Cassia fistula L (Golden Shower Tree)

Cassia fistula L (Golden Shower Tree)

Product Name: Кассия трубчатая, Cassia fistula, Goldregenbaum, Caña fistula, Cassier, خروب هندي, คูน, Олтин занжир, Алтын чынжыр, Qızıl zəncir, Занҷири тиллоӣ, Auksinė grandinė, Zelta ķēde, Золотий дощ, זהב שרשרת

Synonyms: золотой дождь, золотая цепь, Indian laburnum, golden shower tree, pudding-pipe tree, Purging Cassia, Indischer Goldregen, Indian Laburnum, canafístula, canafistola, casse de Malabar, خروب كاسيا, ราชพฤกษ์, ราชพฤกษ์ทอง

Used Parts: bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds.

Main Indications for Cassia fistula: chronic constipation, intestinal dysbiosis, intestinal atony, hemorrhoids, hyperlipidemia, obesity, gout, hyperglycemia, acute respiratory viral infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bacterial skin infections, pyoderma, furunculosis, intestinal parasitic infestations, helminthic infestations, liver failure, jaundice, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, arthralgia, inflammatory joint diseases.

Use of Cassia fistula in Mixtures and Complexes: type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, mixed dyslipidemia, chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, chronic pancreatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, dermatophytosis, candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, herpetic infection.

Pharmacological Properties of Cassia fistula: laxative, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antipyretic, immunostimulating, wound-healing, diuretic, analgesic, anti-atherogenic, antiproliferative, astringent, detoxifying, antihypertensive, antispasmodic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Cassia fistula

Powder — Cassia fistula

Indications (Powder): chronic atonic constipation, intestinal dysbiosis, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, gout, arthralgia, inflammatory joint diseases, bacterial skin infections, pyoderma, intestinal parasitic infestations, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Standard Dosage (Powder): for adults — 2–3 grams of fruit powder once a day after meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 5 grams of powder once a day for chronic atonic constipation, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 10 grams of powder per day for severe forms of chronic constipation and pronounced hyperlipidemia, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram of powder once a day in courses of 10 days monthly for chronic colitis, mild hyperlipidemia, in persons over 50 years to normalize intestinal motility.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 7 years old with body weight over 25 kg — 0.5–1 gram of powder per day for atonic constipation, with warm water.

Contraindications (Powder): intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory diseases of the abdominal organs. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose — diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dehydration.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): Ingredients per 100 grams of product. Dry Cassia fistula fruits — 100 g. Clean the fruits from seeds, dry the pulp in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 45 °C to a moisture content of no more than 10%. Grind the dried pulp into powder in a mill to a fraction of no more than 0.3 mm. Sift the powder through sieve No. 60.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in tightly closed containers, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Cassia fistula

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic atonic constipation, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, gout, arthralgia, inflammatory joint diseases, bacterial skin infections, pyoderma, intestinal parasitic infestations, helminthic infestations, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver failure.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–500 mg of dry extract once a day after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 800–1000 mg per day for severe hyperlipidemia, pronounced hyperglycemia, chronic constipation.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1500 mg per day for resistant hyperlipidemia and chronic constipation, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 150–200 mg once a day in courses of 14 days every 2 months in patients with metabolic syndrome, elderly individuals, and for mild hyperlipidemia.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 12 years old and body weight over 35 kg — 100–150 mg of dry extract per day for constipation.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory processes of the intestine. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose — diarrhea, intestinal spasms, dehydration.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase by 25%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Ingredients per 100 g of product. Dry Cassia fistula fruits — 500 g, purified water — 2 liters, 70% food-grade ethanol — 1 liter (for extraction only). Clean and grind the fruits, pour water, and extract at 50 °C for 4 hours. Filter the decoction, then carry out extraction with ethanol, combine the filtrates. Remove the solvent by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the ethanol odor completely disappears. Permissible residual ethanol content — not more than 500 ppm. Dry the dry residue at 45 °C to a powdery state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a dry place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, in airtight packaging, away from sunlight and EMR sources. Shelf life — 36 months. After opening the package, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Cassia fistula

Indications (Tincture): chronic atonic constipation, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, gout, arthralgia, inflammatory joint diseases, bacterial skin infections, pyoderma, helminthic infestations, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver failure, jaundice.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 5–10 ml of alcoholic tincture (1:5 in 40% ethanol) once a day after meals, diluted in 50 ml of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 15 ml per day for chronic constipation, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 20 ml per day for pronounced constipation and hyperlipidemia, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 3–5 ml once a day in courses of 14 days every 2 months in patients with metabolic syndrome and elderly individuals.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children over 12 years old and body weight over 35 kg — 1–2 ml of alcoholic tincture, diluted in 50 ml of warm water, once a day.

Contraindications (Tincture): liver diseases in the decompensation stage, alcohol dependence, age under 12 years. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose — dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Tincture): Ingredients per 100 ml of product. Dry Cassia fistula fruits — 20 g, 40% food-grade ethanol — 100 ml. Grind the fruits, place in a glass container, pour ethanol, infuse at room temperature in a dark place for 14 days, shaking periodically. After infusion, filter the liquid. Use only after dilution.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in tightly closed dark glass containers at a temperature of 10–20 °C, away from light and heat sources. Shelf life — 24 months.

Oil Infusion — Cassia fistula

Indications (Oil Infusion): bacterial skin infections, pyoderma, furunculosis, inflammatory skin diseases, erosive lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, arthralgia, inflammatory joint diseases, dermatophytosis, candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply externally in a thin layer to affected skin areas 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply externally 3–4 times a day for pronounced inflammatory processes of the skin and joints.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): up to 6 applications per day are allowed in the acute stage of skin inflammation, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply once a day in courses of 10 days every 2 months to prevent recurrence of chronic skin infections and dermatophytosis.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): for children over 3 years old, apply externally once a day to limited skin areas, avoiding mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual hypersensitivity, open bleeding wounds at the application site. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, redness, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is intended only for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Ingredients per 100 ml of product. Dry Cassia fistula flowers — 20 g, refined coconut oil — 100 ml. Grind the flowers, place in a glass jar, pour warm coconut oil (temperature 40 °C), infuse in a water bath at 40 °C for 6 hours. After infusion, filter the mass through cheesecloth, pour into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in tightly closed dark glass containers at a temperature of 10–20 °C, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Shelf life — 12 months.

Cream — Cassia fistula

Indications (Cream): bacterial skin infections, pyoderma, furunculosis, inflammatory skin diseases, dermatophytosis, candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, skin hyperpigmentation, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory joint diseases (as an auxiliary external agent).

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer to affected skin areas 2 times a day, gently rubbing until completely absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply 3–4 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin processes, hyperpigmentation, or acute bacterial skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): up to 5 applications per day on limited skin areas for severe infectious or inflammatory processes, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply once a day in courses of 7–10 days every 2 months for a tendency to recurrence of chronic skin diseases or hyperpigmentation.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): for children over 3 years old, apply once a day to limited skin areas, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Cream): individual hypersensitivity, open bleeding wounds, acute purulent processes with abundant exudate. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, erythema, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Cream): Ingredients per 100 g of product: dry extract of Cassia fistula flowers — 5 g, refined coconut oil — 15 g, shea butter — 10 g, beeswax — 5 g, chamomile hydrosol — 50 g, vegetable glycerin — 5 g, emulsifier (natural, lecithin-based) — 5 g, vitamin E — 0.5 g, lavender essential oil — 0.2 g.

• In a separate container, combine coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax, heat in a water bath at 60 °C until completely melted.
• In another container, heat the chamomile hydrosol to 60 °C, dissolve glycerin in it.
• Combine the oil and water phases, add the emulsifier, beat until homogeneous.
• When the mixture temperature is below 40 °C, add dry cassia extract, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil, mix thoroughly.
• Transfer the cream to a sterile dark glass jar.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in tightly closed dark glass containers at a temperature of 5–15 °C, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

LD₅₀: In vivo studies have shown that the aqueous extract of Cassia fistula pods has very low acute toxicity — LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg upon oral administration to mice and rats. Other researchers also confirm an LD₅₀ of approximately 6600 mg/kg for the fruit infusion — with no signs of pathology in micro- and macroscopic analysis.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a... https://bmccomplementmedtherap... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacodynamics — Cassia fistula

The pharmacodynamic properties of Cassia fistula are determined by a complex of biologically active compounds, including anthracene derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, polysaccharides, and volatile components. The action of the plant raw material and preparations derived from it can be realized at the systemic and local levels, involving the gastrointestinal tract, skin integuments, immune system, hepatobiliary system, musculoskeletal system, and vascular wall.

Anthracene derivatives and related compounds exhibit a stimulating effect on intestinal motility due to activation of the intramural nerve plexuses and increased fluid secretion into the lumen, which causes a pronounced evacuatory effect. Flavonoids and phenolic acids possess antioxidant activity, suppressing the formation of reactive oxygen species and protecting cell membrane lipids from peroxidation. These same compounds are involved in the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase), which determines the anti-inflammatory and protective effect on tissues.

Polysaccharides and tannins exert an astringent and barrier effect on mucous membranes, helping to reduce their permeability to toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. Volatile components and some triterpenes have a mild antimicrobial and fungistatic effect, binding to proteins of microbial cell walls and altering their permeability.

There is data on the modulating influence of certain compounds on the activity of liver enzymes involved in detoxification and lipid metabolism, as well as on receptor structures regulating inflammatory and redox processes. With topical application, Cassia fistula preparations exhibit epithelizing and wound-healing effects, stimulate collagen synthesis, and accelerate the recovery of damaged skin tissues.

Pharmacodynamic activity can be manifested with various routes of administration: oral, transdermal, topical on mucous membranes, due to the multidirectional effect on tissue structures and signaling pathways, which makes it possible to use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic forms with systemic or local action.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a... https://bmccomplementmedtherap... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacokinetics — Cassia fistula

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Cassia fistula are based on the study of its main groups of compounds. Upon oral administration, active substances, including anthracene derivatives and phenolic compounds, undergo partial absorption in the small intestine. A significant part of the polysaccharides and bound forms of anthraquinones reaches the large intestine unchanged, where they undergo enzymatic transformation by the microflora with the formation of active metabolites. Lipophilic components (triterpenes, sterols) are absorbed in the presence of fats, passing through enterocytes with the participation of lipid transport systems.

With transdermal and topical application, the penetration of active substances is limited by the stratum corneum, but can be enhanced by using oil carriers or emulsion bases. In this case, the active components interact primarily with epidermal and dermal structures, providing a local effect.

After systemic absorption, distribution occurs to target organs: liver, intestines, skin, kidneys. Metabolism of active substances mainly proceeds in the liver with the participation of conjugation enzymes (glucuronidation, sulfation) and redox enzymes. Hydrophilic metabolites are excreted primarily in urine, lipophilic ones — in bile. A small part of volatile substances and low-molecular-weight metabolites may be excreted through the lungs and skin.

The participation of intestinal microflora in biotransformation is especially important for anthraquinones, since their active forms are formed precisely at this stage. With prolonged use, systemic accumulation in tissues, according to experimental observations, is not noted, which is explained by relatively rapid metabolism and excretion.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a... https://bmccomplementmedtherap... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024044918

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Cassia fistula

The pharmacological mechanisms of Cassia fistula are due to the action of a complex of anthracene derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, polysaccharides, and volatile compounds. Anthracene derivatives, including aglycones and glycosides, are metabolized by the intestinal microflora with the formation of active forms, stimulating the intramural nerve plexuses and enhancing intestinal secretion and motility. Flavonoids, such as quercetin and luteolin, as well as phenolic acids, exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. These same compounds modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators through suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, leading to a decrease in the production of interleukins and prostaglandins.

Triterpenes and sterols exert membrane-stabilizing and hepatoprotective effects, partly due to the regulation of the activity of liver enzyme systems involved in detoxification and lipid metabolism. Volatile components and individual phenolic fractions demonstrate an inhibitory effect on bacterial and fungal cells, disrupting the integrity of their membranes and enzyme activity. Polysaccharides, possessing high molecular weight and the ability to form protective colloidal structures, exhibit a barrier and immunostimulating effect, activating macrophages and increasing phagocytic activity.

Furthermore, it has been established that some compounds of Cassia fistula can modulate the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, as well as reduce acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity under in vitro conditions, which may contribute to a multi-level regulatory effect on inflammatory and neurotransmitter processes.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a... https://www.sciencedirect.com/... https://bmccomplementmedtherap...

Synergy — Cassia fistula

Data from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate pronounced pharmacological synergy of Cassia fistula with a number of other taxa and natural compounds. Combined use with Curcuma longa (turmeric) and its polyphenol curcumin showed potentiation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity due to additive inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK cascades, as well as combined reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The combination with Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) demonstrated an enhanced membrane-stabilizing effect and increased antioxidant protection of hepatocytes due to a cumulative increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes.

The combination of extracts of Cassia fistula and Azadirachta indica (neem) possesses a potentiating antimicrobial effect, which is associated with the combined disruption of the integrity of the bacterial cell wall and inhibition of their metabolic enzymes. In experiments with Phyllanthus emblica (amla), an additive enhancement of the immunostimulating effect was observed, probably due to increased lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage activation.

Synergy with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has also been recorded in terms of enhancing the antioxidant potential and protecting cellular structures from oxidative damage. The nature of the interactions varies from additive to potentiating, with various mechanisms — from direct influence on inflammatory signaling pathways to cooperative membrane stabilization and enhancement of phagocytic activity.

References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/... https://bmccomplementmedtherap... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Cassia fistula

Cassia fistula has a wide geography of traditional use, covering South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, as well as some regions of Central and South America, where the plant was introduced during the colonial period. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition and South Indian Siddha practices, the fruits and bark were used in the form of decoctions and pastes for internal and external use. In Thai folk medicine, the plant is known as "ราชพฤกษ์" and was used in the form of infusions, oil macerates, and powders, and was also part of multi-plant mixtures in the traditional medicine of Northern Thailand. In Sri Lanka and Nepal, decoctions of fruits and flowers were used for general cleansing of the body, as well as in bathing procedures.

In the ethnobotanical practices of Burma and Laos, Cassia fistula flowers were part of steam inhalations, and leaves were used in wraps with warm oils. In some African regions, the plant was cultivated as an ornamental and ritual plant, considered a symbol of abundance and fertility, and used in spring renewal ceremonies. In Khmer and Mon culture, the golden flowers symbolized prosperity and were used in temple offerings.

Historical mentions of Cassia fistula are found in Arab medical treatises of the 12th–14th centuries, where its cleansing properties were described. In the works of Avicenna's "The Canon of Medicine," the plant is mentioned as one of the mild remedies for removing excess from the body. In colonial Latin America, the fruits of the plant were part of folk remedies adapted from Indian medicine, and were used in both household and ritual practices.

In the ritual contexts of South Asian countries, branches and flowers of Cassia fistula were used to decorate homes and temples during spring festivals, particularly during the Songkran festival in Thailand and the New Year in Laos, where the plant symbolized prosperity and harmony. In some regions of India, it was believed that branches of the plant hung at the entrance to the house warded off negative forces.