Abstract

Infusions of the bark of Senna skinneri (Leguminoseae) are used by healers in Amatlán, Morelos, Mexico for the treatment of gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate antimicrobial, antioxidant and toxic effects of the bark of S. skinneri (Leguminoseae), validate its use and contribute to the knowledge of medicinal flora from Amatlán municipality. Hexane and methanol extracts were used. Fourteen Gram positive, nine Gram negative bacteria and six fungal strains were used in the antimicrobial assay. Antioxidant activity was determined by the scavenging of the stable Doctoral Programs in Public Health (DPPH) radical. Generally, toxicity was accessed by the in vivobrine shrimp lethality test. The extract showed antibacterial activity against seven bacteria species and two fungal strains. The most sensitive strains were Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. lutea (MIC = 125 µg/mL) and T. mentagrophytes (CF₅₀ = 630 µg/mL). The extract revealed high antioxidant activity but was highly toxic. The present study tends to confirm the use in folk medicine of S. skinneri bark in infectious diseases.

Key words: Amatlán, México, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, infusion, gastro intestinal.