A Phytochemical Evaluation of Sierra Leonean Cassia siamea: A Source of Bioactive Compounds

This study investigates the phytochemical profile of the leaves and stem bark of Cassia siamea, a leguminous plant with recognized ethnomedicinal importance, collected from tropical Sierra Leone. The global health crisis posed by antibiotic resistance and the increased interest in natural product-based therapeutics have spurred the re-evaluation of traditional medicinal plants as reservoirs of novel bioactive compounds. In this context, Cassia siamea, widely used in African and Asian traditional medicine, was selected for in-depth phytochemical assessment. The plant materials were extracted using both methanol and aqueous solvents through cold maceration, and the resulting crude extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening following standard procedures. The investigation revealed the presence of several classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Notably, phenols were exclusive to the leaf extract, while saponins and glycosides were more abundant in the stem bark. Neither alkaloids nor anthraquinones were detected in either plant part, indicating potential chemotypic differences from other regional variants. These findings underscore the importance of geographic influence on phytochemical composition, a factor often overlooked in cross-regional herbal pharmacognosy. The presence of flavonoids and tannins in both plant parts suggests strong antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, aligning with the traditional use of Cassia siamea for infections, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the high concentration of glycosides and saponins in the stem bark suggests additional therapeutic applications, particularly as expectorants, immune boosters, and anti-inflammatory agents. These results validate the plant’s long-standing role in traditional medicine and highlight its relevance in contemporary drug discovery efforts. This study not only contributes to the growing body of literature on African medicinal flora but also provides foundational data for future pharmacological and biochemical studies. The confirmation of bioactive compounds supports the ethnobotanical applications of Cassia siamea and opens pathways for further isolation, structural characterization, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of its constituents. In the broader context of global health, particularly in regions where access to modern pharmaceuticals is limited, the development of safe and effective phytotherapeutics from Cassia siamea may represent a sustainable solution to address antibiotic resistance and support primary healthcare systems.