Abstract:
The homeopathic method is based on the application of the principle of therapeutic similimum (similia similibus curentur), using medicines that cause effects similar to the symptoms of disease in order to stimulate the reaction of vital force of the organism against disturbances and cure will take place. So, it is necessary to include some new drugs in practice and in our source book. And proving some new drug is mandatory for checking effectiveness and making some alternative option to combating the old drugs.
Keywords
Cassia alata, senna alata, ringworm, psoriasis, lichen planus, scabies, psoriasis, fungicidal activity.
Cassia alata or Senna alata is often called the Ringworm Bush because of its very effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin, favus and other mycoses, impetigo, syphilis sores, psoriasis herpes, chronic lichen planus, scabies, shingles, eczema, rash and itching.
Besides skin diseases, it is also used to treat a wide range of ailments from stomach problems, fever, asthma to snake bite and venereal diseases. It has shown Antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria. (1)
Cassia Alata Plant Description & Botanical Name:
The seed, leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Cassia Alata belongs to the family Fabaceae and genus Senna. Cassia Alata| Senna Alata is the botanical name.
Alata plant is a large shrub that grows up to 3 to 4 meters tall. The large and broad bilateral leaves close at night.
The inflorescence is candle shaped, yellow in colour and looks strikingly beautiful. The fruit is a straight pod with small square seeds. (2)
Cassia Alata Common Names:
It is commonly called Candlestick Plant | Candle Bush | Candlestick Cassia | Candle Tree Plant | Candle Bush Plant | Yellow Candlestick Plant as the inflorescence of the plant looks like a candle.
It is also commonly called as Ring Worm Bush plant as it is very famous for treating ringworm. (2)
Chemical Constituents:
Anthraquinones, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, lectin, Rhein and tannins. Some of the compounds isolated from the leaves are chrysoberyl, kaempferol, quercetin, 5,7,4 trihydroflavanone,kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1>–6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, stearic acid, palmitic Acid, palmitic Acid Ceryl Ester, n-triacontanol, n-dotriacontanol and 17-hydrotetratriacontane. (2)
Cassia Alata Traditional Uses:
Traditionally it has been used for treating insect bites, ringworm, wounds, as a laxative, hypertension, skin diseases, decoction of the leaves are used for cough and to get rid of intestinal worms.
1. Anti-Fungal Properties & Anti-Microbial:
Both ethanol extract and water extract obtained by boiling the cassia alata leaves in water has amazing anti-fungal properties and anti-microbial properties making it very effective for treating skin diseases. It is very effective against ringworm as it has anti-dermatophyte properties which are the main causes of ringworm. It is also particularly effective against Candida Albicans, Microsporum Canis and Trichophyton Mentagrophytes.
2. Anti Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties:
Cassia alata has wonderful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Applying a poultice of the leaves on the affected area helps bring down the inflammation effectively. In fact, cassia alata showed the most anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Anti Pyretic Properties:
Cassia Alata has wonderful fever reducing properties and the water extract can be used for reducing high body temperature. The water extract can also be used for treating malaria fever as it has anti-malarial properties too.
4. Anthelmintic Properties:
Generally all cassia plants have the ability to expel worms and especially cassia alata is very powerful. The water extract of cassia alata leaf can be taken for expelling worms and has been traditionally used for it for many years.
5. Anti Diabetic Properties:
Cassia alata has blood sugar lowering properties and this action is believed to be because it inhibits carbohydrate digestion. Slowing carbohydrate digestion leads to slow release of sugar thus it greatly helps diabetic patients.
6. Anti-Tumour properties:
An isolate extracted from cassia alata has wonderful anti-tumour properties and has been proven to be very effective against colon carcinoma, bladder carcinoma and Colorectal carcinoma. The extract isolated from cassia alata is named f61 and amazingly it does not cause any harm to non-cancerous cells.
7. Ovicidal & Larvicidal Properties:
Cassia alata has both ovicidal and larvicidal properties and is used for getting rid of nematodes of sheep and goats. The water extract can be used safely for getting rid of parasites.
8. Cassia Alata as a Laxative:
Cassia leaf extract got by boiling the leaves in water has been traditionally used for treating constipation. (2)
Cassia Alata Side Effects:
Cassia alata has low toxicity when consumed internally as a medicine but pregnant women should not consume cassia alata as it can lead to abortion. Traditionally cassia alata extract has been used for inducing abortion in pregnant women and this practice is indeed proven to be true. (2)
Conclusion:
Cassia alata has effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin, favus and other mycoses, impetigo, scabies, shingles, eczema, rash and itching. So, it is a useful remedy for treating fungal and skin diseases.
Reference
1.
CASSIA ALATA – Hpathy.com. [Online]. Available from: https://hpathy.com/mother-tinctures/cassia-alata/.
2.
wild turmeric. [Online]. Available from: https://wildturmeric.net/cassia-alata-medicinal-uses-health-benefits-side-effects/.
