Análisis de los principios bioactivos medicinales de las hojas de Senna alexandrina Mill

Abstract

This research compiles the information, through a bibliographic review, on the analysis of the medicinal bioactive principles of the leaves of Senna alexandrina Mill. Through this, it was possible to identify the metabolites contained in its leaves are mainly: hydroxyanthracene glycosides, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glucides, naphthalene glycosides and trace elements such as essential oils, chrysophanic acid, salicylic acid, saponin, resins, mineral phytosterols, naphthalene derivatives, chlorophyll and waxes; The most outstanding are sennosides A and B, which constitute a group of the family of hydroxyanthracenic glycosides and are the most abundant group in and the most interesting within the leaves of this plant, due to its properties as a laxative and analgesic in diseases related to the colon. An optimal methodology for the extraction of bioactive principles from the leaves of this species was developed, consisting of collection, maceration, decantation, and filtration. Finally, the quality parameters that the procedure must follow to be considered optimal and the qualitative and quantitative analyses that guarantee these parameters were described. The identification of specific metabolites based on precipitation, color changes and other easily recognizable factors. In the case of qualitative analysis, it was concluded that high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the best method for this purpose, since its advantages include its rapid and almost universal application. In addition, spectrophotometry was included as a mechanism of analysis, optimal for the determination of the concentration of flavonoids in the extract.