Phamacognostical investigationof cassia didymobtrya fres occurring occurring naturally in Kenya
Abstract
The aim of this work was to determine the total anthraquinone
glycosides present in the leaves of the natural~y occurring
Cassia didymobotrya Fres., and to study the basic pharmacognostic
features (microsr.opic and chromatographic). Senna, a drug from
the same genus, was used as a basis for reference.
The results obtained indicate that- the 'plant contains anthraquinone
glycosides, acc~unting For the reported purgative action.
The total anthraquinone content calculated as sennoside B in
the dried plant material (leaf) was found to be 2.1%.
Thin layer chromatography revealed that three of the ~nthraquinones
present in Cassia didymobotrya Fres. did not occur in detectable
quantities in prepared senna, and that the two main anthraquinones
detected in senna,
(Cassia angustifolia, Cassia aculifolia), aloe-amodin and rhein,
~ere also present in Cassia didymobotrY,1 although in lower
quantities.
'The plant is a po~sible source of purgative drug.