Senna siamea

Siamese cassia

Sennas siamea, commonly known as the Siamese cassia, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its potent laxative properties, it contains bioactive compounds that aid digestion. Beyond gastrointestinal health, traditional practices utilize its leaves and seeds to treat various ailments, making it a significant botanical resource.

  • Scientific name: Senna siamea
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, specifically as a member of the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is categorized 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 siamea, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Indonesia, it is known as Johar (id), while in Kerala, India, it is called മഞ്ഞക്കൊന്ന (ml). In Japan, the plant is identified as タガヤサン (ja), and in Thailand, it is commonly called ขี้เหล็ก (th). Additionally, in the Acehnese language, it is referred to as Ceubrék (ace).
Language Common Name Source
id Johar Wikidata
ml മഞ്ഞക്കൊന്ന Wikidata
ja タガヤサン Wikidata
th ขี้เหล็ก Wikidata
ace Ceubrék Wikidata
my မယ်ဇလီပင် Wikidata
ms Johar Wikidata
de Kassodbaum Wikidata
vi Muồng đen Wikidata
zh 鐵刀木 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Senna siamea, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several countries, including Benin and Burkina. Additionally, the species can be found spanning through the territory of Ghana. The plant's range also extends to Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical reach is confirmed within the borders of Guinea.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Senna siamea, possesses various anatomical components that are often studied for their pharmacological properties. The leaves and individual leaf structures are primary sites of interest due to their specific chemical compositions. The stem provides the structural framework for the plant's growth, while the stem bark can also be harvested for medicinal use. Additionally, the roots serve as a vital part of the organism, often containing concentrated bioactive compounds used in traditional herbal remedies.
Total parts
10
Scientific sources
20
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 6 ★★★☆☆
stem 3 ★★☆☆☆
stem bark 2 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 2 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 2 ★☆☆☆☆
root bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heartwoods 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Senna siamea has 20 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, kaempferol, 4-(cis)-acetyl-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyldihydronaphthalenone, 4-(trans)-acetyl-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyldihydronaphthalenone, 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-chromone.

Total chemicals
20
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
4-(cis)-acetyl-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyldihydronaphthalenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4-(trans)-acetyl-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyldihydronaphthalenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-chromone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cassiarin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dihydroquercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
emodin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
friedelin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Senna siamea has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiplasmodial, Anticancer, Antimalarial, Antioxidant, Repellent.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiplasmodial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Repellent 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Vasodilator 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Senna siamea has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, Ulcer, infectious skin diseases, inflammation, skin diseases.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 3 ★★☆☆☆
Ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆