Inflorescences are axillary cysts. The fruits are broad beans, slightly curved, flattened. Cassia sharpleaf blooms from late June to fall (Fig. 30).
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Cassia sharpleaf is distributed in the deserts of Africa and Asia. Cultivated in southern China, India, Pakistan, Africa and in the Uzbek, Tajik, Turkmen SSR.
The leaflets of the paired leaflets (Alexandrian leaf), less often the fruit (Alexandrian pods) are used. The odor of the leaves of cassia sharpleaf has a faint odor; the taste of 10% of the infusion is bitter.
Chemical composition and properties of cassia
The properties of cassia have a therapeutic effect on the entire body. Leaflets contain anthraglycosides (sen-noside A and sennoside B), free emodins (rein, aloe, emodin), chrysophanic acid, flavonoids (isoramnetin, kaempferol), resins, traces of alkaloids, organic acids; phytosterols.
The properties of cassia are widely used by phytotherapists in formulating medicinal recipes.
Effects and uses of cassia
The main active ingredient is anthraglycosides. Due to this ingredient, the properties of cassia have a laxative effect. Anthraglycosides under the influence of digestive enzymes and bacterial processes are broken down into sugars and aglucones; the latter somewhat irritate the receptors of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, not increasing secretion, but increasing motor activity. Their action affects mainly the large intestine. In therapeutic doses of cassia in long-term use does not have a toxic effect on the body, acts mildly and painlessly. Anthraglycosides have a slow laxative effect, so the infusion is used at night. Unlike rhubarb, the laxative effect of cassia is not followed by subsequent constipation. Prolonged use of cassia is not recommended, as addiction may develop, so it is advisable to prescribe alternately with other laxatives. It is used as a laxative, to regulate bowel function, in chronic atonic constipation, constipation in pregnancy, hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and can also be used for patients with liver and gallbladder disease, which distinguishes it from sabur.
Cassia acutea leaves are a favorite and most commonly used herbal laxative in China. In small doses in Chinese medicine, the use of cassia is recommended as an appetite and digestive aid, and in large doses as a laxative. Chinese doctors prescribe this remedy for constipation, edema, oligomenorrhea and glaucoma. Externally, the properties of cassia help in conjunctivitis, some skin diseases, pyoderma.
People in the United States and Canada use Cassia merilandica under the name American senna, the leaves of which have a weaker laxative effect (Klan, 1956). The use of cassia should not be prolonged, so the specialist prescribes the required course of treatment.
Cassia leaf was included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR in 1968.
Cassia is used by us as a laxative and diuretic..
