Senna occidentalis
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Senna occidentalis Common Names: Coffee Senna, African Coffee, Styptic
Weed, Septicweed, Stinking Weed Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Senna Species: S. occidentalis Synonyms: Cassia occidentalis L., Cassia foetida Kunth, Ditremexa occidentalis (L.) Britton & Rose Morphological Description Senna occidentalis is a pantropical, erect, herbaceous shrub or small tree,
typically growing 0.5–2 m tall, with a strong fetid odor. Its key features
include: · Stem: Slender, softly hairy, branching extensively, green to
reddish-brown · Leaves: Pinnate, 15–20 cm long, with 3–7 pairs of broadly elliptic
to ovate leaflets, 3–7 cm long, 2–4 cm wide, acute at the apex · Flowers: Yellow, 1.5–2 cm wide, borne in short axillary racemes of
2–4 flowers, with six fertile stamens · Fruit: Flat, sickle-shaped pods, 8–12 cm long, 0.8–1 cm wide, green
turning dark brown, containing 20–30 seeds The plant’s foetid smell
and coffee-like seeds distinguish it in its habitat (Fern, 2024). Distribution and Habitat Senna occidentalis is native to the Americas, from the southern United States
to northern Argentina, but has naturalized across tropical and subtropical
regions globally, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. It thrives in: · Ecosystems: Disturbed areas, wastelands, roadsides, pastures, and
agricultural fields · Climate: Warm, humid tropics (20–35°C), rainfall 500–2,000 mm
annually · Soils: Sandy to loamy, well-drained, tolerating poor fertility and
drought It is an aggressive
weed, often outcompeting native vegetation (Shackleton et al., 2018). Ethnopharmacology Senna occidentalis, commonly known as coffee senna, is a plant with a rich history
in traditional medicine, attributed to its diverse therapeutic properties. It
has been traditionally used to treat liver disorders, diabetes, rheumatism, and
skin diseases such as eczema and ringworm. The plant exhibits antibacterial and
antifungal activities, making it effective against various pathogens.
Additionally, S. occidentalis has been employed as a laxative to alleviate
constipation and as a diuretic for promoting urine production. Its
hepatoprotective effects suggest potential in safeguarding the liver from
damage. Furthermore, the plant has been utilized in managing fevers,
convulsions, and respiratory conditions like asthma. These medicinal properties
are attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including anthraquinones,
flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. While these traditional uses are supported
by various studies, further clinical research is necessary to fully establish
the efficacy and safety of Senna occidentalis in these medicinal applications. · Skin Diseases: In Nigeria, leaf pastes treat fungal infections; he leaves have been applied externally to manage
conditions like itches, yaws, scabies, and ringworm. These therapeutic
applications are supported by the plant's antifungal and antibacterial
properties, which are attributed to bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones and
flavonoids. rootextract of S.
occidentalis has the potential to control growth of M. phaseolina (Javaid, 2022). · Fevers: In Ghana, leaf infusions reduced fever in rats by 1.5°C at
200 mg/kg, linked to anti-inflammatory flavonoids (Ojewole et al., 2003). · Gastrointestinal Issues: In Brazil, seed decoctions act as
laxatives; anthraquinones (e.g., emodin) increased intestinal motility · Antimicrobial: methanol and aqueous extracts showedsignificant
antimicrobial activity against most of the tested microbes. The most
susceptible microorganism was P. aeruginosa (18mm zone of inhibition in aqueous
extract) followed by P. mirabilis (15 mm zone of inhibition in methanol
extract) and Candidaalbicans (8 mm zone of inhibition in methanol extract) (Arya,
et al., 2010). · Hepatoprotective: a study demonstrated that an
aqueous-ethanolic extract of the leaves significantly reduced liver enzyme
levels elevated due to paracetamol and ethanol intoxication in rats, suggesting
a protective effect on liver cells (Jafri et al., 1999). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Seeds and leaves contain toxic anthraquinones
(e.g., emodin) and N-methylmorpholine, linked to hepatomyoencephalopathy in
children and livestock. Ingestion of seeds (>0.5 g/kg) causes muscle
necrosis, respiratory failure, and death; LD₅₀ in rats is ~1,000 mg/kg (Silva
et al., 2011). Additional Uses · Coffee Substitute: Roasted seeds yield a coffee-like beverage
in Sudan (Fern, 2024). · Fodder: Young leaves occasionally grazed by livestock, though toxic
in quantity (Shackleton et al., 2018). · Cultural: In Hausa tradition, used in rituals for protection against
evil spirits (Burkill, 1995). References
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| Compounds of Senna occidentalis | |
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