Cassia Alata

Cassia Alata L.

Cassia

Alata L.

(also

known

as Senna

alata)

is

shrub

belonging

to

the Fabaceae family, 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 of C. alata are 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 of C. alata has 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 of Cassia (Cassia alata, Cassia occidentalis and Cassia 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 that C. alata is the most potent species for having significant antimicrobial activity. A one-step purification of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Leguminosae) extract using silica gel vacuum chromatographic technique provided an anthraquinone high-yielding S. alata leaf 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 the Cassia alata possesses antibacterial or antifungal properties. It further underlines the importance for the selection of Cassia alata in the discovery of new bioactive compounds. In Cuba, the plant is named guacamaya francesa and 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 called retama and 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 called guajava or mata-pasto. An infusion of the bark and roots is used for hydropsy, skin erruptions and fever. The leaves are considered an ememmagogue1 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.

Emmenagogues (also spelled emmenagogs) are herbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; some stimulate menstruation.

References 1. Khan MR, Kihara M, Omoloso AD (2001) Antimicrobial activity of Cassia alata.Fitoterapia 72: 561-564. 2. Chatterjee S, Chatterjee S, Dutta S (2010) A survey on VAM association in three different species of Cassiaand determination of antimicrobial property of these phytoextracts. J Med Plants Res 4: 286-292. 3. Ibrahim D, Osman H (1995) Antimicrobial activity of Cassia alata from Malaysia. J Ethnopharmacol 45: 151-156. 4. Falodun A, Okunrobo LO, Uzoamaka N (2006) Phytochemical screening and antiinflammatory evaluation of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn (Euphorbiaceae). Afr J Biotechnol 5: 529-531. 5. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/867103/