Chakragaja
Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification
Chakragaja (Cassia tora L. (Senna tora) / Uncertain identification) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Caesalpiniaceae) family. Antifungal activity against ringworm (Dadru) validated through in vitro studies against Trichophyton and Microsporum species, supporting the traditional Ayurvedic name 'Dadrughna' (ringworm destroyer) Laxative effects confirmed pharmacologically, supporting traditional use as a mild purgative in Ayurveda
| 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 |
This entry and chakramarda describe the same drug, Cassia tora, under different names. Both pages are kept because both names are in use; the other is treated as the primary record for citation.
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?
- Anthraquinone glycosides (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?
- Antifungal activity against ringworm (Dadru) validated through in vitro studies against Trichophyton and Microsporum species, supporting the traditional Ayurvedic name ‘Dadrughna’ (ringworm destroyer)
- Laxative effects confirmed pharmacologically, supporting traditional use as a mild purgative in Ayurveda
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
- 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
- Beta-
Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)
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.
Bioavailability: Limited modern pharmacokinetic data available. Traditional texts recommend administration with specific Anupana (vehicles) based on condition. Water-soluble constituents are bioavailable via decoction. Lipid-soluble components may benefit from ghee or oil vehicles. Further pharmacokinetic research recommended.
Optimal Timing: As directed by qualified Vaidya based on condition; generally before meals with appropriate vehicle
Standardized Extract: Standardization parameters require development due to limited modern characterization. Whole plant extract 10:1 ratio as starting specification.
Shelf Life: 18 months (powder); 2 years (capsule)
Storage: Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Follow general Ayurvedic herb storage guidelines.
Marker Compounds: Beta-sitosterol, Lupeol, Gallic acid, Flavonoid glycosides
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction (traditional method)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
- Cold maceration for heat-sensitive constituents
- Fresh plant juice extraction
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 reviews4
- 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
- 2021. Screening for natural and derived bio-active compounds in preclinical and clinical studies: One of the frontlines of fighting the coronaviruses pandemicPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 33067112 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153311
- 2015. Rhein: A Review of Pharmacological ActivitiesEvidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 26185519 · doi:10.1155/2015/578107
Laboratory and animal studies8
- 2025. Valorization of Cassia tora Seeds: Extraction and Biofunctional Characterization of Cassia tora Seed GumBiopolymers. PMID 40103345 · doi:10.1002/bip.70011
- 2024. Nutraceutical Potential of Wild Leafy Vegetables Commonly Consumed by Tribal Communities: Cassia tora (L.) Roxb., Acalypha fruiticosa Forssk. and Talinum portulacifolium (Forssk.) Asch. ex SchweinfPlant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands). PMID 39738942 · doi:10.1007/s11130-024-01280-w
- 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
- 2020. Cassia tora extract alleviates Aβ(1-42) aggregation processes in vitro and protects against aluminium-induced neurodegeneration in ratsThe Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. PMID 32363579 · doi:10.1111/jphp.13283
- 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. Mosquito larvicidal activity of Cassia tora seed extract and its key anthraquinones aurantio-obtusin and obtusinParasites & vectors. PMID 29126433 · doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2512-y
- 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. Polyphenols of Cassia tora leaves prevents lenticular apoptosis and modulates cataract pathology in Sprague-Dawley rat pupsBiomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. PMID 27261615 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.04.018
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.
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