Antiprotozoal activity of Senna racemosa

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jun 13;112(2):415-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.03.028. Epub 2007 Mar 30.

Abstract

Methanol extracts of leaves, roots and bark of Senna racemosa (Mill.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (syn. Cassia racemosa Mill.) were tested for antiprotozooal activity against Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica. All of the tested extracts showed good activity against both protozoa species. Extracts from stem bark and leaves were most active, with an IC(50) of 2.10 microg/mL for Giardia intestinalis and 3.87 microg/mL for Entamoeba histolytica. Of the previously isolated compounds from Senna racemosa, the piperidine alkaloid cassine had greater activity against Giardia intestinalis with an IC(50) of 3.28 microg/mL and chrysophanol, a 1,8-dihydroxy-anthraquinone, was the most active agent against Entamoeba histolytica, with an IC(50) of 6.21 microg/mL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthraquinones / chemistry
  • Anthraquinones / isolation & purification
  • Anthraquinones / pharmacology*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / drug effects
  • Giardia lamblia / drug effects
  • Ketones / chemistry
  • Ketones / isolation & purification
  • Ketones / pharmacology*
  • Metronidazole / pharmacology
  • Piperidines / chemistry
  • Piperidines / isolation & purification
  • Piperidines / pharmacology*
  • Plant Bark / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Stems / chemistry
  • Senna Plant / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anthraquinones
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Ketones
  • Piperidines
  • Plant Extracts
  • Metronidazole
  • cassine
  • chrysophanic acid