Cassia Fistula is a deciduous tree belonging to Fabaceae family. It is also known as golden shower, Indian laburnum, baton casse, keyok, klober etc. It is a fast growing tree of deciduous type and grows up to 9 m. The leaves of the tree are compound and have 4-8 pairs. Flowers of the tree are golden yellow in color and they hang in bunch which looks like a shower of up to 40 centi-meters. This tree is native to the Amazon, India and Sri Lanka and they are widely cultivated worldwide because of beauty. The flowers of the tree attract bees and butterflies.
Cassia FistulaThere are various species of cassia worldwide which are used for medicinal purposes. Some species of the tree are used for their laxative properties. Canfistula is used to make moderate laxatives for children. It is used as a remedy for tumors in abdomen, liver, gland, stomach and throat. It is also used for the treatment of cancer, convulsions, diarrhea, delirium, dysria, burns, epilepsy etc. In the Ayurvedic system its seeds are thought to have antibilious, aperitif and laxative properties. The roots are used to treat burning sensation, skin diseases, leprosy, syphilis, and tubercular glands. The leaves of the tree are used to treat malaria. The main actions of this tree are that it’s a moderate laxative, it kills viruses, it acts like an antioxidant, lowers the blood pressure and kills parasites. Secondary actions include relieves pain, reduces fever, lowers blood pressure and stimulates digestion.Cassia Fistula
The laxative properties of canafistula are because of the presence of anthraquinones. The seeds of the tree conains24 % crude protein, 2 % anthraquinones, 6.5 % crude fiber, 4.5 % crude fat and 50 % carbohydrates. The leaves of the tree contains 6.65 % crude fat, 15.8 5 crude protein, 6.6 crude fat, 20% crude fiber and 39.8 % crude carbohydrate. The other compounds which are contained in the tree are fistulic acid, rhein, galactomannan, sennosided A and B, tannin etc.
Cassia FistulaAccording to studies done in laboratory the reports show that canafistula has antioxidants, Ache, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, laxative, mild estogenic, liver protective, anti timorous, cholesterol lowering, fever reducing and pain relieving actions.
Standard dosage should be of leaves and barks. Infusion of one and a half cup should be taken daily or a tincture of 1 to 2 ml twice a day can also be taken.