Antifungal Activity of Senna alata – A Review

Abstract

Senna alata is one of the species of Senna plant from the family of Fabaceae. It is not only the ornamental plant but also possesses many medicinal activities. Antifungal, antibacterial, laxation, hypoglycaemic and diuretic are some of the activities and properties shown by Senna alata plant. Antifungal properties of this plant are considered asimportant and beneficial in medical field. Senna alataconsists of a variety of compounds in different parts of plant in which anthraquinones and aglycones are important antifungal compounds. These compounds play a major role in antifungal potential just because of significant moieties present in their structures. Extracts of Senna alata plant are used for treatment of various skin diseases and it proves to be best alternative to synthetic antifungal medicines. In present review article, we summarized the Senna alata antifungal activity by using different techniques, its beneficial effects on humans, its chemical constituents and its applications in pharmaceutical industries.