Cassia species: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract

Cassia species have a long history of utilization in various traditional medicine systems worldwide, and they are widely consumed for medicinal purposes, particularly the officinal species. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the Cassia genus. A thorough literature review was conducted using major scientific databases, publishers, and online websites such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, POWO, among others. It is important to note that the taxonomy of the Cassia genus has undergone changes over time, resulting in the reclassification of some plants into the Senna and Chamaecrista genera. Therefore, this review includes relevant data on the three genera: Cassia, Senna, and Chamaecrista spp. The findings of the review indicate that Cassia, Senna, and Chamaecrista spp. have been extensively used for medicinal purposes in various traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Islamic Traditional Medicine (ITM), Unani medicine, and Ayurveda. These plants have traditionally been employed to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as skin disorders. In ITM, the reported species include Cassia acutifolia, Cassia fistula, Senna occidentalis, and Senna tora. In TCM, the most commonly used species are Cassia occidentalis, Cassia tora, Senna alexandrina, Senna occidentalis, and Senna singueana. These plants are rich in phytochemicals such as anthraquinones, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which contribute to their diverse pharmacological activities. These activities include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiulcer, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and hepatoprotective effects. Based on the available literature, it can be concluded that the Cassia genus possesses significant preventive and therapeutic potential. The rich phytochemical composition and wide range of pharmacological activities make Cassia species a valuable resource in the field of natural medicine.