Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda
Aragwadha (Cassia fistula) (Cassia fistula)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Cassia fistula contains anthraquinones and sennosides that stimulate intestinal motility and demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. The bark and pulp have been traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders and skin conditions.
Aragvadha (Cassia fistula), known as the Golden Shower Tree, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to India and widely distributed across tropical Asia, Africa, and Australia. The medicinal components—primarily fruit pulp, leaves, bark, and flowers—are processed into decoctions, pastes, or powders from fresh or dried material, containing anthraquinone compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Clinical evidence for Aragvadha remains limited, with one 2019 RCT in India examining 5g/day pulp powder for chronic constipation achieving 75% symptom reduction (no PMID provided). A small pilot study showed topical bark paste efficacy against tinea infections, though study design and size were unspecified. Most evidence remains preclinical, including a 2017 animal study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects (no PMID available).
Clinically studied: 3-6g/day pulp powder for constipation (5g/day in 2019 RCT). Traditional preparations: 15-20g stem bark decoction for constipation; 20-30g leaf juice/decoction for parasites (20ml children, 40ml adults) for 5-6 days. No standardized extracts available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Aragwadha (Cassia fistula) nutritional and phytochemical composition is primarily documented for its fruit pulp, bark, leaves, and seeds, with limited standardized macronutrient data from clinical-grade analysis. **Fruit Pulp (per 100g, approximate):** - Moisture: 20–30g - Total carbohydrates: 55–65g (predominantly mucilaginous polysaccharides and simple sugars including glucose and fructose) - Crude fiber: 8–12g (contributes to laxative mechanism via bulk-forming action) - Protein: 1.5–2.5g (low biological value; amino acid profile not fully characterized) - Fat: 0.5–1.2g - Ash/mineral content: 2–4g **Key Micronutrients (fruit pulp, approximate):** - Potassium: 600–900mg/100g (relatively high; bioavailability moderate) - Calcium: 80–120mg/100g - Phosphorus: 40–60mg/100g - Iron: 1.5–3.0mg/100g - Magnesium: 30–50mg/100g - Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 10–20mg/100g (variable; degrades with processing) - B-vitamins: Trace amounts of thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) reported; no precise concentrations established **Primary Bioactive Compounds:** - Sennosides A and B (anthraquinone glycosides): 0.5–1.5% w/w in pulp; primary pharmacologically active constituents responsible for cathartic/laxative action; act on colonic mucosa to stimulate peristalsis - Rhein, aloe-emodin, and fistulic acid: anthraquinone aglycones present in pulp and leaves at trace to low concentrations (~0.1–0.4%); hepatotoxic potential at high doses noted in animal models - Tannins (hydrolyzable and condensed): 3–8% in bark; primarily gallic acid derivatives; contribute to astringent and antimicrobial properties - Flavonoids: Kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin identified in leaves and flowers; approximate total flavonoid content 1.5–3.0% dry weight in leaf extracts - Saponins: Present in seeds and bark (~1–2% dry weight); exact profile not fully characterized - Oxalic acid: Present in leaves and seeds; may reduce mineral bioavailability (calcium, iron) through chelation — a relevant bioavailability limiting factor - Mucilage (galactomannan-type polysaccharides): ~15–20% of dry pulp weight; responsible for bulk-forming laxative effect and prebiotic potential - Fistuacacidin and leucoanthocyanidins: identified in heartwood; limited quantitative data - Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol: phytosterols present in seed oil at low concentrations **Seed Composition (approximate):** - Protein: 18–22% (relatively higher than pulp; limited digestibility data) - Fixed oils/fat: 5–8% (fatty acid profile includes oleic and linoleic acids) - Starch: 30–40% **Bioavailability Notes:** - Anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides) are poorly absorbed in the small intestine; they are hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria to active aglycones (rhein anthrone), which exert local action — systemic bioavailability is intentionally limited - High oxalic acid content in leaves and seeds reduces bioavailability of co-ingested calcium and non-heme iron - Tannins in bark preparations may complex with dietary proteins and reduce protein digestibility if consumed with food - The mucilaginous fiber may slow gastric emptying and modestly reduce postprandial glucose absorption - No pharmacokinetic studies in humans have characterized absolute bioavailability of flavonoid or saponin fractions from this specific species
The anthraquinone glycosides in Cassia fistula are hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria to release sennosides, which irritate the intestinal mucosa and stimulate peristalsis. Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. The antimicrobial activity against fungi appears mediated by tannins and phenolic compounds that disrupt cell membrane integrity.
A 2019 randomized controlled trial (n=60) found 5g daily of Cassia fistula pulp powder reduced chronic constipation symptom severity by 75% over 4 weeks, though study quality was limited. A small pilot study showed topical bark paste was effective against tinea infections, but sample size and methodology were not robust. Most evidence comes from animal studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects, while human clinical data remains sparse and preliminary.
Cassia fistula may cause gastrointestinal irritation, cramping, and diarrhea at higher doses due to its laxative properties. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant medications and other laxatives, requiring dose adjustments. Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential uterine stimulation from anthraquinones. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal obstruction should avoid use.
