Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND ANALYTICAL METHODS OF SENNA ALATA

Ashwini Guddad, Vijaykumar Meti*, Abhishek Mohare and Harish K.H.

ABSTRACT

Senna alata, commonly known as candle bush or ringworm plant, is a medicinal species of the Fabaceae family, renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of S. alata, alongside its traditional uses and ethnopharmacology across various cultures. The plant's rich bioactive profile, comprising flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and tannins, underpins its efficacy in treating skin infections, digestive disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of standardization and quality control in herbal medicine, emphasizing the need for validated analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, and TLC for the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds. The global herbal medicine market, including S. alata derived products, is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer preference for natural remedies. This underscores the necessity for rigorous scientific validation to ensure safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. By elucidating the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with S. alata, this review aims to support further research and facilitate its integration into modern healthcare practices. The findings suggest that while S. alata holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent, further studies are essential to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to develop standardized formulations that can be safely utilized in clinical settings, ultimately benefiting public health and wellness.

Keywords: Senna alata, Pharmacological activities, Phytochemical constituents, Analytical constituents.