Of the various plant-based laxative drugs available on the market, Senna (Cassia angustifolia and C. acutifolia, Family Caesalpinae) and Ispaghula (P. ovata, P. psyllium, Family Plantaginaceae) appear to the most widely used plant laxatives others being aloes, cascara, rhubarb along with agar and gums – acacia, tragacanth, sterculia and guar gum.

Commercial Importance

Chronic constipation is one of the most common complaints in clinical medicine. It is estimated that one in five adults worldwide suffers from constipation. Laxatives are drugs that facilitate the passage and elimination of faeces from the colon and rectum thus relieving constipation. Apart from refined diets, several factors are attributed to its increasing incidence and therefore the increasing use and demand for laxatives. The value of laxative sales in the United States for the period 2008–2011 was estimated to be $875 million. Most of the laxative products sold on the market are derived form plant sources. In terms of worldwide usage senna and ispaghula top the list of laxatives sold. Laxative drugs are those products excluding fibre-rich dietary items including fruits, vegetables, functional fibres etc.