Cassia fistula (Amaltas)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas) Cassia fistula is known to be native to India. For ornamental and commercial purpose it is extensively cultivated in Tropical region of America. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as Aragvada (Disease killer). Its Fruit pulp can be used as mild laxative, in arthritis, as well as cardiac and stomach problems. The roots of Cassia fistula are useful in skin diseases, tuberculous glands, syphilis and burning sensation. The bark is useful in boils, pustules, leprosy, ringworm, dysentery, leprosy, jaundice, dyspepsia, fever and diabetes. The fruit tissue has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antipyretic activity. The leaves are useful in skin eruptions, eczema, ringworm and pruritus. It is used in the treatment of varicose veins. It helps in shrinking engorged veins and has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Major Chemical Constituents: The seeds are rich in glyserides and fatty acids. The bark contains lupeol, beta-sitosterol and Hexacosanol. The fruit tissue contains substantial amount of minerals. Pharmacological Actions: Laxative property: 1 The study was conducted to see the laxative effect of Cassia fistula. The results of the study concluded that Cassia fistula could be safely utilized as laxative drugs. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activity: 2 Cassia fistula possesses significant Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic model of rat liver and kidney homogenates. Aqueous and alcoholic extract has anti-inflammatory effect in both air pouch granuloma and cotton pellet granuloma in male albino rat. Wound Healing: 3 Cassia fistula treated rats showed, better wound closure, improved tissue regeneration at the wound site, and supporting histo-pathological parameters pertaining to wound healing. Antimicrobial: 4 The crude extract of Cassia fistula shows antimicrobial activity against various species of microorganisms. Ether extract of fruit pulp was found to have antibacterial action against both gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. Herb Drug interactions: Cassia fistula is found to have synergistic effect when it is used along with other laxative agents Safety: 1 LD50 of Cassia fistula is 6600mg/kg without any pathological effects on the organs examined microscopically. References: • Akanmu MA, Iwalewa EO, Elujoba AA, and Adelusola KA, Toxicity Potentials of Cassia fistula fruits as laxative with reference to senna, African Journal of Biomedical Research. 2004; 7: 23– 26 • Ilaverasan R, Mallika M and Venkataraman S. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Cassia fistula bark. Afr. J. Trad. CAM. 2005; 2(1):70-85 • Kumar MS, Sripriya R, Raghavan HV, Sehgal P, Wound Healing Potential of Cassia fistula on Infected Albino Rat Model, Journal of Surgical Research. 2006; 131(2): 283-289. • Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya SK, Acharya SB. Anxiolytic activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract in rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 1994; 32(7): 489. • Okpanyi SN, Ezeukwu GC. Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of Azadirachta indica. Planta Medica. 1981; 41:34. • C.P. Khare. Indian Herbal remedies: rational Western therapy, ayurvedic therapy, and other traditional Uses. Springer, Page 134, 2004.