Cassia Alata

Cassia Alata L.

Cassia AlataL. (also known asSenna alata) is a shrub belonging to theFabaceaefamily, found in intertropical areas. It is commonly known as candle bush, with reference to the shape of its inflorescences. It is annual or biannual shrub with an offensive smell, 14m tall, preferring sunny and moist areas. Leaves, flowers, and fruits ofC. alataare used as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, against digestive problems, and infectious diseases (as antibacterial and antifungal agents). Amongst the secondary metabolites are steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, anthrones, and a few less common compounds such as ellagitannin, naphthalene, phenolic acid, purine, and xanthone. Of special interest are compounds such as kaempferol glycosides and anthraquinones, already proven to have antimicrobial properties.It is a native of South America and can found widely in tropical regions. In Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, this plant can be found all over the countries, sometimes cultivated for medicinal purposes. Fresh or dried leaflet ofC. alatahas been used as folk medicines and its different parts are used in ayurvedic medicine as well as home remedies for common ailments in many countries in the treatment of constipation, stomach pain, ringworm and skin disease. An attempt has been made to study the antimicrobial property of the leaf extract of three species ofCassia(Cassia alata, Cassia occidentalisandCassia tora) against a few Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as well as against a few fungi which are mostly dermatophytes causing skin infection in human beings. It seems thatC. alatais the most potent species for having significant antimicrobial activity. A one-step purification ofSenna alata(L.) Roxb. (Leguminosae) extract using silica gel vacuum chromatographic technique provided an anthraquinone high-yieldingS. alataleaf extract. This method was capable of improving its anthraquinone content as well as antifungal activity against dermatophytes. The result of the present work confirmed that theCassia alatapossesses antibacterial or antifungal properties. It further underlines the importance for the selection of Cassia alatain the discovery of new bioactive compounds.In Cuba, the plant is namedguacamaya francesaand it is used for herpes ulcers and other skin conditions, as a diuretic and as a laxative. In Peruvian herbal medicine systems the plant is calledretamaand the flowers are prepared in an infusion to treat urinary infections and used to increase urination; the leaves and stems are prepared in a decoction for acaries, herpes ulcers, ringworm, and other skin conditions; and, the root, leaves, wood and flowers are decocted for a remedy against intestinal parasites and hepatitis. Interestingly, the flowers are used as a diuretic (to increase urination), while the leaves are believe to be anti-diuretic. In Brazil, the plant is calledguajavaormata-pasto. An infusion of the bark and roots is used for hydropsy, skin erruptions and fever. The leaves are considered an ememmagogue[footnoteRef:2] and diuretic and are prepared in extracts or capsules for liver problems, anemia, dyspepsia, menstrual problems, and high fevers. The leaves are juiced and mixed with lemon juice and applied to the skin for dematitis and taken internally for syphilis. [2: Emmenagogues(also spelled emmenagogs) are herbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; some stimulate menstruation.]

References1. Khan MR, Kihara M, Omoloso AD (2001)Antimicrobial activity ofCassia alata.Fitoterapia 72: 561-564.1. Chatterjee S, Chatterjee S, Dutta S (2010)A survey on VAM association in three different species ofCassiaand determination of antimicrobial property of these phytoextracts. J Med Plants Res 4: 286-292.1. Ibrahim D, Osman H (1995)Antimicrobial activity ofCassia alatafrom Malaysia. J Ethnopharmacol 45: 151-156.1. Falodun A, Okunrobo LO, Uzoamaka N (2006)Phytochemical screening and anti-inflammatory evaluation of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn (Euphorbiaceae). Afr J Biotechnol 5: 529-531.1. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/867103/