Phytonutrients, Minerals and in vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Leaf and Stem Bark Powders of Senna spectabilis

Senna spectabilis is a small, rounded deciduous tree commonly found in the lower parts of Eastern province of Kenya. The plant is known to treat dysentery, menstrual cramps, whooping coughs and diabetes mellitus among the natives of Mbeere in Kenya. The present study investigated the amounts of phytonutrients, phytochemicals, mineral elements and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the leaf and stem bark powders of S. spectabilis. HPLC-UV/VIS, standard phytochemical methods, energy dispersive X-Ray fluorescence system, and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl methods were used. Significant levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, thiamine, nicotinamide, β-carotene, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin were found in both leaf and stem bark powders. The antioxidant activity was 63.36, and 28.12%, for the leaf and stem bark powders, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity for the stem bark and leaf powders was 90.95%, and 88.98%. Also important mineral elements were found. The study findings support the claimed efficacy in the management of various diseases among the natives.