Enhancement of Growth and Medicinal Potential of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. Through the Application of Organic Manures

Abstract

The importance of medicinal plants in the healthcaredelivery of man cannot be overemphasized. Enhancingoptimum production and improving the performances ofthese plants both quantitatively and qualitatively istherefore, very important. The growth and Secondarymetabolites (phytochemical) composition of an importantmedicinal plant- Senna alata was investigated underdifferent organic manures in pot- experiments conductedin Ado- Ekiti, Nigeria. Organic manures namely; goatmanure (GM), poultry manure (PM) andcow dung (CD)were applied to the plant at the rate of 100, 150 and 200gper 5 kg of soil. The results of the experiments revealedthat application of these manures, most especially GMimproved the number of leaves per plant, leaf area, stemgirth, root and shoot wet weights and shoot dry weight ofS. alata. Interestingly, application of CD, GM and PM alsolead to an increase in the total phenol, tannin andflavonoid contents of this plant. It could therefore beconcluded that, growth and medicinal potential of S. alatacould be enhanced through the application of organicmanures.