Senna Auriculata: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities

Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb., a medicinal shrub widely distributed in the dry and hot deciduous regions of India, holds significant importance in the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine. The plant has been traditionally employed for a variety of therapeutic purposes, including the management of metabolic, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and infectious conditions. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of diverse bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenes, tannins, and phenolic compounds, which are believed to contribute to its broad pharmacological profile. Different parts of the plant—including roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits—are used in traditional medicine for conditions such as diabetes, fever, abdominal disorders, urinary complaints, helminthic infections, and oral health problems. Experimental studies have reported multiple biological activities, including antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, antiurolithiatic, and tissue-protective effects. This review aims to summarize the botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, and experimentally validated pharmacological activities of Senna auriculata, highlighting its therapeutic relevance and potential for future drug development. Further systematic and clinical investigations are warranted to establish standardized formulations and confirm its safety and efficacy.