Aragwadha

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Aragwadha
Latin/Botanical	Cassia fistula L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Rhein (anthraquinone)
• Emodin
• Fistulic acid
• Sennosides A-D
• Quercetin
• Kaempferol
• Oxyanthraquinone
• Catechin

How does it work?

• Laxative: Sennosides and anthraquinone 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: Flavonoids (quercetin, 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 and antifungal activity of leaf and bark extracts against dermatophytes
• 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. 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, 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 for gentle laxative action
• With Nimba and Haridra in Aragwadhadi lepa for skin disorders
• With Guduchi for fever and skin diseases
• With Triphala for digestive regulation