About Senna reticulata (Willd.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Common Names and Native Range
Senna reticulata, known as mangerioba grande or maria mole in Portuguese, is a pioneer tree species that grows on highly fertile floodplains in South America. This species has documented medicinal uses, but farmers consider it a noxious weed.
Common Name Etymology
It is called matapasto, which translates to meadow killer, because it grows quickly and outcompetes neighboring plants by shading them out.
Folk Medicine Applications
In local folk medicine, Senna reticulata is used to treat liver problems and rheumatism.
Wood Extract Compounds
Alcoholic extracts made from the wood of this plant contain 1,3,8-Trihydroxyanthraquinone, along with a number of other compounds: chrysophanol (1,8-dihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone), physcion (1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methoxyanthraquinone), aloe-emodin (3-carbinol-1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone), lunatin (3-methoxy-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone), emodin (6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone), and chrysophanol-10,10'-bianthrone.
Additional Chemical Constituents
The xanthonoid cassiaxanthone and the anthraquinone rhein can also be found in Senna reticulata.
