Abstract
The use of phytochemicals is gaining interest for the treatment of metabolic syndromes over the synthetic formulation of drugs. Senna is evolving as one of the important plants which have been vastly studied for its beneficial effects. Various parts of Senna species including the root, stem, leaves, and flower are found rich in numerous phytochemicals. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical experiments established that extracts from Senna plants have diverse beneficial effects by acting as a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. In this review, Senna genus is comprehensively discussed in terms of its botanical characteristics, traditional use, geographic presence, and phytochemical profile. The bioactive compound richness contributes to the biological activity of Senna plant extracts. The review emphasizes on the in vivo and in vitro antioxidant and anti-infectious properties of the Senna plant. Preclinical studies confirmed the beneficial effects of the Senna plant extracts and its bioactive components in regard to the health-promoting activities. The safety, side effects, and therapeutic limitations of the Senna plant are also discussed in this review. Additional research is necessary to utilize the phenolic compounds towards its use as an alternative to pharmacological treatments and even as an ingredient in functional foods.
Highlights
Senna—a genus belonging to family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae, tribe Cassieae ser
According to the study of Silva et al [188] with four species of Senna from northeast Brazil, some of the phenolic compounds such as anthraquinones and flavonoids which are detected in the phytochemical screening especially in root extracts more than other parts can act as radical scavengers by donating hydrogen
The results showed that flowers and leaves of S. alata possess antibacterial activity as compared to commercial drugs such as ciprofloxacin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and gentamicin
Summary
Senna—a genus belonging to family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae, tribe Cassieae ser. Aphyllae—has roughly 350 species of tree shrubs and subshrubs [1, 2] The cosmopolitan presence of the Senna genus and its medicinal properties lead to its various traditional medicinal uses and health-promoting effects. More than 350 compounds were extracted from Senna, together with forty secondary metabolites extracted from Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby These phytochemicals majorly included classes of pentacyclic triterpenes and piperidine alkaloids displaying health-promoting properties [11]. The current review is focused on the traditional medicinal uses, phytoconstituents, antioxidant and anti-infectious properties, clinical trials, and toxicological data of Senna species
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