Coffee senna

Botanical

What is it

Coffee senna (Cassia/Senna occidentalis) is a tropical legume whose seeds have been used as a coffee substitute and in traditional medicine. It is potentially toxic and has been linked to hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity in livestock and humans.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Any indication

Mixed Evidence

No evidence-based use justifies the documented toxicity risk. Avoid.

How it works

Cassia occidentalis contains anthraquinones, alkaloids, and other bioactive compounds with laxative properties (similar to senna). However, it also contains compounds that have caused fatal hepatomyoencephalopathy in children in outbreaks in India and Brazil. The mechanism is thought to involve mitochondrial toxicity. Despite occasional traditional use, the safety profile makes it inappropriate as a self-administered supplement.

Dosage

Should not be used as a supplement. There is no safe established dose.

When and how to take it

Not applicable. Coffee senna should not be consumed.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Seed or whole plant extract

Occasionally found in herbal blends; avoid.

Not recommended for use.

Safety

Documented hepatotoxicity, encephalopathy, and rhabdomyolysis with poisoning. Multiple outbreaks of severe pediatric illness and death linked to consumption. Avoid.

Who should be cautious

Everyone, especially children, pregnant women, and people with liver disease. Documented mortality in outbreaks.

Interactions

Theoretical compound risk with any hepatotoxic drug. Anthraquinone laxative effects may interact with diuretics and digoxin via potassium depletion. Safest position: avoidance.

Food sources

Seeds (toxic; not safe food)

Amount
Do not consume
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is coffee senna safe to drink as a coffee substitute?⌄

No. It has been linked to fatal liver and brain toxicity in outbreaks. Use real coffee or other safe alternatives.

References

Coffee senna on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Coffee senna on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Coffee senna (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Coffee senna with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.