Senna alata leaves, also known as ringworm bush or akapulko, are widely recognized for their medicinal properties, particularly their antifungal and laxative effects. The leaves contain compounds like chrysophanic acid and anthraquinones, which contribute to their medicinal uses. They are commonly used to treat skin conditions like ringworm, scabies, and other fungal infections, as well as for their laxative properties to relieve constipation.
Senna alata (syn. Cassia alata) is a fast-growing tropical shrub or small tree (up to 5m) in the legume family, native to the Neotropics (Mexico to Paraguay). It features large pinnate leaves and upright yellow flower spikes resembling candles. Widely cultivated and sometimes invasive beyond its native range, it is prized for both ornamental and medicinal.
Cultivation in India
Senna alata is extensively grown in India's tropical and subtropical regions particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka favoured in moist soils, along roadsides, gardens, and disturbed sites. There are also dedicated cultivation establishment across 8 10ha via partnerships with small farmers.
Uses of Senna alata
Antifungal: Traditional topical remedy for ringworm, scabies using crushed leaves.
Laxative: Rich in anthraquinones, leaves or extracts used internally to relieve constipation.
Medicinal: Employed against wounds, burns, skin ailments, small-scale folk uses across Asia, Africa, Latin America .
Ornamental: Grown for striking appearance and bee forage.
Types (Botanical Varieties)
Recognized varieties include Cassia alata var. perennis and var. rumphiana, alongside synonyms like Herpetica alata.
Cassia alata, also called King of the forest, is not referring to an animal of the jungle but it is an ornamental plant which blooms lovely yellow flowers. The name alone rings royalty and prominence in the plant world. It is of the Caesalpiniaceae family and it is native to the Americas in the tropical areas. It can be found all over the world and it is commonly found in Jamaica as well. The main parts used as herbal medicine are the leaves, barks, and the roots. The Latin names are Cinnamomum and aromaticum.
It is very popular as a remedy to get rid of liver spots, ring worm and other skin disorders.
It has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
It has anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties.
It is also used for cough and to get rid of intestinal worms.
Cassia alata is a medicinal herb of Leguminosae family. It is distributed in the tropical and humid regions.
Cassia alata is an important tree, as well as an ornamental flowering plant in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It has fungicidal, laxative & purgation properties.
The Cassia alata plant is commonly found , and has many local names. It has arrays of bioactive chemical compounds.
Different parts of Cassia alata plant are reported in folk as therapeutic substances for remediation of diverse diseases and infections.
The extracts and isolated compounds displayed pronounced activities. Cassia alata is commonly known as candle bush, craw-craw plant, Christmas candles, seven golden candle, acapulo, ringworm bush or ringworm plant.
Several bioactive compounds isolated from Cassia alata exhibit strong in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities. Several bioactive compounds isolated from Cassia alata exhibit strong in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities.
The significant value of Cassia alata plant necessitates a scientific adventure into the bioactive metabolites which constitute various extracts.
Cultivation:
This species is easy to grow from the seed. They may either be sown directly or started in a nursery.
Uses:
Traditional use: Cassia alata used in the treatment of typhoid, diabetes, malaria, asthma, ringworms, tinea infections, scabies, blotch, herpes, and eczema.
Cassia alata (also known as Senna alata) is often called the ringworm bush because of its very effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin.
Use: Cassia alata used in Anti allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antifungal.
Specification:
Scientific name: Cassia auriculata
English name: Cassia Alata
Botanical name: Senna Alata
Type: Dried leaf
Grade: A
Purity: 100%
Color: Green
Form: Whole leaf
Application: treat skin disorders, treat ringworm, eczema, and scabies
Ship by: Sea
Basic Inf.:
Model NO.: Senna Leaf and Pod
Features: Good Quality & Cheap Price
Certificate: COO
Storage: Cool & Dry Place
Sample: Available
Transport Package: Ball bag
Specification: 50kg/bag
HSN Code: 12119022
Production Capacity: 5000mt/Month