Introduction
Senna alata, commonly known as the ringworm bush, is a medicinal plant long recognized for its therapeutic properties, particularly its potential antibacterial activity. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones, which have been traditionally used to treat various skin ailments (Werrett & Holland, 2024). The traditional application of Senna alata for skin infections suggests its possible effectiveness against skin pathogens. Preliminary studies have shown that its bioactive components may inhibit the growth of several bacterial species. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research that explores its full antibacterial potential, especially against a wide range of skin-infecting microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Adedayo et al., 2001).
Existing studies often focus on a limited scope of pathogens and rarely account for variability in extract potency due to environmental or biological factors, such as plant age or harvesting time. While Senna alata is generally considered safe, its potential side effects, especially allergic reactions, must be studied further. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of crude Senna alata leaf extract against various bacteria isolated from human skin. In addition to testing its inhibitory effect, this study also considers the potential toxicity and safety of the extract. As antibiotic resistance becomes increasingly prevalent, exploring medicinal plants as sources of new antibacterial agents has become crucial. This investigation contributes to that goal by analyzing Senna alata’s bioactivity and potential application for treating skin-related infections (Oladeji, 2020).
https://zenodo.org/records/21291382