Cassia spectabilis (DC) Irwin et Barn: a promising traditional herb in health improvement

Molecules. 2012 Aug 29;17(9):10292-305. doi: 10.3390/molecules170910292.

Abstract

The genus Cassia, comprising about 600 species widely distributed worldwide is well known for its diverse biological and pharmacological properties. Cassia spectabilis (sin Senna spectabilis) (DC) Irwin et Barn (Fabaceae) is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. C. spectabilis has been commonly used in traditional medicine for many years. Information in the biomedical literature has indicated the presence of a variety of medicinally-important chemical constituents in C. spectabilis. Pharmacological studies by various groups of investigators have shown that C. spectabilis possesses significant biological activity, such as antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Beside this, toxicity studies of this plant have revealed no toxic effect on mice. In view of the immense medicinal importance of C. spectabilis, this review aimed at compiling all currently available information on C. spectabilis’s botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and mechanism of actions, toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anticonvulsants / chemistry
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cassia* / chemistry
  • Cassia* / classification
  • Cassia* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology
  • Senna Extract / chemistry*
  • Senna Extract / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Preparations
  • Senna Extract