Analytical Comparison of Different Senna Extracts and Determination of Individual Ratios of Sennosides A & B in Various Senna Extracts

Constipation is a common problem in all types of ages. Cassia angustifolia (Senna) extracts contain anthranoids that are commonly used for constipation and are well known for their laxative properties. Senna leaves or pods are highly rich with Sennosides content A, B, C & D. These Sennosides are hydroxyanthracene glycosides, which work miraculously as a laxative. In the present study, Senna extract from different vendors with variable strengths of sennosides A&B were procured and the relation between residue on ignition (ROI) with that of metals and sennosides A&B was studied.  The optimized concentration of senna extracts containing different sennosides A&B content were analyzed on HPTLC to determine the ratios of sennosides  A&B  from the total sennosides as well as its relation with residue on ignition (ROI).  Residue on ignition (ROI) was analysed gravimetrically while content of Calcium was calculated by Complexometric method. Iron content was carried out spectrophotometrically and Sennosides A&B content was carried out using HPTLC. The process control of extraction can be monitored on the basis of ROI. Specified Sennosides and ROI value together can be used in quality specification. Batch to batch variation with respect to efficacy can be avoided by determining the fixed quality norms for content of Sennosides, ratio of sennosides A&B, ROI value and content of Calcium.