# Aragwadha

> Aragwadha (Cassia fistula L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae) family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; WHO-related traditional medicine databases reference its widespread use across tropical Asia and Africa.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cassia fistula L.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; WHO-related traditional medicine databases reference its widespread use across tropical Asia and Africa

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Aragwadha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Cassia fistula L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Rhein](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rhein) (anthraquinone)
- [Emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin)
- Fistulic acid
- Sennosides A-D
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- Oxyanthraquinone
- [Catechin](/reference/catechin/)

## How does it work?

- [Laxative](/reference/laxative/): Sennosides and anthraquinone [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) stimulate colonic peristalsis by increasing Cl- secretion and inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase in colonocytes
- Anti-inflammatory: Rhein and emodin suppress NF-kB activation and reduce COX-2 expression in inflammatory cells
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/): [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), kaempferol) inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, reducing postprandial glycemic spikes

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Mild laxative (Mridu Virechana) validated by clinical trial showing comparable efficacy to lactulose in geriatric constipation
- Skin disease treatment confirmed by [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and antifungal activity of leaf and bark extracts against dermatophytes
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) use (Jwaraghna) supported by significant fever reduction in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Pod pulp is safe as a mild laxative at standard doses (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg in rodents); long-term high-dose anthraquinone use may cause melanosis coli
- Not recommended during pregnancy due to uterine stimulant potential; chronic use may cause electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia)

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Rhein
- Emodin
- Quercetin
- Kaempferol
- Catechin
- Fistulic acid
- Sennosides A-D
- 
- Oxyanthraquinone
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Pulp extract (fruit pulp), Kashayam (decoction), Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste for skin conditions), Aragwadhadi Kwatha

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10g fruit pulp; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 3-6g powder for mild laxative action; external paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** Moderate to good bioavailability. Cassia fistula fruit pulp contains anthraquinone glycosides (rhein, sennoside-like compounds) that pass through the small intestine largely intact and are activated by colonic bacterial beta-glucosidases — classical prodrug mechanism for laxative action. Free anthraquinones are absorbed in the small intestine. Fistulic acid and other organic acids are well absorbed.

**Optimal Timing:** At bedtime with warm water or warm milk for laxative effect; morning empty stomach for skin conditions (internal detox); external paste anytime

**Standardized Extract:** Fruit pulp extract standardized to minimum 2% total anthraquinones (as rhein equivalent). Bark extract standardized to minimum 3% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols). Fistulic acid content minimum 0.5%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder/spray-dried pulp); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 6 months (fresh pulp extract, preserved); 18 months (decoction concentrate)

**Storage:** Hygroscopic material — moisture-proof packaging essential. Cool, dry place below 25°C. Pods can be stored whole for up to 1 year at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Rhein, Fistulic acid, Sennosides (trace), [Chrysophanol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysophanol), Kaempferol, Oxyanthraquinones, Fistucacidin

### Extraction Methods

- Direct fruit pulp extraction (aqueous maceration)
- Aqueous decoction of pods/bark
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for anthraquinone standardization
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for gentle laxative action
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) and [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) in Aragwadhadi lepa for skin disorders
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for fever and skin diseases
- With [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for digestive regulation

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/aragwadha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.