Commonly known as ringworm bush, it occupies an important place in traditional medicine and herbal remedies due to its diverse medicinal properties and wide range of applications. This herbaceous plant belongs to the Leguminosae family and is widely distributed throughout Africa.
The young leaves of Cassia alata are not only consumed as a vegetable after cooking, but are also valued for their nutritional value. In addition, the roasted leaves serve as a viable alternative to coffee, providing a caffeine-free option for aficionados. Furthermore, the young pods of the plant are cooked and incorporated into various dishes as another nutritious vegetable source.
In addition to its culinary applications, Cassia alata has a rich pharmacological profile, making it a valued resource in traditional systems of medicine. The plant exhibits a number of medicinal virtues, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. These properties have made it particularly effective in the treatment of various skin conditions, earning it the colloquial name of ringworm plant due to its historical use in the treatment of skin conditions such as ringworm and other fungal infections.
In cultivation, Cassia alata is valued not only for its medicinal potential, but also for its ornamental appeal. Its deciduous nature and branching, as well as its ability to reach heights of up to 8 meters, contribute to its aesthetic value and make it a sought-after addition to gardens and landscapes in tropical and warm temperate regions.
Cassia alata has a rich history in traditional herbal medicine, where it has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. Its efficacy in the treatment of fungal infections, particularly ringworm, has established it as a potent antifungal agent. In addition, its laxative, purgative, and antifungal properties have contributed to its dual role as an ornamental and medicinal plant.
In various traditional medical practices, ringworm bush is highly valued for its versatility in treating scabies, eczema, and tinea infections. It is also used in the treatment of systemic diseases such as typhoid, diabetes, and malaria, as well as respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The holistic approach to using Cassia alata involves the entire plant, with different parts being used to treat various ailments. Decoctions derived from the stem, leaves, and roots are used to treat wounds, skin infections, respiratory infections, burns, diarrhea, and constipation. In addition, preparations made from the stem, bark, and leaves are effective in treating conditions such as hemorrhoids, inguinal hernias, syphilis, intestinal parasitosis, and diabetes.
The seeds and roots are used specifically to regulate uterine disorders and combat parasitic infestations. The leaves and flowers are used for their antifungal and laxative properties, while the seeds are used to treat asthma and improve vision.
Decoctions made from the flowers and leaves are administered for conditions such as ringworm, scabies, blotches, and eczema. In addition, in some African cultures, the bark decoction is applied topically during tribal markings and tattooing procedures.
In particular, the leaves of Cassia alata are the most commonly used part of the plant due to their higher concentration of active metabolites. The leaves of Cassia alata, when ground into a fine texture resembling “green cotton,” are mixed with vegetable oil and applied to the affected areas several times a day, with fresh preparations made daily. This concoction serves as an antidote for body and abdominal pain, stress, toothache, and skin infections, and also acts as a laxative and antispasmodic. In addition, the leaf decoction stimulates bowel movement and prevents constipation by increasing peristaltic contractions and reducing water absorption from the colon.
During childbirth, communities use fresh leaves to relieve the pain of childbirth and aid in delivery. Boiled leaves are ingested to treat constipation and intestinal worms, while leaf pastes are applied topically to treat skin conditions such as ringworm. The leaf sap is used for skin infections, and when taken internally, it acts as a laxative to cleanse the blood, treat biliousness, and treat hypertension. In various forms – tinctures, compresses, oil-infused powders, or sap applications – the leaves effectively treat skin disorders such as blemishes, scabies, and fungal infections like ringworm.
In traditional medicine, the root of Cassia alata is brewed into an infusion to treat diarrhea, tympanites, uterine problems, and to facilitate the expulsion of filarial worms. Externally, the root is used to treat wounds and fungal skin infections. In certain African communities, the stem, bark, and leaves are used to treat gastroenteritis, hepatitis, ringworm, and various skin infections.
The bark, in particular, is used to treat skin diseases, diarrhea, parasitic skin diseases, scabies, and eczema, demonstrating the wide range of therapeutic applications of the plant in treating gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, and parasitic infections.
The flowers of Cassia alata serve as both a laxative and a vermifuge. Infusions of these flowers are used to treat spleen disorders, while a decoction combined with Zingiber officinale (ginger) serves as a treatment for influenza and as a vermifuge. In addition, a mixture of the flowers with coconut milk is decocted for use as a laxative.
The leaves, flowers, and fruit are combined in an infusion to treat stomach problems together. In addition, the seeds have laxative and anthelmintic properties and are boiled and used as a remedy for intestinal worm infestations. This comprehensive use of different parts of the plant demonstrates its versatility in traditional medicine, providing remedies for a range of gastrointestinal problems and parasitic infections. (Photo: Chew et al.) – (Richard Komakech)
