Senna sieberiana

Senna sieberiana

Scientific Classification

·         Kingdom: Plantae

·         Clade: Tracheophytes

·         Clade: Angiosperms

·         Clade: Eudicots

·         Order: Fabales

·         Family: Fabaceae

·         Genus: Senna

·         Species: Senna sieberiana

Synonyms: Cassia sieberiana DC.; Cassia kotschyana Oliv.

Common Names: Senna,West African laburnum

Local Names: Efo, ifo, Aridan-tooro,Gaa fa'da

Species ID: NMP-159;wfo-0001393727

Basic Description

Senna sieberiana, commonly known as the drumstick tree, is a tree that ranges from 10 to 20 meters in height. It features bright yellow flowers that bloom during the dry season, from February to March. The bark of the tree varies from dark grey to black and has horizontal reddish lenticels. The leaves are pinnate with 7-10 pairs of opposite leaflets.

Distribution and Habitat

Senna sieberiana is native to multiple parts of Africa, including the southern Sahel, Senegal, Sudan, Uganda, and East Africa. It grows best in well-drained, humid soils with an annual rainfall of about 500 mm. The tree is commonly found in secondary forests and savannahs.

Medicinal Properties

Senna sieberiana is extensively used in traditional African medicine. It has several medicinal applications, including:

Senna sieberiana is extensively used in traditional African medicine. It has several medicinal applications, including:

Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: The roots and leaves are used to treat inflammation and pain.

Laxative: The plant has purgative properties and is used to treat constipation.

Antimicrobial: It has been traditionally used to treat bacterial infections and skin diseases.

Anti-diabetic: Some parts of the plant are used in managing diabetes.

Known Toxicity

Senna sieberiana should be used with caution, particularly regarding dosage. Prolonged or excessive use of the plant can cause adverse effects due to its potent bioactive compounds. As with many traditional medicinal plants, it is essential to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid potential toxicity.

Additional Information

Senna sieberiana also has non-medicinal uses. The wood is hard and termite-resistant, making it suitable for construction and tool-making. Additionally, the plant is used in cultural practices and as an ornamental tree due to its bright flowers.

References

Oladeji, O. S., Adelowo, F. E., Oluyori, A. P., & Bankole, D. T. (2020). Ethnobotanical description and biological activities of Senna alata. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020.

External links

  1. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/3/3353
  2. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.11450
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/senna-occidentalis
  4. http://publish.plantnet-project.org/project/plantinvasivekruger/collection/collection/synthese/details/CASOC
  5. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Senna+occidentalis
  6. https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/senna_occidentalis.htm
  7. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1117728-2

  1. https://levypreserve.org/plant-listings/senna-occidentalis/

More Pictures


Compounds of Senna sieberiana
References

Jibril, S., Sirat, H. M., & Basar, N. (2017). Bioassay-guided isolation of antioxidants and α-glucosidase inhibitors from the root of Cassia sieberiana DC (Fabaceae). Rec. Nat. Prod11(4), 406-410.