Kasamarda
Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. Senna occidentalis)
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).
| Botanical name | Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. Senna occidentalis) |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Senna occidentalis (L.) Link — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| 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. |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5354381 · Wikidata Q21872216 · NCBI Taxonomy 126820 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Kasamarda |
| Latin/Botanical | Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. Senna occidentalis) |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Anthraquinones (chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, aloe-emodin)
- Achrosin (chromone)
- Cassiollin (unique chromone)
- Chrysophanic acid
- Chrysarobin (anthrone)
- Chrysoeriol (flavone)
- Apigenin (flavone)
- Aurantio-obtusin and related glycosides
How does it work?
- Anthraquinone-mediated fungal membrane disruption: Chrysophanol and emodin interact with 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 antioxidant skin protection: Flavone 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 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. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40807461 · doi: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 activities. - Yadav JP, Arya V, Yadav S and others 2010. Cassia occidentalis L.: a review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Fitoterapia. PMID 19796670 · doi: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 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
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
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.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2021. Role of anthraquinones in Cassia occidentalis induced hepato-myo-encephalopathyJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33011371 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113431
Other clinical studies and reviews5
- 2025. Medicinal Plants for Skin Disorders: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological InsightsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40807461 · doi:10.3390/molecules30153281
- 2021. Is it safe to consume traditional medicinal plants during pregnancy?Phytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 33164294 · doi:10.1002/ptr.6935
- 2020. Aloe-emodin: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokineticsPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 31680350 · doi:10.1002/ptr.6532
- 2010. Cassia occidentalis L.: a review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profileFitoterapia. PMID 19796670 · doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2009.09.008
- 2009. Clinical & pathological features of acute toxicity due to Cassia occidentalis in vertebratesThe Indian journal of medical research. PMID 19700797
Laboratory and animal studies6
- 2024. Biosynthesis and assessment of antibacterial and antioxidant activities of silver nanoparticles utilizing Cassia occidentalis L. seedScientific reports. PMID 38538702 · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-57823-3
- 2018. Interaction of anthraquinones of Cassia occidentalis seeds with DNA and GlutathioneToxicology reports. PMID 29326881 · doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2017.12.024
- 2017. Cycloartane triterpenoid and its glucoside isolated from Cassia occidentalisChinese journal of natural medicines. PMID 29329653 · doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(18)30012-8
- 2016. Studies on physicochemical and nutritional properties of aerial parts of Cassia occidentalis LJournal of food and drug analysis. PMID 28911556 · doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2016.02.003
- 2014. Broad spectrum anthelmintic potential of Cassia plantsAsian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine. PMID 25183125 · doi:10.12980/APJTB.4.2014C1252
- 2010. Antidiabetic activity of Cassia occidentalis (Linn) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic ratsIndian journal of pharmacology. PMID 20927247 · doi:10.4103/0253-7613.68422
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