The genus Senna (Fabaceae): A review on its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Genus Senna belongs to the family of Fabaceae and comprises of about 250-300 accepted species extensively dispersed in tropical and subtropical regions. The Senna species is widely used in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, some Senna species are well-known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities with basis in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, microbial infections, malaria fever and other ailments. This review was extensively prepared by a comprehensive assessment of available literature via major scientific catalogues. The genus contains important metabolites such as alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and volatile oils. The crude extracts and isolated metabolites from Senna displayed a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, anti gonorrhea, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, antinociceptive, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory functions displayed by the genus Senna. The objective of this review is to critically explore the advances in the botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of the genus Senna, which will provide a useful bibliography for further investigations and applications in medicines. The review reveals that Senna species have been widely used for therapeutic purpose and substantial traditional evidence of their applications exist. Further studies should be tailored towards targeting active metabolites responsible for the pharmacological activities, structural elucidation and toxicological appraisals. (c) 2020 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Genus Senna, belonging to the family of Fabaceae, consists of 250-300 accepted species distributed extensively in tropical and subtropical regions. Senna species are widely used in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, with traditional medicinal uses for diabetes, microbial infections, malaria fever, and other ailments.