Hydroethanolic Extracts of Senna alata Leaves Possess Antimalarial Effects and Reverses Haematological and Biochemical Pertubation in Plasmodium berghei-infected Mice.

The current work investigated the chemical profile, antimalarial potential and capacity of hydroethanolic Senna alata extract (SAE) to reverse hematological and biochemical pertubation in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids and cardiac glycosides. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated to be 45.29 ± 2.34 mg GAE/g and 25.22 ± 2.26 mg QE/g respectively. In vitro analysis of the extract also confirmed its antioxidant property. Results of the test for prophylaxis of P. berghei indicated that SAE suppressed parasitemia significantly in treated groups in a dose dependent manner when compared with negative control group. Similarly, SAE improved the mean survival time (MST) and packed cell volume (PCV) of infected mice. The test for curative effect showed that SAE significantly suppressed parasitemia to 4.50 ± 1.05% compared to untreated group 29.83 ± 3.49%. Results of liver and kidney functions indices of treated animals indicated that whereas infection with P. berghei caused increase in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine, treatment with SAE significantly reversed the perturbation. Similarly, infected mice were dyslipidemic with concomitant increased activity of HMG CoA reductase and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes with increase in lipid peroxides levels. However, these alterations were significantly reversed by administration of SAE. Results of this study shows that Senna alata possess antimalarial activity and therefore justify the traditional use of plant for the treatment of malaria.

Antioxidant and Anti-Skin Aging Potential of Selected Thai Plants: In Vitro Evaluation and In Silico Target Prediction.

The skin is the largest organ that performs a variety of the body's essential functions. Impairment of skin structure and functions during the aging process might severely impact our health and well-being. Extensive evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species play a fundamental role in skin aging through the activation of the related degradative enzymes. Here, the 16 Thai medicinal plant species were screened for their potential anti-skin aging properties. All extracts were investigated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities, as well as the binding ability of compounds with target enzymes by molecular docking. Among all the plants screened, the leaves of A. occidentale and G. zeylanicum exhibited strong antioxidants and inhibition against elastase and tyrosinase. Other potential plants include S. alata leaf and A. catechu fruit, with relatively high anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities, respectively. These results are also consistent with docking studies of compounds derived from these plants. The inhibitory actions were found to be more highly positively correlated with phenolics than flavonoids. Taken together, our findings reveal some Thai plants, along with candidate compounds as natural sources of antioxidants and potent inhibitors of elastase and tyrosinase, could be developed as promising and effective agents for skin aging therapy.

Optimisation of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of anthraquinone and flavonoids from Senna alata (L.) Roxb.

This paper investigates the optimum processing conditions of microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of anthraquinone (aloe emodin, AE) and flavonoids (kaempferol 3-gentiobioside, K3G and kaempferol, KA) from Senna alata (L.) Roxb. The kinetic study indicates that MAE showed a greater extraction rate, compared to ultrasonic-assisted and maceration, due to the enhanced power which altered the leaf microstructures. The optimisation was undertaken using one-factor-at-a-time, two-level factorial design and central composite design were used to maximise the yield of the target compounds. The optimum yield of K3G (4.27 mg/g DW), KA (8.54 mg/g DW) and AE (0.86 mg/g DW) was obtained at 90.5% ethanol, microwave power of 18.6 W/mL with a desirability of 0.82. In addition, the yield of K3G and KA is correlated positively with the antioxidant activity.

Inhibitory effects on chondrosarcoma cell metastasis by Senna alata extract.

BACKGROUND: Senna alata L. Roxb or candle bush is a traditional medicinal plant with a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal. Leaf extract of S. alata showed the anti-tumor activity in various cancer cell lines. In this study, we focused on the inhibitory mechanism of S. alata extract (SAE) on cancer metastasis including cell migration, cell invasion and signaling pathways in chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-metastatic mechanisms of Senna alata extract on chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells. METHODS: Screening for phytochemicals in biologically active fraction of SAE was analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Cell viability and cytoxicity were determined by using MTT assay. Cell migration was observed by scratch wound healing and transwell migration assay. Cell invasion and cell adhesion assay were examined by Matrigel coated transwell chambers or plates. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and NF-κB were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The SAE treatment at the sub-cytoxic and non-cytotoxic concentrations significantly inhibited cell migration, cell invasion and cell adhesion of SW1353 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The results from Western blot analysis showed decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, while increased TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression in SAE treated cells. Moreover, SAE suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Akt but decreased NF-κB transcription factor expression in SW1353 cells. CONCLUSION: These results revealed that SAE could reduce MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression by downregulation of NF-κB which is downstream of MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SW1353 cells resulting in reduced cancer cell migration and invasion. Therefore, SAE may have the potential use as an alternative treatment of chondrosarcoma metastasis.

Low cytotoxicity, and antiproliferative activity on cancer cells, of the plant Senna alata (Fabaceae) / Baja citotoxicidad, y actividad antiproliferativa sobre las células cancerosas, de la planta Senna alata (Fabaceae)

Introduction: The leaves of Senna alata from the Fabaceae family have been used in folk medicine for the cure of skin disease. In this study, we tested the extract and fractions on brine shrimp lethality test and antiproliferative activity on cancer and normal cell lines. Objective: In this study, we assessed the cytotoxicity of S. alata using brine shrimp test and two cell lines. Methods: The 80 % ethanolic leaf extract and its fractions were examined for possible cytotoxic effect using sulforhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity assay towards breast cancer (MCF-7), normal (MCF10A) cell lines, and brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). Results: The brine shrimp lethality bioassay exhibits no cytotoxicity even at high concentration (5 000 µg/mL). The LC50 for dichloromethane, chloroform, butanol, and aqueous were > 1 000 µg/mL (non-toxic). The IC50 for in vitro SRB cytotoxicity against MCF-7 for n-hexane was 0.013 µg/mL, which was considered highly toxic, while dichloromethane and chloroform recorded at 47.11 and 57.61 µg/mL, respectively after 72 hours exposure time although there was no cytotoxicity found on the normal cell line. Conclusion: This study shows that S. alata crude ethanolic leaf extract and its fractions potentially contain significant bioactive compounds that are safe from adverse effects, which proves the therapeutic application of S. alata in traditional remedy.

Introducción: Las hojas de Senna alata de la familia Fabaceae se han utilizado en la medicina popular para la cura de enfermedades de la piel. En este estudio, probamos el extracto de la planta en líneas celulares normales y cancerosas. Objetivo: Evaluamos la citotoxicidad de S. alata usando una prueba del camarón Artemia y la actividad antiproliferativa. Métodos: El extracto de hoja etanólico al 80 % y sus fracciones se examinaron en busca de un posible efecto citotóxico utilizando un ensayo de citotoxicidad de sulforrodamina B (SRB) frente a líneas celulares de cáncer de mama (MCF-7), normales (MCF10A) y prueba de letalidad del camarón Artemia (BSLT). Resultados: El bioensayo de letalidad del camarón Artemia no presenta citotoxicidad incluso en alta concentración (5 000 µg/mL). La CL50 para diclorometano, cloroformo, butanol y acuoso fue > 1000 µg/mL (no tóxico). La CI50 para la citotoxicidad in vitro de SRB contra MCF-7 para n-hexano fue de 0.013 µg/mL, que se consideró altamente tóxica, mientras que el diclorometano y el cloroformo registraron 47.11 y 57.61 µg/mL, respectivamente, después de 72 horas de tiempo de exposición, aunque no hubo citotoxicidad encontrada en la línea celular normal. Conclusión: Este estudio muestra que el extracto de hoja etanólico crudo de S. alata y sus fracciones contienen potencialmente compuestos bioactivos significativos que están a salvo de efectos adversos, lo que demuestra la aplicación terapéutica de S. alata como remedio tradicional.

Senna (Cassia) alata (Linn.) Roxb. leaf decoction as a treatment for tinea imbricata in an indigenous tribe in Southern Philippines.

BACKGROUND: Tinea imbricata, a rare form of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton concentricum, is endemic to the T'boli tribe in the Southern Philippines. Temporary remissions and limited access to antifungal medications make its treatment a pressing public health concern. Anecdotal reports about the use of Senna alata leaf decoction as treatment exist. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of community-prepared S alata leaf decoction in the treatment of tinea imbricata. METHODS: Tinea imbricata patients were instructed to apply S alata leaf decoction for 4 weeks (28 ± 3 days). Disease severity, pruritus visual analogue scale scores (VAS) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts of skin scrapings were evaluated before and after treatment. Two assessors evaluated disease severity based on photographs. Cohen's kappa statistics were used to assess diagnostic concordance. Adverse drug events were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled. After 4 weeks, 95% had decreased pruritus VAS scores, with a mean decreased of 4.05 after treatment (P < .0001). There was a significant difference in disease severity scores before and after treatment (P ≤ .05) with an overall agreement of 'moderate' for both assessors (κ = 0.6, 95% CI [0.33, 0.87]). Forty per cent had negative KOH tests after treatment. None had adverse drug events. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that showed the potential of a community-prepared leaf decoction as a treatment option for tinea imbricata. Larger clinical trials establishing its efficacy, effectiveness and safety profile are recommended to enable its promotion among the indigenous people and health authorities as an accessible and affordable treatment for tinea imbricata.

Phytosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using methanol extract of Senna alata leaf: Characterization, optimization, antimicrobial properties, and its application in cold cream formulation.

BACKGROUND: Phyto-reduction using Senna alata methanol leaf extract for nanoparticle (NP) biosynthesis is of great importance for the production of value-added nanomaterial with antimicrobial potential. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using crude methanol leaf extract of S. alata (SaZnONPs), antimicrobial efficacy of this extract, optimization of its production parameters, and its application in cold cream formulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Phytosynthesized SaZnONPs were characterized using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of SaZnONPs and the formulated cold cream was evaluated. RESULTS: The SaZnONPs surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was 400 nm. Functional groups such as alkenes, alkynes and alkyl aryl ether were present. The SEM image showed NPs 7.10 nm in size and with a needle-like shape. The TGA values show the formations of stable ZnONPs, while the DLS showed the particle diameter average of 89.7 nm and 855.4 nm with 0.595 polydispersity index. The EDX analysis confirmed the formation of pure ZnONPs, and the crystallinity was confirmed with XRD analysis. Twenty-four hours of incubation and production at pH13 was optimal for NPs synthesis. The SaZnONPs and the formulated cold cream have antimicrobial properties against some pathogenic bacteria and Pichia sp. (16.00 mm) and Trichophyton interdigitale (11.00 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Senna alata was able to serve as a stabilizing and capping agent for SaZnONPs biosynthesis. The SaZnONPs had good antimicrobial potential and can be used in cold cream formulation.

Identification and characterization of anti-diabetic principle in Senna alata (Linn.) flower using alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The age-long folkloric use of Senna alata flower (SAF) was recently substantiated with scientific evidence. However, the study did not account for the anti-diabetic principle(s) in SAF. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to identify and characterize the bioactive principle(s) responsible for the anti-diabetic activity in SAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one male Wistar rats were used for the two phases of this study. In phase 1, forty-two of these were allotted into six groups (A-F) of seven rats each. Animals in group A received distilled water while those in groups B-F were made diabetic by treatment with 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of alloxan. Group B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D and E were treated each with 75 mg/kg b.w. of ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of SAF, while F received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. In the second phase, forty-nine rats were assigned into seven groups (A-G) of seven rats each. Group A received distilled water. Animals in Groups B-G were also made diabetic by alloxan treatment. B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D, E and F were treated with 5.77, 25.96, 15.40, 27.87 mg/kg b.w (equivalent dose of 75 mg/kg b.w.) of sub-fractions obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of SAF respectively whereas G received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids, albumin, globulin, liver glycogen, urine ketone, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities and cardiac function indices were evaluated using standard methods. Compounds D, E and F isolated from ethyl acetate sub-fraction B were evaluated for in vitro anti-diabetic activity. The structure of the anti-diabetic compound was identified using FTIR, 1H-NMR, 1³C-NMR, HCOSY, HSQC and HMBC. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Alloxan treatment increased the levels of FBG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, urine ketone and cardiac function indices and reduced the levels of globulin, albumin, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, liver glycogen, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Ethyl acetate fraction and sub-fraction B reversed the level and/or activities of these biochemical indices to levels and/or activities that compared favourably with the distilled water treated non-diabetic animals. Of the three compounds (D, E and F) that were obtained from the sub-fraction B, compound E which was Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) produced the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. CONCLUSION: Emodin is one of the bioactive constituents present in Senna alata flower.

Senna alata (akapulko) extract versus topical antifungals for treatment of superficial fungal skin infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Senna alata (akapulko) plant extracts compared with topical antifungals in the treatment of superficial fungal skin infections.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>METHODS:</b> A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that studied patients with diagnosed cutaneous tinea or dermatophytosis (excluding hair and nail), tinea versicolor, or cutaneous candidiasis, via microscopy or culture, and compared the efficacy and safety of S. alata (akapulko) extract versus topical antifungals. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts of merged search results from electronic databases (The Cochrane Skin Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE (January 1990 to December 2011), Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN), and reference lists of articles), assessed eligibility, assessed the risk of bias using the domains in the Cochrane Risk Bias tool and collected data using a pretested Data extraction form (DEF). Meta-analyses were performed when feasible.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>RESULTS:</b> We included seven RCTs in the review. There is low certainty of evidence that S. alata 50% lotion is as efficacious as sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion (RR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.04; 4 RCTs, n=216; p=0.15; I2=52%) and high quality evidence that S. alata cream is as efficacious as ketoconazole (RR 0.95, 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.09; 1 RCT, n=40; p=0.44) and terbinafine cream (RR 0.93, 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.01; 1 RCT, n=150; p=0.09) in mycologic cure. For adverse effects, there is very low certainty of evidence of increased harm with S. alata 50% lotion compared to sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion (RR 1.26, 95% CI, 0.46, 3.44; 2 RCTs, n=120; p=0.65; I2=19%). Adverse effects were few and mild.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>CONCLUSION:</b> S. Alata 50% lotion may be as efficacious as sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion and is as efficacious as ketoconazole 2% and terbinafine 1% creams. There is insufficient evidence to compare the safety of S. alata 50% lotion with sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion.</p>

Medicinal plants for Dermatophytosis: Senna Alata (Linn.) Roxb., Allium sativum (Linn.) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf

@#Skin mycoses have been a major problem affecting millions around the globe. The threat of resistance to synthetic antifungal agents however is a major obstacle in its management. As an alternative to these, a thorough investigation of natural products is being performed to develop medicines that are effective and safe. In this review, we described three antifungal herbal plants that are available in the Philippines, namely Senna alata (Linn.) Roxb. (akapulko), Allium sativum (Linn.) (garlic) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (lemongrass). In vitro studies showed promising results that can be used as a basis for drug formulation for community use as well as commercial products. So far, there have been no reported toxic effects from these plants. The common ground for these plants’ mechanism of action was the effect of their phytochemicals in the cell membrane and cell wall organelles, inhibition of major biosynthetic pathways, and prevention of biofilm formation. Formulation and clinical studies also revealed promising results comparable to the synthetic ones.

Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Senna alata bark extract and its antimicrobial mechanism through enhancement of bacterial membrane degradation.

Biological synthesis of nanomaterials has been increasingly gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Senna alata bark extract as reducing and capping agents, and to evaluate their antimicrobial activities. AgNPs was characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The formation of AgNPs was monitored by recording the surface plasmon resonance peak observed at 425 nm. High-resolution TEM images elucidated the formation of spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 10-30 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of silver. The functional groups of biomolecules present in the extract and their interaction with AgNPs were identified through FTIR analysis. Biosynthesized AgNPs displayed antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, as indicated by the diameter of inhibition zones between 11.37 and 14.87 mm. Minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNPs for the tested microorganisms was in the range from 31.25 to 125 µg/mL. Potassium leakage is a primary indicator of membrane damage which is a significant mode of action of AgNPs against the tested microorganisms. The amount of potassium ions leaked from the microbial cells after 4 h contact time ranged between 0.97 and 3.05 ppm. Morphological changes were observed in all AgNPs-treated microorganisms. The green synthesized AgNPs with high antimicrobial activity has potential to be used in food packaging and biomedical research areas.

The Phytochemical content and the In vitro antifungal properties of Senna alata (Linn.) Roxb.: A review

@#Infections caused by invasive fungal species continue to rise due to various contributing factors including the changes in the environmental and weather conditions, lifestyle, the occurrence of natural disasters, and the weakened human immune system. Even though synthetic drugs effectively cure fungal diseases, their unwanted side effects, as well as the rapid rise in resistance, have compelled researchers to develop new antifungal agents. Several medicinal plants are folklorically known to have antifungal activities. Among the traditionally used antifungal herbal plants is Senna alata, commonly known as akapulko and ringworm bush. In the current review, phytochemical analysis and numerous non-clinical studies on akapulko have been performed and confirmed its activity against several fungi pathogenic to humans. Anthraquinone compounds seemed to be the major phytochemicals responsible for its antifungal activity. In the Philippines, clinical trials have also confirmed its utility as a topical agent in treating cutaneous fungal infections. Research gaps that need to be addressed include the determination of the exact molecular mechanisms of their fungal killing action.

Ethnobotanical review and pharmacological properties of selected medicinal plants in Brunei Darussalam:Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna alata

The aim of the current study is to review the medicinal properties of the plants found in Brunei Darussalam namely Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna alata. The known phytochemical constituents of these plants and their ability to bring about a range of biological activities are included in this review. These plants have been used traditionally for a multitude of diseases and illnesses. There is a lot of untapped potential in these medicinal plants which could cure multiple diseases.

Ethnobotanical review and pharmacological properties of selected medicinal plants in Brunei Darussalam: Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna alata

The aim of the current study is to review the medicinal properties of the plants found in Brunei Darussalam namely Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna alata. The known phytochemical constituents of these plants and their ability to bring about a range of biological activities are included in this review. These plants have been used traditionally for a multitude of diseases and illnesses. There is a lot of untapped potential in these medicinal plants which could cure multiple diseases.