Review on the Ethnobotany, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Senna occidentalis L. (Fabaceae): Potential Application as Remedy in the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea
Alain S-P. Kabasele Kalombo
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pedagogical University of Kananga, Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Florent Biduaya Mukeba *
Department of Geography, Geostrategy, Environment and Spatial Planning, Center of Research of Human Sciences, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Assumani Zabo Idrissa
Research Unity of Pedagogy and Health, Interdisciplinary Research Center of the National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Jean-Paul Nzambi Divengi
Research Unity of Pedagogy and Health, Interdisciplinary Research Center of the National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Patience Lunkondo Mbuyi
Research Unity of Pedagogy and Health, Interdisciplinary Research Center of the National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Jean-Pierre K. Kayembe
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pedagogical University of Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo and Catalysis and Synthesis Research Group, Research Focus Area for Chemical Resource Beneficiation (CRB), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2522, South Africa.
David Dago N’Da
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center of Excellence, for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, North-West University, South Africa.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Senna occidentalis L. has been used in several traditional medicines against various diseases and this is based on its botanical, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry profiles. This powerful herb is recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimutagenic, protective, and inflammatory hepatic activity. Multiple chemical compounds, including achrosine, aloe-emodin, emodin, anthraquinones, etc., have been isolated from this plant. The results of this bibliographic research thus presented in this review have demonstrated the ability of certain extracts from S. occidentalis L. to lower the lipid peroxide content, the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and phospholipase A2 in exudates of the granuloma of cotton pellets, thus resulting in a reduced availability of arachidonic acid, an important precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which are the only likely source and/or cause of dysmenorrhea. Thus, based on its phytochemical profile and its pharmacological properties, it is therefore suggested that S. occidentalis would be a potential and effective remedy in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
Keywords: Senna occidentalis L., ethnobotany, pharmacological properties, prostaglandins, dysmenorrhea.