Senna occidentalis
What's the taxonomical classification of Senna occidentalis?
Senna occidentalis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed under the order Fabales. The plant is a prominent representative of the family Fabaceae, which is characterized by its specific floral and fruit structures. Within this family, it is categorized under the genus Senna, with its specific identity defined by the species name occidentalis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Senna |
| Species | occidentalis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Senna occidentalis has an erect or ascending shrubby habit with woody stems, pinnately compound leaves containing 5 to 15 pairs of oblong leaflets, and bright yellow flowers with five petals. The leaflets are typically leathery in texture and possess entire margins with prominent parallel venation. Small, cylindrical legume pods develop from the flowers, eventually turning brown and woody as they mature. These seed pods contain several small, dark seeds that are released upon dehiscence. The overall structure is characterized by its bushy appearance and the distinct contrast between the green foliage and vibrant blossoms.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, spanning across various countries from West Africa to East Africa and extending southward toward southern Africa. It is commonly found in savanna ecosystems, open woodlands, and disturbed habitats where sunlight is abundant. Within these regions, the species often thrives in sandy or well-drained soils alongside other scrubland vegetation. Its range is primarily determined by the presence of seasonal rainfall patterns characteristic of the African tropics. Localized distributions can vary based on specific microclimates and human-driven land use changes.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to thrive in tropical or subtropical environments.
Growers typically sow the seeds directly into the ground once the soil temperature reaches a consistent warmth. Regular watering is necessary during the early stages of growth, but the mature plant is relatively drought-tolerant. Maintaining a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 helps optimize the development of its medicinal components.
Careful weeding and occasional organic fertilization ensure the shrub reaches its full height and potency.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Senna occidentalis provides medicinal benefits through the utilization of its leaf, root, seed, fruit, and petiole. The leaves and petioles are frequently prepared as decoctions to treat various ailments such as skin infections or digestive issues. Extracts from the roots are often employed for their specific therapeutic properties in traditional healing practices. Both the seeds and the fruits are harvested to serve as components in remedies targeting different physiological conditions. Each of these specific botanical elements plays a unique role in the plant's overall medicinal application.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceutica l biology", the alcoholic leaf extracts of Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (Fabaceae) have been used as anthelmintic agents. In experiments, live parasites were exposed to a 40 mg/mL concentration of the extract prepared in phosphate buffer saline at 37 °C. The study observed a significant increase of 25% in the efflux of Ca(2+) from the parasite tissue to the incubated medium. Senna occidentalis showed a Ca(2+) efflux rate of 4.6 mg/g compared to a control of 3.68 mg/g. These results suggest that the leaf extracts may contain a compound that can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- root
- seed
- fruit
- petiole
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Senna occidentalis is utilized extensively within Traditional African Medicine to treat various ailments such as constipation, skin infections, and digestive disorders. Practitioners often prepare decoctions from the leaves or pods to serve as potent laxatives for cleansing the intestinal tract. In many regional communities, the plant is also applied topically to manage inflammatory skin conditions and wounds. Historical uses suggest that different parts of the shrub are processed according to specific cultural rituals to enhance their perceived healing properties. This long-standing botanical knowledge remains a vital component of healthcare in many rural areas of the continent.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Senna occidentalis (L.) Link is recognized as one of four exotic African medicinal plants that make up the herbal combination known as PHELA. This plant is a component of this traditional African drug being investigated as a candidate therapy for COVID-19. In vitro testing of the PHELA combination showed that it inhibited > 90% of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection at concentration levels of 0.005 mg/ml to 0.03 mg/ml. The in vitro average IC50 of the mixture containing Senna occidentalis on SARS-COV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-COV was ~ 0.01 mg/ml. Additionally, the combination showed close to 100% of MERS-CoV infection inhibition at 0.1 mg/ml to 0.6 mg/ml.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional African Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Senna occidentalis?
This plant has anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial pharmacological activities. Its ability to combat parasitic worms makes it a useful anthelmintic agent in traditional medicine. The plant also functions as a hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic treatment by helping to lower elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, its anti-hyperlipidemia properties assist in managing high cholesterol and lipid profiles in the body. Finally, its antimicrobial characteristics allow it to inhibit the growth of various harmful microorganisms.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Senna occidentalis (L.) Link is a plant used in medicine across Africa, Asia, and America. Several parts of this plant are utilized for treating conditions such as diabetes, haematuria, rheumatism, typhoid, asthma, hepatotoxicity, disorders of haemoglobin, and leprosy. The plant contains numerous phytochemical constituents including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, and glycosides. These constituents are responsible for its anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and antioxidative effects. The different parts exert these effects by directly regulating blood glucose, modulating lipid profiles, and improving antioxidant status and islet function.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anthelmintiic
- anti-diabetic
- anti-hyperlipidemia
- antimicrobial
- antioxidative
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains anthraquinone glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and alkaloids which serve as its primary medicinal compounds. The anthraquinone glycosides are particularly significant due to their potent laxative properties used in various traditional treatments. Flavonoids and tannins contribute to the plant's antioxidant and astringent capabilities within biological systems. Additionally, the presence of triterpenes may offer anti-inflammatory effects to the user. Finally, the alkaloids present in the species contribute to its complex pharmacological profile and chemical potency.
According to a study published by "Biochemistry research international", Senna occidentalis roots contain high amounts of alkaloids, triterpene, flavonoids, tannins, and sugars, along with a few amounts of anthraqquinone glycosides. Physicochemical parameters of the plant include a 69.6% nitrogen-free extract, 14.5% curd fiber, 8.15% crude proteins, 3.75% ether extract, and 2% each for ash and moisture. Mineral concentrations found include potassium at 43 mg/l, phosphorous at 28.5 mg/l, calcium at 15 mg/l, sodium at 3.65 mg/l, and magnesium at 0.145 mg/l. Thin-layer chromatography identified eight spots in the ethyl acetate extract and thirteen spots in the methanol extract. The ethanolic extract tested at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed favorable hypoglycemic activity with significant reductions of 53.15%, 32.87%, and 20.94% compared to the control and standard glibenclamide at 10 mg/kg. Additionally, the ethyl acetate extract had an LD50 value of 1412.54 (p < 0.05) while the methanol extract had an LD50 value of 257.54 (p < 0.05).
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anthraquinone glycosides
- flavonoids
- tannins
- triterpene
- alkaloids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating constipation, intestinal helmithiasis, helminth infection, afterbirth expulsion, and hypermegaly. Its natural laxative properties make it an effective remedy for relieving chronic constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. The plant also serves as an anthelmintic agent to clear various helminth infections and intestinal helmithiasis from the digestive tract. In traditional medicine, it is frequently applied to aid in the expulsion of the afterbirth following childbirth. Additionally, it is utilized in certain practices to address the symptoms associated with hypermegaly.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in plant science", Senna occidentalis is one of the 4 morphologically related species that may be mixed with Indian senna. These admixtures are used in laxative-based formulations. The study involved the extraction of genomic DNA from 44 accessions of Indian senna and 4 adulterant species. The investigation used markers to validate 48 total samples.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- constipation
- intestinal helmithiasis
- hypermoglycemia
- hyperlipidemia
- liver dysfunction
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as alcoholic leaf extract and ground seeds. The alcoholic leaf extract is often utilized for its potent laxative properties due to the presence of specific anthraquinone glycosides. Additionally, the ground seeds can be incorporated into various traditional remedies to address digestive concerns. These preparations are carefully processed to ensure the concentration of bioactive compounds remains effective for therapeutic use. Practitioners often tailor the dosage of these extracts and seed powders based on the intended medicinal outcome.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuutical biology", Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (Fabaceae) has been shown to have a vermicidal/vermifugal effect on the zoonotic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi). Alcoholic leaf extracts were prepared in phosphate buffer saline at 37 °C at a concentration of 40 mg/mL for exposure to live parasites. This exposure leads to a disruption in intracellular calcium homeostasis, resulting in a significant increase of 44.6% and 25% of efflux in Ca(2+) from the tissue to the incubated medium. Senna occidentalis showed a calcium efflux rate of 4.6 mg/g compared with a control of 3.68 mg/g. These leaf extracts may contain a compound that can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alcoholic leaf extract
- ground seeds
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health complications including myocardial necrosis, muscle atrophy, segmental degenerative myopathy, destruction of the internal mitochondrial cristae, and emaciation. These physiological impacts result from the toxic properties of the plant affecting both cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues. The destruction of the internal mitochondrial cristae disrupts essential cellular energy production processes. This cellular damage leads directly to segmental degenerative myopathy and progressive muscle atrophy throughout the body. Ultimately, the systemic failure of muscle function and metabolic stability results in profound emaciation.
According to a study published by "Veterinary research communications", the toxicity of Senna occidentalis seeds was investigated in rabbits administered concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% in their ration over 30 days. Animals receiving the 4% concentration gained less weight (p < 0.05) and died during the third week. Histopathology showed the heart and liver were the main organs affected, exhibiting myocardial necrosis and centrolobular degeneration. Morphometric studies confirmed muscle atrophy and a reduction in cytochrome oxidase activity in the glycogenolytic fibres. Electron microscopy of the liver cells revealed dilated mitochondria with destruction of the internal cristae.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- myocardial necrosis
- muscle atrophy
- segmental degenerative myopathy
- destruction of the internal mitochondrial cristae
- emaciation
What herbs are paired with Senna occidentalis?
This plant is frequently paired with ginger, peppermint, and licorice root to mitigate its potent laxative effects and reduce intestinal cramping.
Adding ginger helps to soothe the digestive tract and counteract potential nausea caused by the plant's strong compounds. Peppermint is often included in herbal blends to relax the smooth muscles of the gut and alleviate bloating. Licorice root serves as a demulcent that provides a protective coating for the stomach lining during use.
These specific combinations aim to balance the stimulant properties of Senna occidentalis with more calming botanical agents.