Therapeutic Potential of Cassia tora Linn. (Fabaceae)
Nutrition & DieteticsTherapeutic Potential of Cassia tora Linn. (Fabaceae)
By Dr. Pooja Yadav, Assistant Professor, SHAS (Nutrition & Dietetics)
Introduction
India is often referred to as the herbarium of the world due to its rich biodiversity and long-standing tradition of herbal medicine. Globally, medicinal plant research has emerged as a major focus area, driven by the growing interest in natural and alternative therapies. Nature provides a vast repository of remedies capable of addressing a wide range of human ailments. In India, particularly in rural and tribal regions, traditional herbal practices continue to be widely followed and trusted. In many developing countries, medicinal plants and traditional systems of medicine are extensively used to support public health and serve as primary therapeutic options. The use of plant-based raw materials in the development of modern pharmaceuticals is steadily increasing, owing to their therapeutic potential and ability to tackle various health challenges. Medicinal plants are known to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects, making them valuable resources in both traditional and modern medicine.
Cassia tora Linn. (Family: Fabaceae; Sub-family: Caesalpinioideae) is an annual herb or small undershrub that commonly grows as a wild weed throughout the tropical regions of Asia, particularly in India, where it thrives in arid soils, plains, and uncultivated fields. It is widely distributed along roadsides, riverbanks, hills (up to 1000–1800 meters), and lowland areas. The plant is known by various regional names such as Chakramarda (Sanskrit), Charota (Hindi), Foetid Cassia (English), Sanotapre or Chakramandi (Nepali), and Jui Ming Zi (Chinese). Its common name “Sickle Pod” is derived from its distinctive, curved seed pods. Cassia tora holds an important place in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its broad therapeutic potential. It is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Dadhughanavati, a well-known antifungal remedy. The plant is reputed for treating a range of conditions including bronchitis, leprosy, periodic fevers, constipation, skin disorders (such as ringworm, eczema, and dermatomycosis), cardiac ailments, cough, and eye diseases, as well as liver disorders and haemorrhoids. Different parts of the plant have been scientifically reported to possess antioxidant, antihepatotoxic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial properties. Due to its rich phytochemical composition and wide range of medicinal uses, Cassia tora has drawn the attention of the scientific and pharmaceutical community for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigation. It belongs to a genus that displays great habitat diversity, ranging from small herbs to large trees, with around 45 Cassia species reported in India alone. Its widespread availability across India, Nepal, China, Korea, and Nigeria further underscores its importance as a potential natural therapeutic agent.
Cassia tora Linn. is yearly fetid herb, that typically grows to a height of 30 to 90 cm. The leaves are compound, green, and range from 7.5 to 10 cm in length. Each leaf is composed of three pairs of leaflets, which are opposite in arrangement, measuring approximately 2.5 to 4.5 cm each. The leaflets are obovate to oblong, glabrous, glaucous, and membranous, with oblique bases and rounded apices. They display 6 to 10 prominent veins in an opposite pattern and are nearly persistent. The flowers are moderately sized and yellow. The sepals are unequal, ovate to oblong, measuring up to 8 mm in length and 4 mm in width. The plant bears five glabrous petals, each up to 12 mm long. It contains seven fertile stamens, which are dehiscent, aiding in effective pollination. The fruits are subteretrogonous pods, ranging from 15 to 23 cm in length, and are obliquely septate with broad sutures. The seeds are rhombohedral, brownish-black, hard, and smooth with a shiny surface, measuring around 3-4 mm in thickness. Inside, the cotyledons are folded and rolled, aiding in seed storage and germination. The root system features a dark brown external surface and a creamy inner surface with longitudinal fissures. Near the base, the main root is twisted at an angle of approximately 30°, which may assist in anchoring the plant in the soil.
Figure 1: Parts of Cassia tora Linn.: Fruit, Flowers, and Leaves
Medicinal properties and Therapeutic uses
| S.No. | Plant Part Used | Traditional uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leaves | Antirheumatic, laxative, leaf paste for jaundice treatment, decoction of leaves to ringworm, eczema, bronchitis and asthma. |
| 2. | Seeds | In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cassia tora seeds are commonly used as an antiasthenic agent to combat general weakness. They also serve as natural aperients to promote bowel movements and act as mild diuretics, supporting urinary health. The seeds are widely used for relieving eye discomfort, especially in cases of itchy, red, or light-sensitive eyes, making them a valued remedy for ocular issues. Rich in protein, the seeds are also consumed as food in some cultures and incorporated into the preparation of traditional sweets. In Korean traditional practice, a hot water extract of the seeds is consumed orally to help protect liver function and support detoxification. Medicinally, Cassia tora seeds are employed in the management of various conditions including cardiac disorders, respiratory infections (such as cough and lung congestion), digestive problems (like indigestion, colic, and flatulence), as well as leprosy, ringworm, and constipation. The seeds are also believed to support weight loss, likely due to their mild laxative and metabolism-boosting properties. Roasted seeds are sometimes used as a natural coffee substitute, offering a caffeine-free alternative with therapeutic benefits. |
| 3. | Bark extract | Different skin infections, addressing rheumatic ailments, and acting as a laxative. |
| 4. | Flowers | An infusion prepared from the flowers is traditionally used to help manage lung infections and asthma, owing to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| 5. | Pods | These are utilized to treat intestinal infections and improve visualization. |
| 6. | Roots | Paste of dried ground roots are used for snakebites and ringworms. |
| 7. | Plant | Majorly used in the treatment of bone fracture, cold epilepsy, abnormal child birth, stomachache, night blindness, scorpion bite and scabies. As Vermicides, insecticides, anti-malarial, anti-allergic. |
- Leaves: Mainly the presence of Isoquercitric, quercitrin, steric, stigmasterol, palmetic, uridine,freidlen and emodin are observed.
- Seeds: physcion, Naptho alpha pyrone toralacture, emodin, chrysophanol, chrysophonic acid-9-anthrone, rubrofusarin.
- Flowers: leucopelargonodine and kaemferol.
- Roots: Beta- sitosterol and Anthraquinone
Pharmacological Potential
Cassia tora Linn. possesses diverse pharmacological activities. Many researchers have outlined various activities of Cassia tora in different in vivo and in vitro research models. These are detailed in given titles:
Anticancer Activity
Cassia tora Linn. exhibits notable anticancer activity, primarily through multiple biological mechanisms. A key pathway involves the induction of apoptosis the programmed death of cancer cells. Active constituents such as emodin and chrysophanol have been shown to trigger DNA fragmentation, activate caspase enzymes, and disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the selective elimination of malignant cells. In addition, the plant has demonstrated the ability to scavenge harmful free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress, which is a well-known contributor to cancer initiation and progression. The plant anti-inflammatory effects also play a vital role, as chronic inflammation is often associated with tumor development. Compounds derived from Cassia tora have been reported to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, thus creating an environment less conducive to cancer growth. Studies involving oral administration of Cassia tora extracts in animal models have revealed a decrease in tumor size and improvement in overall health status, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Interestingly, the roasted seeds of the plant have shown additional benefits beyond basic nutrition. They support metabolic health, which may further contribute to cancer prevention and improved quality of life. These findings suggest that Cassia tora Linn. holds promise as a natural, multi-targeted agent for cancer management and prevention.
Antifungal Activity
Cassia tora Linn. contains a range of secondary metabolites—notably flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and anthraquinones such as emodin and chrysophanol—which contribute to its antibacterial and antifungal activities. Research has shown that extracts from the leaves and seeds possess significant inhibitory effects against several pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton species, all of which are commonly implicated in infections of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. The mechanism of antifungal action is believed to involve the disruption of cell membrane integrity, interference with fungal cell wall synthesis, and inhibition of enzymatic pathways critical for fungal survival. Laboratory studies have reported zones of inhibition comparable to standard antifungal drugs when Cassia tora extracts were applied topically or tested in vitro. These findings suggest the plant’s potential as a natural alternative or adjunct therapy, especially in regions where synthetic antifungals are costly or resistance is prevalent. Additionally, the presence of tannins and saponins enhances the antifungal efficacy by creating an unfavourable environment for fungal growth. The plant wide availability, low toxicity, and ethnomedicinal relevance make it a promising candidate for developing plant-based antifungal treatments. However, while preliminary results are promising, further studies, including clinical trials and formulation development, are necessary to validate its therapeutic use in routine antifungal treatment protocols.
Anti-inflammatory Activity
The plant Cassia tora Linn., which is highly valued in traditional medicine, has a rich profile of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and anthraquinones (such as emodin and chrysophanol), which give it remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. To control the body’s inflammatory pathways, several substances are essential. Cassia tora extracts, particularly those from the leaves and seeds, have been demonstrated to successfully reduce inflammation by preventing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators such prostaglandins, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The plant is thought to have an anti-inflammatory impact because it can inhibit enzymes that are involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals, such as lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX). Cassia tora extracts may be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent because of experimental research on animal models showing that their administration significantly reduces inflammation-induced swelling and pain. Eczema and dermatitis are examples of inflammatory skin disorders for which it has been applied topically to alleviate their symptoms. For the treatment of inflammatory illnesses, Cassia tora shows potential as an alternative or supplementary therapy because of its natural nature and low side effects.
Antioxidant Activity
Cassia tora Linn. is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and anthraquinones (notably emodin and chrysophanol), which have been identified as key contributors to its antioxidant activity. These compounds are recognized for their ability to neutralize free radicals unstable molecules that contribute to oxidative stress, a major factor in the development of chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. The plant antioxidant potential is primarily attributed to its capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), chelate metal ions, and inhibit lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting cellular components from oxidative damage. Scientific studies have validated the strong antioxidant activity of Cassia tora extracts particularly from its seeds and leaves using standard assays such as DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. These extracts have demonstrated the ability to stabilize free radicals and enhance the body’s endogenous antioxidant defense systems, leading to a significant reduction in oxidative stress in biological systems. Additionally, the plant hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects are closely linked to its antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich phytochemicals from plants like Cassia tora may contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases and promote overall health. Due to its potent antioxidant profile, Cassia tora holds value both in traditional medicine and modern phytotherapy, making it a promising natural source for the development of plant-based antioxidant formulations.
Hepatoprotective Activity
Cassia tora Linn., a traditional medicinal plant from the Fabaceae family, exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity, making it effective in protecting the liver against damage induced by oxidative stress, toxic agents, and infections. This protective effect is largely attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, particularly anthraquinones (such as emodin and chrysophanol), flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins. These bioactive constituents help strengthen the liver’s antioxidant defense system, stabilize hepatic cell membranes, and inhibit the formation of free radicals that contribute to liver injury.
Experimental studies using animal models have shown that extracts from the seeds and leaves of Cassia tora significantly reduce elevated levels of liver enzymes such as ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase)—biomarkers commonly used to assess liver function. This effect is particularly pronounced in conditions of alcohol- or drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally, Cassia tora contributes to liver tissue repair and regeneration by enhancing protein synthesis and stimulating bile secretion, which further supports detoxification. In traditional Korean medicine, decoctions made from the seeds are commonly administered to cleanse and strengthen the liver, especially in cases of hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and related disorders. The plant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms play a central role in minimizing hepatic inflammation and reducing oxidative damage to liver cells. These properties make Cassia tora a valuable natural remedy for supporting liver health, offering a holistic approach to detoxification, cellular protection, and functional recovery.
Hypolipidemic Activity
Cassia tora Linn., widely used in traditional medicine, has shown promising hypolipidemic activity, indicating its potential in lowering elevated blood lipid levels. This property is especially valuable in managing hyperlipidemia, a major risk factor associated with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke. The plant lipid-lowering effects are largely attributed to the presence of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and saponins. These phytochemicals are believed to exert their effects by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, enhancing lipid metabolism, and increasing the excretion of bile acids, thereby facilitating the removal of excess cholesterol from the body. Animal studies have demonstrated that administration of Cassia tora seed and leaf extracts leads to a significant reduction in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, along with a notable increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Moreover, the plant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a supportive role by reducing oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, both of which are commonly associated with dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic changes. In traditional healing practices, Cassia tora has also been used to promote overall metabolic health, including the regulation of body fat and weight management. Due to its multifaceted lipid-regulating effects and natural origin, Cassia tora presents itself as a potential herbal supplement for maintaining healthy lipid profiles and preventing cardiovascular complications.