hepato-gastroenterology;” The metabolism of anthranoid laxatives; P. de Witte and L. Lemli; 1990
- PubMed.gov: “Hepato-gastroenterology;” The metabolism of anthranoid laxatives; P. de Witte and L. Lemli; 1990
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Bekunis tea is sold as a natural laxative. The active ingredient in it is senna, which is a member of the pea family that is cultivated in the Middle East and Europe. It has substances in it called anthranoids, sometimes referred to as vegetable laxatives, because these substances stimulate contractions of the colon. It’s best to consult a doctor before using any laxative products.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Atonic colon
Long-term use of Bekunis tea can lead to an atonic colon, meaning your colon will lack strength and muscle tone, and thus will develop impaired function according to the European Medicines Agency. This can lead to aggravation of your constipation and dependence on the tea, with need for increasing quantities to produce an effect. Stimulant laxatives like senna should not be used for more than one to two weeks. If you want to use them for a longer time frame, you must have medical supervision advises the EMA.
- Long-term use of Bekunis tea can lead to an atonic colon, meaning your colon will lack strength and muscle tone, and thus will develop impaired function according to the European Medicines Agency.
- This can lead to aggravation of your constipation and dependence on the tea, with need for increasing quantities to produce an effect.
Allergic Reactions
Side Effects of Drinking Senna Pod Tea
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You may suffer an allergic reaction to senna according to Drugs.com. Get medical aid immediately if you have severe reactions, which can include itching, a rash, hives, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or facial, mouth tongue or lip swelling.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Worsening of Conditions
Side Effects of Kankunis Tea
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EMA advises that Bekunis tea can worsen your condition or be dangerous to use if you have intestinal obstructions, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, lack of muscle strength in your colon, abdominal pain of unknown origin, are dehydrated or have electrolyte depletion. Using senna with other products that can induce hypokalaemia, meaning potassium depletion, can also lead to or worsen an electrolyte imbalance. Such products include:
- diuretics
- licorice root
- adrenocorticosteroids
- horsetail
- cascara sagrada
- castor oil
- black root
- insulin
You should consult a doctor before taking the herb if you take medicines that can cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. This is especially important for people who are either young or elderly.
- EMA advises that Bekunis tea can worsen your condition or be dangerous to use if you have intestinal obstructions, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, lack of muscle strength in your colon, abdominal pain of unknown origin, are dehydrated or have electrolyte depletion.
Irregular Heartbeat
You may experience an irregular heartbeat when using Bekunis tea according to Grossberg and Fox. It can worsen heart ailments by leading to an electrolyte imbalance.
Estrogen Rise
Your blood levels of estrogen may increase if you drink Bekunis tea and take birth control pills simultaneously according to Grossberg and Fox.
Possible Cancer and Melanosis Coli Link
; 2007'). Thus, definite conclusions cannot be drawn about the relationship between laxative use in and of itself as a possible colon cancer cause according to Nascimbeni. He notes anthranoids do show mutagenic and carcinogenic effects in lab and animal studies.
There’s also a possible link between senna and melanosis coli. According to the Medterms website, melanosis coli is usually a reversible condition that does not cause symptoms in which pigment in the mucous lining of the large intestine becomes discolored to brown or black.
- Thus, definite conclusions cannot be drawn about the relationship between laxative use in and of itself as a possible colon cancer cause according to Nascimbeni.
Related Articles
References
- “The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide;” George T Grossberg and Barry Fox; 2007
- PubMed.gov: “Hepato-gastroenterology;” The metabolism of anthranoid laxatives; P. de Witte and L. Lemli; 1990
- “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention:” Constipation, Anthranoid Laxatives, Melanosis Coli, and Colon Cancer--A Risk Assessment Using Aberrant Crypt Foci; Riccardo Nascimbeni et al.; 2007
- Guarize L, Costa JC, Dutra LB, Mendes RF, Lima IV, Scio E. Anti-inflammatory, laxative and intestinal motility effects of Senna macranthera leaves. Nat Prod Res. 2012;26(4):331-43. doi:10.1080/14786411003754264
- Liu LW. Chronic constipation: current treatment options. Can J Gastroenterol. 2011;25 Suppl B(Suppl B):22B-28B.
- Ziegenhagen D, Zehnter E, Tacke W, Kruis W. Addition of senna improves colonoscopy preparation with lavage: a prospective randomized trial. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 1991;37(5):547-549. doi:10.1016/s0016-5107(91)70826-2
- 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):722-727. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.01.002
- Vanderperren B, Rizzo M, Angenot L, Haufroid V, Jadoul M, Hantson P. Acute liver failure with renal impairment related to the abuse of senna anthraquinone glycosides. Ann Pharmacother. 2005;39(7-8):1353-7. doi:10.1345/aph.1E670
- Acs N, Bánhidy F, Puhó EH, Czeizel AE. Senna treatment in pregnant women and congenital abnormalities in their offspring--a population-based case-control study. Reprod Toxicol. 2009;28(1):100-4. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.02.005
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Linda Tarr Kent is a reporter and editor with more than 20 years experience at Gannett Company Inc., The McClatchy Company, Sound Publishing Inc., Mach Publishing, MomFit The Movement and other companies. Her area of expertise is health and fitness. She is a Bosu fitness and stand-up paddle surfing instructor. Kent holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Washington State University.