Senna alata (Fabaceae) Candle bush, Ringworm Cassia

Senna alata (Candle Bush, Ringworm Cassia)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Senna alata (Syn: Cassia alata)

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Genus: Senna

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Senna alexandrina (Cassia angustifolia - Indian Senna, Swarnapatri): A world-renowned purgative herb, used in Ayurveda and allopathic medicine for constipation. It is a classic example of the anthraquinone-containing plants in this family.

· Senna auriculata (Avartaki, Tanner's Cassia): A key Ayurvedic herb for diabetes and skin diseases, native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a primary ingredient in formulations like Nisha Avartaki.

· Tamarindus indica (Tamarind, Imli): The pulp is used as a digestive, laxative, and cooling agent. It shares the family's theme of plants with both culinary and medicinal fruit.

· Senna tora (Chakramarda, Sickle Senna): A closely related species used in Ayurveda for skin diseases like ringworm and eczema, as well as for liver disorders and as a laxative.

The Fabaceae family is immensely diverse. The Senna/Cassia genus within it is particularly notable for species containing anthraquinone derivatives, which impart strong laxative, antifungal, and detoxifying properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Senna alata | English: Candle Bush, Ringworm Cassia, Emperor's Candlesticks, Candelabra Bush | Sanskrit: Dadrughna, Prapunnāda (meaning "destroyer of ringworm") | Hindi: Dadmari, Elwaj | Tamil: Seemai agathi, Malaivalartti | Telugu: Mettu tangedu | Kannada: Hodeyar beeja, Dhavala gida | Malayalam: Elakayam, Malamtakara | Marathi: Bhekar, Bhujpatri | Bengali: Dadmurdan | Tagalog (Philippines): Akapulko | Spanish: Acapulco, Guacamayo | French: Dartrier, Cassia alata |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antifungal,Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Laxative (mild to moderate), Antipruritic (stops itching), Anthelmintic (expels worms), Diuretic, Vulnerary (wound healing).

Medicinal Parts:

The most commonly used parts of theSenna alata plant in medicine are the leaves, flowers, and seeds.

· Leaves: The primary part used, both for topical applications for skin conditions and internally as a laxative.

· Flowers: Used in preparations for skin diseases and constipation.

· Seeds: Also used for their laxative and anthelmintic properties.

· Roots: Occasionally used in traditional preparations for stronger purgative effects.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Anthraquinone Glycosides (Rhein, Aloe-emodin, Sennosides): These are the primary bioactive compounds. Their actions include a Laxative effect by stimulating peristalsis and increasing colonic fluid secretion. Topically, they exhibit potent Antifungal and Antibacterial activity, particularly against dermatophytes like Trichophyton species that cause ringworm.

Flavonoids (Kaempferol, Quercetin): These compounds enhance the plant's Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant profile. They support the healing process in skin conditions and provide additional antimicrobial effects.

Tannins: Present in the leaves and bark, they contribute an Astringent action, which helps to dry oozing lesions and tone the skin when applied topically.

Sterols (β-Sitosterol): Adds to the Anti-inflammatory and potential wound-healing properties of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Dadru (Ringworm) & Kushtha (Skin Infections)

Formulation: Fresh leaf paste or juice.

Preparation & Use: The most celebrated use across tropical world medicine. Fresh leaves are crushed, and the juice or a paste is applied directly to ringworm (tinea corporis), eczema, scabies, and other fungal or itchy skin infections.

Reasoning: The anthraquinones, particularly rhein, have specific fungicidal activity against the organisms causing ringworm. The anti-inflammatory and astringent properties reduce redness, swelling, and oozing.

Vibandha (Constipation) & Krimi (Intestinal Worms)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or infusion.

Preparation & Use: A mild decoction of a few leaves is drunk to relieve occasional constipation. In some traditions, a stronger decoction of seeds or roots is used as a purgative to expel worms. This requires extreme caution.

Reasoning: The anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides) are hydrolyzed in the gut, stimulating colon contraction and fluid secretion. In higher doses, this irritant action can also stun or expel intestinal parasites.

Vrana (Wounds) & Daha (Burning Skin)

Formulation: Crushed leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The crushed leaves are applied as a poultice to minor wounds, burns, and inflamed skin to prevent infection and promote healing.

Reasoning: The combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties cleanse the wound, reduce pain and swelling, and promote tissue contraction.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Shotha (Edema)

Formulation: Leaf tea.

Preparation & Use: A light tea made from the leaves is used as a mild diuretic to increase urine flow and reduce swelling.

Reasoning: The diuretic effect helps flush the urinary tract and reduce fluid retention, while anti-inflammatory compounds may soothe irritation.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Senna alata is used medicinally, not culinarily. Due to its potent effects, preparations are simple and topical use is safest.

Dadrughna Leaf Paste for Ringworm

Purpose: To treat fungal skin infections like ringworm.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 5-7 fresh, clean Senna alata leaves.

· Grind them with a little water to make a smooth paste.

· Wash and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer of the paste.

· Leave for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Apply twice daily for 1-2 weeks.

Mild Laxative Infusion

Purpose: For occasional, acute constipation.

Preparation & Use:

· Use 1-2 dried or fresh leaves per cup of hot water.

· Steep for no more than 5-7 minutes. Strain.

· Drink a small cup at bedtime. Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days. This preparation is for adults only.

Antipruritic Leaf Wash for Eczema

Purpose: To soothe itchy, inflamed skin.

Preparation & Use:

· Boil a handful of leaves in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes.

· Let it cool completely. Strain.

· Use the liquid as a final rinse or apply with a clean cloth to the itchy areas.

7. Disclaimer:

Senna alata is a powerful herb.Internal use as a laxative can lead to dependency, electrolyte imbalance, and severe cramping if misused. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, inflammatory bowel disease, and abdominal pain of unknown origin. The topical application is generally safe but may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Always perform a patch test. The line between a therapeutic laxative dose and a harmful purgative dose is narrow; internal use should be short-term and preferably under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

---- End of the blog -x-x

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

· Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

· Philippine Medicinal Plants (for its use as Akapulko)

· Antifungal Agents from Medicinal Plants by Mahendra Rai and D. K. Choudhary

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Cassia fistula (Amaltas, Indian Laburnum)

· Species: Cassia fistula | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Cassia

· Similarities: Both are Cassia/Senna species with potent laxative properties due to anthraquinones. Amaltas fruit pulp is a gentler, more commonly used laxative in Ayurveda. Both also have antifungal and anti-inflammatory applications, though Senna alata is more specific for topical antifungal use.

2. Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh)

· Species: Andrographis paniculata | Family: Acanthaceae | Genus: Andrographis

· Similarities: While from a different family, both are "bitter" herbs used for infections. Kalmegh is a systemic antimicrobial and hepatoprotective, while Senna alata is a topical antimicrobial and laxative. They represent different approaches (internal detoxifier vs. topical cleanser) to treating infections.

3. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

· Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta

· Similarities: Both are first-line remedies in their respective traditions for a wide range of skin diseases due to broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While Neem is more systemic and blood-purifying, Senna alata is often the more specific choice for diagnosed fungal skin infections.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-