Senna tora

Senna tora

Scientific Classification:

·         Kingdom: Plantae

·         Order: Fabales

·         Family: Fabaceae

·         Genus: Senna

·         Species: Senna tora

Synonyms: Cassia tora L.; Cassia obtusifolia L.

Common Names: Foetid Senna

Local Names: Epa-ikun,epaja abo,jelenubenu

Species ID: NMP-160;wfo-0000165011;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 362788

Basic Description: Senna tora is an herbaceous annual plant that grows between 30 to 90 centimeters tall. It has pinnate leaves with obovate leaflets and produces yellow flowers arranged in axillary racemes. The plant is known for its distinctive sickle-shaped pods.

Distribution and Habitat: Senna tora is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Afghanistan, India, China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is commonly found in lowland areas, wastelands, and along riverbanks up to 1400 meters in elevation. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and semi-shade conditions​​​​.

Medicinal Properties: Senna tora is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly in South Asia. The seeds and leaves are used for their laxative properties to treat constipation and as a purgative. Additionally, the plant is used to treat skin diseases such as ringworm, itching, and psoriasis, as well as for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The seeds are also believed to improve vision and are used in traditional teas in Korea and other parts of Asia​​​​.

Known Toxicity: While Senna tora is generally considered safe when used appropriately, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances due to its potent laxative effects. It is crucial to use the plant under proper guidance to avoid potential adverse effects​​.

Additional Information: Senna tora is also used in various non-medicinal applications. It serves as a natural pesticide in organic farming and is mixed with guar gum for use in industrial applications. The plant is edible, with young leaves cooked as vegetables and seeds roasted as a coffee substitute. It is also utilized in the pet food industry and as a thickener in the textile industry​​​​.

References

  1. Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Senna tora. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senna_tora
  2. National Parks Board (Singapore). (2023). Senna tora. NParks Flora&FaunaWeb. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/4/4/5456

External links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senna_tora
  2. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/4/5456
  3. https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/senna_tora.htm
  4. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:518369-1
  5. https://portal.wiktrop.org/species/show/289

More Pictures


Compounds of Senna tora
References

Alao, F. O., Ololade, Z. S., & Nkeonye, C. V. (2018). Phytochemical and antibacterial potentials of Senna tora leaf and seed extracts against some clinically isolated bacteria. Journal of Bacteriol Parasitol, 9(3), 14.