Senna obliqua
Senna obliqua, commonly known as the oblique cassia, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its potent laxative properties, it contains anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate bowel movements. Beyond digestive health, this plant is traditionally utilized in various herbal remedies to support overall wellness.
- Scientific name: Senna obliqua
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Senna.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Senna | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Senna obliqua, is recognized by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In French, it is referred to by the names Cassia obliqua and Chamaefistula elegans.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fr | Cassia obliqua | Wikidata |
| fr | Chamaefistula elegans | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the specific regions of Western South America. Its natural habitat includes the diverse landscapes of Ecuador. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout various parts of Peru. These locations represent the core geographical range for Senna obliqua. Consequently, its presence is closely tied to the environmental conditions of these two neighboring countries.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Senna obliqua, utilizes various anatomical structures for its growth and reproduction, most notably its stem and fruits. The stem serves as the central structural axis, providing support for the foliage and facilitating the transport of nutrients throughout the organism. As the plant matures, it produces characteristic fruits, which are typically small, flattened pods that house the seeds necessary for the species' dispersal and continued survival in its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Senna obliqua has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quinquangulin, rubrofusarin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| quinquangulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rubrofusarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |