Phytochemical screening and antibacterial investigations of crude methanol extracts of <i>Senna didymobotrya</i> (Fresen.) H. S. Irwin & Barneby

Abstract

Objective: Senna didymobotrya (African senna, African wild sensitive plant, peanut butter cassia, peanut butter tree, popcorn cassia, popcorn senna or wild senna) is native to East Africa and is widely used as a medicinal plant among many communities in Kenya. The objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of phytochemicals present in the different plant parts and their antibacterial activity. Methodology and results: Leaves, flowers, stem bark, immature pods and root barks were collected from Siaya, Nandi and Nakuru Counties. These were dried and ground. Methanolic crude extracts were in cooperated in nutrient media at 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 %. Test organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were inoculated on impregnated media, incubated and observed for colony development. Observation on growth of cultures was made at an interval of 2 days for 8 days. The area under disease progress stairs (AUDPS) was calculated using the derived colony surface areas. Results indicated that all plant parts contained terpenoids, phenols and steroids. The presence of alkaloids and flavonoids varied with the location the plant was collected and the plant part. Growth of S. aureus cultures grown on media impregnated with 2.5% root bark extract and that with 7.5% stem bark extract were completely inhibited (no growth). Media with 10% flower, pods and leaves extract had average reduction of colony sizes from AUDPS 10102 (control) to AUDPS 2475. Growth of E. coli was completely inhibited on media impregnated with 5% root bark extract and 7.5% stem bark extracts. At 10% concentration, the flowers, pods and leaves extract did not result in complete inhibition of colony growth. Conclusions and applications: The present research suggests that S. didymobotrya extracts possessed antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens thus supporting their folkloric usage, promising a future scope for its use against microbial populations. Methanolic extracts possessing high antibacterial effects should be further investigated for their therapeutic utility. This would be related to the presence of bioactive metabolites, which are soluble in methanol. There is need to explore further the quantities of phytochemicals in the root and 11358stem barks that make them more potent than the other plant parts. The structures of the bioactive metabolites should be examined in future.

Assessing distribution changes of selected native and alien invasive plant species under changing climatic conditions in Nyeri County, Kenya

“…Jeruto et al [76] found that its stem and root extracts had high efficiencies in inhibiting fungus growth while Jeruto et al [77] [72] to the entire study area shows new species habitat areas within unsampled protected areas (Fig 1) hence proving the usefulness of SDMs. Threats posed by alien plants invasion in high conservation areas is usually significant [74].…”

Efficacy of Crude Extract from Candle Brush (Senna didymobotrya) Leaves against Aspergillus niger in Reduction of Post-harvest Losses in Tomatoes

“…The difference was attributed to the application of the plant extract on the treated tomatoes. The antifungal activity of the extract is attributed to the presence of phytochemical compounds in the extract and their antifungal capabilities [7]. The extract not only inhibits the growth of fungi but also bacteria [11] thus a total viable count becomes relevant [14].…”

“…Senna didymobotrya is a medicinal plant ( Fig. 1) growing naturally in East Africa and is commonly used medicinally to treat bacterial and fungal infections among African communities [7]. It contains various phytochemicals that include alkaloids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, tannins, saponins, phenols and flavonoids which have antimicrobial capabilities [8].…”

Histopathological Studies on the Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Senna italica Treatment of Rats Infected with Hymenolepis diminuta

“…The extracts were evaluated qualitatively for the presence of flavanoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, volatile oils and steroids Jeruto et al [14]; Vijaya et al [15] Semenya et al [16].…”