A Study Focusing on Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities to Evaluate the Pharmacological Potentials of Senna ( Senna alexandrina Mill.)

ABSTRACT

Senna species have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their laxative properties attributed to their sennosides, although studies on their various phytochemical compounds are limited. In this study, focusing on phytochemical compounds and bioactivities of senna ( Senna alexandrina Mill.), its potential as a new resource of natural bioactive compounds was evaluated. HPLC analysis identified 14 phytochemicals, including high amounts of ferulic acid, catechin, and trans ‐cinnamic acid in the methanol extract and 13 phytochemicals, including high amounts of gentisic acid, ferulic acid, catechin and o ‐coumaric acid in the water extract. The methanol extract displayed higher antioxidant activity than positive control (α‐tocopherol) in ABTS ^•+ scavenging (IC ₅₀ : 29.28 µg/mL) and CUPRAC (A _0.50 : 61.19 µg/mL) methods. The methanol extract was significantly cytotoxic to all cancer cell lines, particularly HT‐29 (IC ₅₀ : 39.99 µg/mL), competing with positive controls. While all extracts showed varying grades of anti‐enzyme activities, the methanol extract (IC ₅₀ : 383.14 µg/mL) was anti‐α‐glucosidase active very close to positive control (acarbose) (IC ₅₀ : 378.66 µg/mL). The findings represent an innovative contribution to demonstrating that S. alexandrina is not only limited to its traditional laxative effect but also possesses a versatile pharmacological potential through its phytochemical compounds.