Senna sieberiana
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Senna sieberiana Common Names: African Laburnum, Drumstick Tree, West
African Laburnum, Sierra Leone Senna Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Senna Species: S. sieberiana Synonyms: Cassia sieberiana DC., Cassia kotschyana Oliv., Cassia sieberiana var. macrocarpa Pellegr., Cathartocarpus
sieberianus (DC.) G.Don, Cassia conspicua (G.Don) Vogel Morphological Description Senna sieberiana is a deciduous tree, typically growing 10–20 m tall, with a
broad, spreading crown that can reach 15 m in diameter. Its key features
include: · Bark: Dark grey to black, smooth with horizontal reddish
lenticels, peeling in thin strips · Leaves: Paripinnate, 20–40 cm long, with 7–14 pairs of opposite,
elliptic to oblong leaflets, 4–8 cm long, 2–3 cm wide, dark green · Flowers: Bright yellow, 2–3 cm wide, arranged in dense, terminal
racemes up to 30 cm long, blooming February–March during the dry season · Fruit: Long, cylindrical, indehiscent pods, 15–25 cm long, 1–2 cm
wide, green turning dark brown, containing 20–30 seeds in a sweet, pulpy matrix Distribution and Habitat Senna sieberiana is native to West Tropical Africa, with a range from Senegal
and The Gambia eastward to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and
northern Kenya. It thrives in: · Ecosystems: Savannas, secondary forests, riverine woodlands, and forest
margins (altitude 50–1,800 m) · Climate: Tropical, with rainfall of 500–1,500 mm annually and
temperatures of 20–35°C · Soils: Well-drained, sandy to loamy, often nutrient-poor,
tolerating seasonal flooding It is a prominent
species in the southern Sahel and Sudanian savanna, adapting to both dry and
humid conditions (Burkill, 1995). Ethnopharmacology Senna sieberiana also known as Cassia sieberiana, is a deciduous tree native
to Africa, widely recognized in traditional medicine for its diverse
therapeutic properties. Various parts of the plant, including the roots,
leaves, bark, and fruits, are utilized to address numerous health conditions.
Traditionally, it has been employed as a purgative and diuretic, aiding in
bowel movements and urine flow. The plant exhibits significant anti-inflammatory
and analgesic activities, with studies indicating its potential to alleviate
pain and reduce inflammation. Additionally, Senna sieberiana demonstrates
notable antimicrobial properties, showing effectiveness against various
bacterial and fungal pathogens. Its antioxidant potential is attributed to the
presence of compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which help neutralize
free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the plant has
been traditionally used for its anthelmintic properties to treat helminth
infections. Beyond these applications, Senna sieberiana has been utilized in
managing conditions like malaria, fever, ulcers, and skin diseases,
underscoring its broad medicinal relevance. · Laxative: In Nigeria, pod pulp increased intestinal motility. · Antimicrobial: Ethanol Stem Bark Extract demonstrated antibacterial
activity against clinical isolates such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus pyogenes,
and Staphylococcus aureus. Toxicological assessments indicated safety at doses
up to 5000 mg/kg in rats. (Linus et al., 2024). · Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: An investigation into the aqueous root
extract of Cassia sieberiana demonstrated significant pain-relieving effects in
mice. The extract, administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg, resulted in a reduction
of acetic acid-induced writhing comparable to that achieved with 100 mg/kg of
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). This suggests the extract's potential as a
natural analgesic agent (SY, 2009). Further research into Cassia sieberiana leaf extracts revealed
their ability to modulate inflammatory pathways. The extracts inhibited enzymes
such as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2), which are pivotal in the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Additionally, the extracts reduced the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and enhanced
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated
macrophages, suggesting a complex role in immune modulation. (Macedo, 2021). · Antimalarial: In Burkina Faso, root extracts showed antiplasmodial
activity against Plasmodium falciparum (IC₅₀ 10–50 µg/mL), due to xanthones (Bickii et al., 2007). · Diuretic: In Senegal, leaf infusions promoted urine output by 40% in
rats at 300 mg/kg, supporting urinary tract treatment (Traore et al., 2017). · Antioxidant: Root extracts scavenged DPPH radicals by 85% at 50 µg/mL,
indicating potential in managing oxidative stress (Nartey et al., 2012). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: High doses (>1,000 mg/kg) or prolonged use may cause
hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity due to anthraquinones (Donkor et al., 2014). Additional Uses · Construction: The hard, termite-resistant wood is used for tool handles,
fencing, and building (Van Wyk et al., 2009). · Ornamental: Planted for its vibrant yellow flowers, enhancing landscapes
during the dry season. · Ecological: Provides shade and stabilizes soil in savanna ecosystems,
attracting pollinators like bees. References
External Links More Pictures |
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| 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. Prod, 11(4), 406-410. |
