AFRICAN SENNA
African Senna
Senna didymobotrya
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Multiple parts
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Leaves and pods have been shown to contain several anthraquinone derivatives, tannins, and flavonoids
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Contribute to laxative effect, this is from leaves, stems, and roots
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An infusion is drunk for the treatment of abdominal pains, to expel intestinal worms, and treat ringworm
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Used to treat fungal and bacterial infections
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Hypertension
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Sickle cell anemia
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Range of women's diseases such as fibroids, inflammation of fallopian tubes, stimulation lactation, induce uterine contractions, and abortions
Root
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Powder of the root or leaf mixed with water is used to treat skeletal muscles
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Drink from the root to treat malaria fevers and jaundice
Leaves
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When treating children, the young leaves are cooked in banana leaves and given orally
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Leaves and young stems are pounded to a pulp and applied to the skin to treat skin diseases
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
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Widely used as stupefacient poison for fishing
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Is considered an invasive species
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Conflicting reports on whether this tree has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, unclear as to whether this tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen
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Treat has been used to provide shade in tea plantations
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Introduced as a green manure and cover crop to various parts of the tropics
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The plants can be looped several times per year to provide green manure, that means when they plants are in flower is when nutrient content in the leaves is high
OTHER USES
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The ash of burnt twigs is used to coat the inside of gourds that are to be used for storing milk, and improving digestion and palatability
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Hot ashes are used to clean beer vessels
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The plant contains tannins, flowers, bark, leaves, and pods that can be used as a dye for fibers and give a wide range of colours such as yellow, orange, and red
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The leaves are used to ripen bananas
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The wood is used for making handicrafts and can also be used as firewood