# Chakragaja

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

> Chakragaja (Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification) is a plant drug from the Fabaceae (Caesalpiniaceae) family. It is traditionally used for ringworm (Dadru), and it carries the traditional Ayurvedic name 'Dadrughna' (ringworm destroyer). In vitro studies have reported antifungal activity against Trichophyton and Microsporum species. It is also traditionally used in Ayurveda as a mild purgative. Pharmacological studies have reported laxative effects.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Caesalpiniaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Cassia tora seeds listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Jue Ming Zi); not specifically listed in WHO monographs; the identity of 'Chakragaja' as a distinct herb remains unclear in standard references

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Chakragaja |
| Latin/Botanical | *Cassia tora L. ([Senna](/herb/senna/) tora) / Uncertain identification* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Chrysophanol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysophanol)
- [Emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin)
- [Physcion](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#physcion)
- Obtusin
- Chryso-obtusin
- Rubrofusarin
- Toralactone
- Aurantio-obtusin
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Campesterol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#campesterol)

## How does it work?

- Anthraquinones (chrysophanol, emodin) exert antifungal activity by inhibiting fungal mitochondrial electron transport chain and disrupting cell wall biosynthesis in dermatophytes
- Emodin and physcion modulate hepatic lipid metabolism through activation of AMPK pathway and inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, providing [hypolipidemic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hypolipidemic) effects
- Obtusin and chryso-obtusin exhibit [laxative](/reference/laxative/) effects by stimulating colonic peristalsis through activation of chloride channels and inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase in intestinal epithelium

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

*These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.*

- Dadru (ringworm): traditionally used for ringworm, as its Ayurvedic name '[Dadrughna](/herb/dadrughna/)' (ringworm destroyer) shows. In vitro studies have reported antifungal activity against Trichophyton and Microsporum species.
- Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a mild purgative. Pharmacological studies have reported laxative effects.

## What do recent studies show?



*No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Note: Botanical identity of 'Chakragaja' is uncertain; most references associate it with Cassia tora ([Chakramarda](/herb/chakramarda/)). Information provided based on best available identification
- Anthraquinone-containing laxatives should not be used continuously for more than 1-2 weeks due to risk of electrolyte imbalance and melanosis coli
- Seeds should be roasted or processed before consumption as raw seeds may contain anti-nutritional factors; avoid during pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Chrysophanol
- Emodin
- Physcion
- Sitosterol
- Campesterol
- Obtusin
- Chryso-obtusin
- Rubrofusarin
- Toralactone
- Aurantio-obtusin

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Lepa (paste), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; external paste as needed. Note: limited modern standardization data available.

**Optimal Timing:** As directed by qualified Vaidya based on condition; generally before meals with appropriate vehicle

**Storage:** Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Follow general Ayurvedic herb storage guidelines.

**Marker Compounds:** Chrysophanol, Emodin, Aurantio-obtusin, Beta-sitosterol

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for skin conditions
- With [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for digestive health
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune support
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for dermatological applications

## Reference lists that include it

[Gallic acid](https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/reference/gallic-acid/), [Lupeol](https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/reference/lupeol/)

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

## 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.