# Kasamarda

> Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. Senna occidentalis)) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Referenced in WHO traditional medicine databases for tropical regions. [Medicinal Plants for Skin Disorders: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Insights](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807461/). Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. Senna occidentalis)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Referenced in WHO traditional medicine databases for tropical regions. Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Used in traditional medicine systems across Africa, South America, and Asia. Safety concerns have limited WHO endorsement for oral preparations.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kasamarda |
| Latin/Botanical | *Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. [Senna](/herb/senna/) occidentalis)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones) ([chrysophanol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysophanol), [physcion](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#physcion), [emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin), aloe-emodin)
- Achrosin (chromone)
- Cassiollin (unique chromone)
- Chrysophanic acid
- Chrysarobin (anthrone)
- [Chrysoeriol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chrysoeriol) (flavone)
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) (flavone)
- Aurantio-obtusin and related [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## How does it work?

- Anthraquinone-mediated fungal membrane disruption: Chrysophanol and emodin interact with [ergosterol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ergosterol) in fungal cell membranes, causing structural damage and cell death - particularly effective against Candida albicans linked to common skin candidiasis
- Cassiollin chromone anti-inflammatory pathway: Unique chromone compound cassiollin modulates inflammatory signaling cascades, reducing skin inflammation and edema
- Chrysophanic acid keratolytic action: Anthraquinone chrysophanic acid promotes gentle exfoliation of thickened, scaly skin in conditions like psoriasis and fungal infections
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) skin protection: Flavone [apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) inhibits UV-induced oxidative damage, protects against DNA photodamage, and modulates inflammatory cytokine production in skin cells

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Skin fungal infections (Dadru/Kushtha): Validated by 2024 study confirming antifungal activity of root extracts against Candida albicans, Rhodotorula glutinis, and Aspergillus niger
- Anti-inflammatory skin conditions: Supported by demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity of chromone and flavone constituents
- Wound healing: Traditional leaf poultice application supported by [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bolatkyzy N, Shepilov D, Turmanov R and others 2025. [Medicinal Plants for Skin Disorders: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Insights](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807461/). *Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [40807461](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807461/) · [doi:10.3390/molecules30153281](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153281)  
  Cassia occidentalis was identified among key medicinal plants for skin disorders, with documented antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, antimutagenic, and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) activities.
- Yadav JP, Arya V, Yadav S and others 2010. [Cassia occidentalis L.: a review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profile](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19796670/). *Fitoterapia*. PMID [19796670](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19796670/) · [doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2009.09.008](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2009.09.008)  
  Comprehensive pharmacological review confirmed a wide range of biological activities including potent antifungal properties attributable to anthraquinone and chromone constituents.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Oral consumption of seeds and leaves has been associated with hepatotoxicity and myotoxicity in some reports, particularly with chronic high-dose use. Topical application for skin conditions appears safer but requires proper formulation
- Not recommended for oral use during pregnancy. Leaf preparations should be standardized for anthraquinone content to prevent adverse effects. Traditional external use for skin fungal infections has a reasonable safety record

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (leaf juice), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (infused oil for skin)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g seed/leaf powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 10-20 mL leaf juice; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Anthraquinone glycosides (chrysophanol, emodin) show moderate bioavailability with extensive hepatic conjugation (glucuronidation). Sennosides require colonic bacterial hydrolysis for activation — delayed onset of action (6-12 hours). Chrysophanol bioavailability enhanced through solid dispersion technology. Emodin shows improved absorption with phospholipid complexation.

**Optimal Timing:** Before bedtime for [laxative](/reference/laxative/) effect (sennoside activation takes 6-12 hours); after meals for hepatoprotective applications

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 1.5% total anthraquinones (as chrysophanol) by HPLC; seed extract standardized after roasting process

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for roasted seed powder; 18 months for capsules; 12 months for leaf juice preparations

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Protect from light (anthraquinones are photosensitive). Moisture content must be kept below 10% to prevent microbial growth.

**Marker Compounds:** Chrysophanol, Emodin, Physcion, Sennoside A, Sennoside B, Cassiollin, Chryso-obtusin, [Galactomannan](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#galactomannan)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Water decoction for traditional preparations
- Methanol extraction for anthraquinone-rich fractions
- Sequential extraction: hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water

### Synergistic Combinations

- Bhringaraj for hepatoprotective formulations
- Kutki for liver disorders and hepatitis
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for laxative synergy
- [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) for skin depigmentation disorders
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for antifungal dermatological combinations

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

## 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.