• Printed Journal
  • Indexed Journal
  • Refereed Journal
  • Peer Reviewed Journal
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Vol. 2, Issue 2 (2013)

Phytonutrients, Minerals and in vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Leaf and Stem Bark Powders of Senna spectabilis

Author(s):

Geoffrey Muriira Karau, Eliud Nyagah Mwaniki Njagi, Alex King’ori Machocho, Laura Nyawira Wangai, Peter Ng’aru Kamau

Abstract:
Senna spectabilis is a small, rounded deciduous tree commonly found in the lower parts of Eastern province of Kenya. The plant is known to treat dysentery, menstrual cramps, whooping coughs and diabetes mellitus among the natives of Mbeere in Kenya. The present study investigated the amounts of phytonutrients, phytochemicals, mineral elements and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the leaf and stem bark powders of S. spectabilis. HPLC-UV/VIS, standard phytochemical methods, energy dispersive X-Ray fluorescence system, and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl methods were used. Significant levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, thiamine, nicotinamide, β-carotene, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin were found in both leaf and stem bark powders. The antioxidant activity was 63.36, and 28.12%, for the leaf and stem bark powders, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity for the stem bark and leaf powders was 90.95%, and 88.98%. Also important mineral elements were found. The study findings support the claimed efficacy in the management of various diseases among the natives.

Pages: 51-59  |  2869 Views  276 Downloads


Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
How to cite this article:
Geoffrey Muriira Karau, Eliud Nyagah Mwaniki Njagi, Alex King’ori Machocho, Laura Nyawira Wangai, Peter Ng’aru Kamau. Phytonutrients, Minerals and in vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Leaf and Stem Bark Powders of Senna spectabilis. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2013;2(2):51-59.

Important Publications Links
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Pharmacognosy

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Call for book chapter