Phytochemical and Antioxidant Evaluation of Senna auriculata: A Comparative Study of Aqueous vs Organic Extraction

For centuries, plants have served as the primary foundation for medicinal discovery, acting as a natural goldmine of bioactive ingredients that continue to fuel the development of modern pharmaceutical products. These botanical sources provide essential tools, molecules, and defenses that the human body requires to detect, manage, and treat various illnesses. Senna auriculata is a prominent and well-loved medicinal plant, widely recognized in traditional systems for its antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties. This study specifically focused on the healing potential of Senna auriculata leaves to evaluate their therapeutic value by comparing different extraction methodologies. During the experimental phase, leaf samples were collected , shade-dried, and finely ground into a powder. To effectively isolate the plant’s active constituents, a simple aqueous extract was prepared alongside concentrated organic versions utilizing a Soxhlet extractor. The phytochemical profile specifically focusing on phenols, flavonoids, and tannins was quantified through color-based testing and analysis. Phytochemical screening confirmed a high concentration of health-boosting compounds, including alkaloids and saponins. Quantitative analysis revealed that the aqueous extract contained significantly higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins than its organic counterpart.The higher yield of bioactive compounds in water-based extract supports its traditional use in herbal remedies and underscores its value for future pharmacological development.