Chakragaja
Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification
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.
| Botanical name | Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Senna tora (L.) Roxb., the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Fabaceae (Caesalpiniaceae) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| 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 |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5354127 · Wikidata Q21872227 · NCBI Taxonomy 362788 |
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 2007 to 2025, every one with a DOI.
- 3Other clinical studies and reviews
- 9Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
This entry and chakramarda describe the same drug, Cassia tora, under different names. Both pages are kept because both names are in use, and each is cited as itself.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Chakragaja |
| Latin/Botanical | Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Chrysophanol
- Emodin
- Physcion
- Obtusin
- Chryso-obtusin
- Rubrofusarin
- Toralactone
- Aurantio-obtusin
- Beta-sitosterol
- 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 effects
- Obtusin and chryso-obtusin exhibit 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’ (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). 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
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews3
- 2023. Pharmacological properties and underlying mechanisms of aurantio‑obtusin (Review)Experimental and therapeutic medicine. PMID 37456169 · doi:10.3892/etm.2023.12079
- 2022. Preclinical activities of Cassia tora Linn against aging-related diseasesExpert reviews in molecular medicine. PMID 36281483 · doi:10.1017/erm.2022.33
- 2015. Rhein: A Review of Pharmacological ActivitiesEvidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 26185519 · doi:10.1155/2015/578107
Laboratory and animal studies9
- 2025. Valorization of Cassia tora Seeds: Extraction and Biofunctional Characterization of Cassia tora Seed GumBiopolymers. PMID 40103345 · doi:10.1002/bip.70011
- 2022. Engineering properties of Cassia tora L. seeds and meal as a function of moisture contentScientific reports. PMID 35606481 · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-12748-7
- 2022. Green Synthesis and Characterisation of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cassia tora Seed Extract and Investigation of Antibacterial PotentialApplied biochemistry and biotechnology. PMID 34611854 · doi:10.1007/s12010-021-03651-4
- 2020. Synthesis and characterization of quaternized Cassia tora gum using Taguchi L'16 approachCarbohydrate polymers. PMID 31952579 · doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115731
- 2018. Editorial: The Potential Medicinal Uses of Cassia tora Linn Leaf and Seed ExtractsReviews on recent clinical trials. PMID 29469686 · doi:10.2174/157488711301180131145359
- 2017. Cassia tora Linn.: A boon to Alzheimer's disease for its anti-amyloidogenic and cholinergic activitiesPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 28887919 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.06.002
- 2016. Anthraquinones and flavonoids of Cassia tora leaves ameliorate sodium selenite induced cataractogenesis in neonatal ratsFood & function. PMID 26786764 · doi:10.1039/c5fo00905g
- 2008. 2-Hydr-oxy-1,6,7,8-tetra-meth-oxy-3-methyl-anthraquinoneActa crystallographica. Section E, Structure reports online. PMID 21201403 · doi:10.1107/S1600536807067864
- 2007. Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities of Cassia tora phenolic constituentsChemical & pharmaceutical bulletin. PMID 17917292 · doi:10.1248/cpb.55.1476
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.