Phytochemical screening and biological assays of ethanolic leaf extract of Senna rugosa

Abstract

Senna rugosa (Fabaceae) is a common specie of the Brazilian territory, especially in the Cerrado biome. It is widely used in the popular medicine although not yet adequately investigated as to its phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities. In this study, the preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic leaf extract of S. rugosa was performed and its cytotoxicity, antitumoral and antimicrobial activities (antibacterial, antifungal, anti-Trypanosoma and anti-Leishmania) were evaluated. The crude extract was analyzed in HPLC-DAD and fractions were also characterized using GC-MS and ESI-MS techniques. Results indicate phenolic compounds majority presence, including flavonol, anthraquinone and anthrones derivatives. Relative antimicrobial activities were detected against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida famata, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. As well as, a weak anti-trypanosomatids activity against M2269 strain and BH46 strain of Leishmania sp. A relative antitumoral activity was also identified but in counterpoint were also observed a toxicity in fibroblast cells (L929). Phytochemically, results provide evidence that phenolic compounds in S. rugosa leaves might be the responsible for its antimicrobial activity and cell toxicity inferred in our research.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Effects of <em>Senna rugosa</em> Leaf and Root Extracts on Human Leukemia Cell Lines

“…In the report by Cunha et al, [37] several peaks were observed in the hydroethanolic extract, but only one compound was identified (rutin), making comparison with our results impossible. Thus, we report the presence of different phytochemicals not previously described for this species.…”

“…Senna rugosa (Fabaceae) is a plant species popularly known as amendoirana, alcacuz bravo, bico-de-corvo, boi gordo and paratudo, where its seeds are used to treat parasitic worms' infestations [27,28] and its roots are used in the treatment of poisonous snake bites [29]. Recently, Cunha et al, [30] evaluated the chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of S. rugosa leaves and fractions obtained from the extract and identified the presence of mainly phenolic compounds, which include flavonols, anthraquinones and anthrones derivatives (particularly, rutin, emodin, aloe-emodin and barbaloin/isobarbaloin). In that study, antimicrobial, antifungal, and moderate antitumor activities against breast cancer cell lines were reported.…”

Senna podocarpa Emulgel: A Herbal Alternative for Chemical Burn Wound Treatment

“…Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites in the hydro-ethanolic extract of SP leaves was performed using standard phytochemical methods reported in the literature. 10 11 Results suggested that alkaloid, saponin, tannin, cardiac glycoside, flavonoid, anthraquinone, and phenol were present in the SP extract, while steroids were absent. Tannins, flavonoids, and phenols are potent antioxidants, and antioxidants have been implicated in wound healings by improving vascularization and reducing lipid peroxidation which in turn prevents necrosis of cells and promotes cell proliferation.…”

“…The presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, cardiac-active glycoside, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and phenols in the extract was assessed respectively as the following according to the reported studies 10 11 :…”

Senna birostris: Una potencial fuente de toquímicos antioxidantes y antibacterianos

“…A su vez, Matulevich et al, (2017), identicaron la presencia de avonoides, quinonas, alcaloides, taninos, glucósidos cardiotónicos y terpenos en extractos de Senna reticulata, estos resultados son congruentes con lo encontrado en S. birostris especialmente los avonoides, taninos, alcaloides y quinonas. Otro análisis toquímico preliminar desarrollado por Cunha et al, (2020), mostró la presencia de avonoides, taninos, triterpenos y antraquinonas en el extracto etanólico de las hojas de Senna rugosa. Por su parte, Isaac et al, (2022) en su reciente investigación encontraron que en el extracto etanólico de las hojas de Senna podocarpa, los principales metabolitos presentes fueron alcaloides, saponinas, taninos, glicósidos cardíacos, avonoides, antraquinonas y fenólicos.…”