Antioxidant activity and wound healing capacity of Senna obtusifolia flower extract

Abstract

Senna obtusifolia, commonly known as Chinese senna is a traditional medicinal plant used in various parts of the world for its therapeutic properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and wound healing potential of Senna obtusifolia flower extract. The flower extract was prepared using ethanol as a solvent and evaluated for its total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and wound healing potential using in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that Senna obtusifolia flower extract was rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannin, saponin, glycosides, and reducing sugar.The extract also exhibited potent antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its high radical scavenging activity (DPPH) (IC50= 91.40 µg/mL) and free radical scavenging activity of IC50 =102.43 µg/mL. Furthermore, the Senna obtusifolia flower extract was found to promote wound healing. In vitro scratch assay showed that the extract significantly increased the rate of migration of human dermal fibroblasts. In vivo studies using a rat model of excisional wound demonstrated that the extract significantly reduced the wound area and accelerated wound healing compared to the control group.Our results suggest that Senna obtusifolia flower extract is a potent source of natural antioxidants and has significant wound healing potential, which may be attributed to its high phenolic and flavonoid content. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of this extract in wound healing.