Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening of Aqueous, Methanol, and Hexane Leaf Extracts of Senna siamea

Abstract

Senna siamea is a remarkable plant traditionally recognized for its potent antimicrobial, antifungal, and antimalarial properties. This study was conducted to identify the phytochemical compounds responsible for these therapeutic effects. Fresh leaves were collected and subjected to extraction using water (aqueous), methanol, and hexane solvents. These extracts were then analyzed for phytochemical constituents employing standard methodologies. The phytochemical screening of all crude extracts indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In the aqueous extract, saponins were the most abundant, comprising 9.90%, followed by alkaloids at 6.47%. The methanolic extract exhibited a higher glycoside content of 2.81%, while the hexane extract had the highest terpenoid content at 2.40%. Based on this study, it can be concluded that Senna siamea extracts are rich in phytochemicals, with saponins being the most prevalent. This abundance of saponins may contribute to the plant's pharmacological activities, supporting its traditional use as an alternative treatment for various health conditions.