Simultaneous separation of three isomeric sennosides from senna leaf (Cassia acutifolia) using counter-current chromatography

Determination of Total Sennosides and Sennosides A, B, and A1 in Senna Leaflets, Pods, and Tablets by Two-Dimensional qNMR

In the present work, a two-dimensional qNMR method for the determination of sennosides was established. Using band-selective HSQC and the cross correlations of the characteristic 10-10' bonds, we quantified the total amount of the value-determining dianthranoids in five minutes, thus, rendering the method not only fast, but also specific and stability indicating. The validation of the method revealed excellent accuracy (recovery rates of 98.5 to 103%), precision (RSD values of 3.1%), and repeatability (2.2%) and demonstrated the potential of 2D qNMR in the quality control of medicinal plants. In a second method, the use of 2D qNMR for the single analysis of sennosides A, B, and A1 was evaluated with acceptable measurement times (31 min), accuracy (93.8%), and repeatability (5.4% and 5.6%) for the two major purgatives sennoside A and B. However, the precision for sennoside B and A1 was not satisfactory, mainly due to the low resolution of the HSQC signals of the two compounds.

Herbal Medicines for Constipation and Phytochemical Comparison of Active Components

Constipation is a very common medical condition worldwide, negatively affecting patients' quality of life and healthcare system. Rhubarb, senna leaf, and aloe are three frequently used herbal medications for achieving regular bowel movement. Rhubarb is also a key ingredient in MaZiRenWan, a Chinese medicine formula used every so often for constipation in oriental countries. We reviewed and summarized the major chemical components from these three botanicals, including dianthrones, anthraquinone glycosides, free anthraquinones, and other polyphenols. The purgative actions of these constituents have been compared. Anthraquinone, especially its dianthrone compounds such as sennoside A and sennoside B, as natural stimulant laxatives, possesses significant effects to promote gastrointestinal motility and relieve functional constipation. Furthermore, the safety, reported side effects, and other benefits of anthraquinone compounds are presented. To date, many anti-constipation natural products are being used but their research is relatively limited, and thus, more investigations in this field are indeed needed.

A Review of Recent Studies on the Antioxidant and Anti-Infectious Properties of Senna Plants

The use of phytochemicals is gaining interest for the treatment of metabolic syndromes over the synthetic formulation of drugs. Senna is evolving as one of the important plants which have been vastly studied for its beneficial effects. Various parts of Senna species including the root, stem, leaves, and flower are found rich in numerous phytochemicals. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical experiments established that extracts from Senna plants have diverse beneficial effects by acting as a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. In this review, Senna genus is comprehensively discussed in terms of its botanical characteristics, traditional use, geographic presence, and phytochemical profile. The bioactive compound richness contributes to the biological activity of Senna plant extracts. The review emphasizes on the in vivo and in vitro antioxidant and anti-infectious properties of the Senna plant. Preclinical studies confirmed the beneficial effects of the Senna plant extracts and its bioactive components in regard to the health-promoting activities. The safety, side effects, and therapeutic limitations of the Senna plant are also discussed in this review. Additional research is necessary to utilize the phenolic compounds towards its use as an alternative to pharmacological treatments and even as an ingredient in functional foods.

Chiral Recognition for Chromatography and Membrane-Based Separations: Recent Developments and Future Prospects

With the rapid development of global industry and increasingly frequent product circulation, the separation and detection of chiral drugs/pesticides are becoming increasingly important. The chiral nature of substances can result in harm to the human body, and the selective endocrine-disrupting effect of drug enantiomers is caused by differential enantiospecific binding to receptors. This review is devoted to the specific recognition and resolution of chiral molecules by chromatography and membrane-based enantioseparation techniques. Chromatographic enantiomer separations with chiral stationary phase (CSP)-based columns and membrane-based enantiomer filtration are detailed. In addition, the unique properties of these chiral resolution methods have been summarized for practical applications in the chemistry, environment, biology, medicine, and food industries. We further discussed the recognition mechanism in analytical enantioseparations and analyzed recent developments and future prospects of chromatographic and membrane-based enantioseparations.