SENNA UNIFLORA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS ANTIRHEUMATIC POTENTIAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL MECHANISMS

Rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, represent a significant global health burden affecting over 350 million individuals worldwide. Current pharmacological interventions, while effective, are associated with substantial adverse effects that limit their long-term use. Senna uniflora (Mill.) H.S.Irwin& Barneby, a member of the Fabaceae family, has emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with antirheumatic potential. This comprehensive review examines the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and antirheumatic mechanisms of Senna uniflora, evaluating its therapeutic potential as an alternative or complementary treatment for rheumatic conditions. Systematic literature searches were conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ethnobotanical databases. Studies examining S. uniflora and related Senna species were included, focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological mechanisms, preclinical evidence, and safety profiles. Both recent publications (2010-2025) and foundational studies were incorporated. Senna uniflora contains bioactive anthraquinones (sennosides A and B, emodin, rhein, chrysophanol), flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), and phenolic compounds with demonstrated antirheumatic activity. The petroleum ether leaf extract exhibited significant antiarthritic effects in Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis models at 100 mg/kg. Mechanistically, these compounds inhibit NF-?B pathway activation, suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-?, IL-1?, IL-6), modulate COX-2 expression, and provide chondroprotective effects through MMP inhibition. Senna uniflora demonstrates considerable promise as an antirheumatic agent through multi-target pharmacological mechanisms. However, the absence of human clinical trials and standardization challenges necessitate further research before clinical translation. The favorable safety profile at recommended doses supports continued investigation of this species for rheumatic disease management.