Senna obtusifolia
Senna obtusifolia, commonly known as the blunt senna, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its potent laxative properties, it contains anthraquinones that stimulate bowel movements. Beyond digestive health, this plant is traditionally utilized in various cultures for its diverse therapeutic and healing applications.
- Scientific name: Senna obtusifolia
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. Specifically, it is classified under 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 obtusifolia, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Hindi, it is called चकवड़, while the specific designation Chakorr is used in the hif language code. In Chinese, its names vary by script and region, being known as 钝叶决明 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), 決明 in Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and 決明 in Hong Kong Chinese (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hi | चकवड़ | Wikidata |
| hif | Chakorr | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 钝叶决明 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 決明 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 決明 | Wikidata |
| ml | ചക്രത്തകര | Wikidata |
| mr | टाकळा | Wikidata |
| vi | Thảo quyết minh | Wikidata |
| zh | 钝叶决明 | Wikidata |
| ja | エビスグサ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents and climatic zones. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented in Belgium, while it also grows within the Mediterranean landscapes of Spain in Southwestern Europe. Moving toward the African continent, the species is found in the regions of Libya within Northern Africa. Its distribution extends into the Atlantic through the Macaronesian islands of Cape Verde. Finally, the plant reaches the tropical reaches of West Africa, specifically within the borders of Benin.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Senna obtusifolia, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicine, particularly through its reproductive and underground structures. The seeds of the species are of significant interest, with the individual seed often being harvested for its potent laxative properties. In botanical and pharmaceutical contexts, these are frequently referred to by their Latin designation, Semen Cassiae. Additionally, the plant features hairy roots that contribute to its overall biological profile, making the entire specimen a subject of study for its medicinal potential.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 13
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| seed | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hairy roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Semen Cassiae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Senna obtusifolia has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aurantio-obtusin, Malondialdehyde, anthraquinones, betulinic acid, catalase.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aurantio-obtusin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Malondialdehyde | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catalase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hydrogen peroxide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peroxidase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| superoxide dismutase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Senna obtusifolia has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Estrogenic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Estrogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Senna obtusifolia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antiviral, malaria.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |