Utilization and bioactivity of Ketepeng cina (Senna alata (L.) Roxb.)

Abstract

Senna alata (Fabaceae) has been long used by local people in Indonesia and other countries to treat various skin infections. This study aims to explain the relationship between the benefits and bioactivity of S. alata. The method used is library research on various research results published online at Google Scholar using the keywords Senna alata , uses of S. alata and S. alata bioactivity. The results obtained were synthesized to provide comprehensive information on the botanical, benefits and bioactivity of S. alata. Traditionally, S. alata is used to cure typhoid, diabetes, malaria, asthma, ringworm, skin infections, scabies, blotches, herpes, and eczema. The S. alata has bioactivity as anti-microbial, anti-cancer, antidiabetic mellitus and abortion, but its use as an antimicrobial is more prominent, so it has the potential to be developed as a drug to treat skin disease. The bioactivity of S. alata as an antimicrobial is related to the content of its secondary metabolites, especially anthraquinones, which be used as a compound to standardize the quality of S. alata raw materials.