Effect of senna is not mediated by platelet-activating factor

The effect of in vivo treatment with senna was examined on the ex vivo formation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) by small and large intestine of rat, mouse and guinea pig. A single or a prolonged oral administration of senna (60-240 mg/kg) to animals did not increase intestinal PAF content. Nor did senna increase the intraluminal release of acid phosphatase. A similar result was obtained in the colonic tissue of rat perfused in vitro with rhein (1-500 micrograms/ml) or rhein anthrone (1-500 micrograms/ml). In contrast, a single oral administration of phenolphthalein (20 mg/kg), bile salts (20 mg/kg) or magnesium sulfate (30 mg/kg) to rats increased intestinal PAF content. Magnesium sulfate also increased the intraluminal release of acid phosphatase. Colonic tissue of rats perfused in vitro with calcium ionophore A23187 (10 micrograms/ml) formed large amounts of PAF and acid phosphatase. PAF stimulates intestinal motility and secretion and mediates gut damage while acid phosphatase is a marker of cellular damage. Therefore, our data suggest that senna is well tolerated in animals and PAF does not mediate senna-induced laxation.