Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of flavonoids and total phenolics in methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabales: Fabaceae)

Herbal medicine has proved as a major source of therapeutic agents. They have been used to combat bacterial and fungal related infections and diseases. People depend on medicinal plants such as Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabales: Fabaceae) without the knowledge of the chemical composition of the plant. Therefore, there is a need to examine the bioactive components that are present in S. alata. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts were obtained using soxhlet apparatus and the concentrated extracts were purified using column chromatography. The fractions were eluted and investigated for the presence of total flavonoids and phenolics. The values of thin-layer chromatographic analysis for the leaf, flower and fruit extracts of S. alata when compared to gallic acid and quercetrin (standard) showed that the fractions contained a chemical component in the class of gallic acid and quercetrin, respectively. The presence of total phenolic and flavonoids could be responsible for the observed antifungal and antibacterial activities of the plant. It could be concluded that this plant is a natural source of antimicrobial substances of high importance and are useful in antiseptic and disinfectant formulation as well as in chemotherapy.