Characterization of Pharmacologically Active Indian Senna angustifolia Extracts Using LC-DAD-MS

Senna angustifolia is a medicinal plant known for its anthraquinone content, which exhibits anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the efficiency of extracting these bioactive compounds depends strongly on the solvent polarity. This thesis aims to characterize pharmacologically active extracts from Indian Senna angustifolia using a sequential solvent extraction (increasing polarity: non‑polar to polar) in a Soxhlet apparatus. The obtained extracts are analyzed by high‑resolution LC‑DAD‑MS to profile their phytochemical composition. The most promising extract undergoes fractionation (preparative HPLC, TLC) and, if feasible, structural elucidation by NMR. In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT) are planned in collaboration with an external laboratory. The expected outcomes include: a validated LC‑MS method for rapid screening of Senna extracts, identification of which solvent polarity range best recovers bioactive anthraquinones, and preliminary bioactivity data. This work provides a scientific basis for optimizing extraction protocols for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.