Intestinal constipation is the most common digestive complaint in the population, accounting
for about 2.5 million medical visits per year. In addition, women have biological issues related
to estrogen and progesterone that directly interfere with gastrointestinal motility through the
activation of the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to the development of constipation,
where this condition compromises the quality of life of people in terms of health physical and
mental. Treatment for constipation includes a combination of dietary interventions (adequate
fiber and fluid intake), education, and the use of medications such as oral laxatives. However,
it is noticed, increasingly, the use and acceptance of medicinal plants and herbal medicines by
the population. Among the various medicinal plants used by the population, we have Senna
alexandrina, popularly known in Brazil as senna, the in natura plant and senna extracts, which
are used in the treatment of constipation. This study aimed to evaluate dietary aspects and
investigate the use of senna alexandrine in the treatment of constipation conditions in the
studied population. The survey data were collected through an online form, where participants
answered 19 questions, thus characterizing their sociodemographic and anthropometric profile,
dietary aspects (water intake and fiber consumption) and the use of medicines and herbal
products in the treatment of intestinal constipation. In the present study with dietary aspects,
there is a low water intake where 60.8% of the participants were classified as having
hypohydration and regarding fibers 100% of the participants have consumption below
adequate, about 36% of the participants presented an indicative table for constipation. About
the use of Senna alexandrine, it was the most mentioned by the participants 43,75 reported using
it to treat intestinal constipation.
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