Senna podocarpa
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Kingdom: Plantae ·
Order: Fabales ·
Family: Fabaceae ·
Genus: Senna ·
Species: S. podocarpa Synonyms: Cassia podocarpa
Guill. & Perr. Common Names: Senna. Local Names: Asunwon-ibile,asunrin,aja-rere,Okpo Species ID: NMP-158;wfo-0000184160 Basic Description Senna podocarpa is a shrub or small tree that
can grow up to 3.5 meters in height. It features pinnate leaves and yellow
flowers, typical of the Senna genus. The plant is well-known for its medicinal
properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. Distribution and
Habitat Senna podocarpa is native to West Tropical
Africa, particularly found in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
It typically grows in lowland tropical regions, thriving in a variety of
habitats including disturbed areas, forest edges, and riverbanks. Medicinal Properties Senna podocarpa has various medicinal uses, including: Antifungal and
Antibacterial: The leaves and pods contain compounds
such as rhein, chrysophanol, and emodin which have shown inhibitory effects on
several bacteria and fungi. Purgative: The leaves and pods are used as a natural laxative, similar to the
commercial senna preparations from Senna alexandrina. Anti-inflammatory and
Analgesic: A paste made from pounded leaves is applied to the
skin to relieve arthritis and rheumatic pains. It is also used to treat skin
conditions like eczema and ringworm.
Antiviral: Leaf extracts have shown activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. Additional Information Senna podocarpa is not only valued for its
medicinal properties but also plays a role in local ecosystems. Despite its
benefits, it does not have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing
bacteria, unlike many other legumes. References
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More Pictures
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| Compounds of Senna podocarpa | |
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