Cassia sieberiana (Cassia sieberiana): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Cassia sieberiana work as a laxative?

Cassia sieberiana contains anthraquinones, including emodin and rhein, which function as stimulant laxatives. These compounds are converted by gut bacteria into active metabolites that stimulate the myenteric plexus, increase intestinal motility, and promote fluid secretion into the colon. This mechanism typically produces bowel movements within 6-12 hours after ingestion. The irritant effect on the intestinal lining triggers peristalsis, making it effective for constipation but potentially causing cramping. Evidence level: C (based on constituent pharmacology and traditional use).

Is Cassia sieberiana safe during pregnancy?

No, Cassia sieberiana is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided completely. The anthraquinone compounds, particularly emodin and chrysophanol, can stimulate uterine contractions and may induce miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, the significant laxative effects can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that could negatively affect fetal development. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb, as anthraquinones may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in infants. Evidence level: C (constituent analysis and traditional contraindications).

What is the recommended dosage for Cassia sieberiana bark or root?

The traditional adult dosage of Cassia sieberiana bark or root is 3-6 grams daily, typically prepared as a decoction or infusion. This amount provides sufficient anthraquinones for therapeutic laxative effects while minimizing gastrointestinal cramping. The daily dose should be divided and taken with adequate fluids. Use should be limited to short periods (1-2 weeks maximum) to prevent laxative dependency and electrolyte disturbances. Children should not use this herb due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level: C (traditional use recommendations).

Does Cassia sieberiana interact with any medications?

Cassia sieberiana may interact with several medication classes due to its anthraquinone content. The laxative effects can reduce absorption of orally administered drugs and may potentiate diuretics, increasing dehydration risk. Concurrent use with cardiac glycosides like digoxin is particularly concerning, as potassium depletion from laxative use can increase arrhythmia risk. Caution is also advised with anticoagulants, as some anthraquinones may affect platelet function. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on constituent profile).

What conditions is Cassia sieberiana traditionally used to treat?

Cassia sieberiana has been used extensively in West African traditional medicine for liver disorders, fever, and constipation. The roots and bark are prepared as decoctions for internal use, while external applications address various skin diseases. The herb is also employed for intestinal worm expulsion, leveraging the anthraquinones' irritant properties. Despite this extensive traditional use for liver conditions, clinical evidence supporting these applications remains limited, warranting cautious use under professional guidance. Evidence level: C (traditional use with pharmacological plausibility).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Cassia sieberiana is a savannah tree used in African folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory, laxative, and antimicrobial properties [PMID: 33359184, 25392579, 33183278].

Contexte

Cassia sieberiana (also known as African laburnum) is a species of the Caesalpiniaceae family found in regions including Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Botswana, and Sierra Leone [PMID: 17632996, 18618525, 36678629, 25392579, 22326358, 25794802].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used in African folk medicine to treat inflammation, hepatitis [PMID: 33359184, 36678629], constipation [PMID: 25392579], gastric ulcers, stomach pains, and indigestion [PMID: 22607580], diabetes [PMID: 26117532], malaria [PMID: 25794802], and to increase physical performance in sports [PMID: 35200754]. It is also used for dysmenorrhea and pain [PMID: 38945468].

Composés actifs

Chemical constituents include polyphenols, flavonoids (such as epiafzelechin, myricitrin, and quercitrin), stilbenes, alkaloids, lupeol, and a novel benzofurochromene [PMID: 36678629, 31992089, 18618525, 21070009, 37426806].

Mécanisme d'action

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are mediated through the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) [PMID: 38945468]. It may modulate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in THP-1 cells and inhibit eicosanoid-metabolizing enzymes [PMID: 33359184]. In gastric ulcer models, it demonstrates antioxidant properties by affecting superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) [PMID: 23228052].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DConstipation

Root extract showed laxative activity in rats, producing approximately 40% wet faeces at 500 mg/kg [PMID: 25392579]

Preuve DGastric Ulcers

Root bark extract demonstrated anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant properties in experimental rat models [PMID: 23228052, 22607580]

Preuve DHIV-1 Replication

Root extracts inhibited the replication of wild-type (NL4.3) and ARV-resistant HIV-1 in vitro [PMID: 22326358, 27350006]

Preuve DMalaria

Ethanolic extracts of root and stem bark showed anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei NK65 in mice [PMID: 26401393]

Preuve DInflammation/Pain

NPK 500 capsules (C. sieberiana-based) showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in rat models [PMID: 38945468]

Preuve DBacterial Infection

Bark extract displayed antibacterial activity against MDR gram-negative phenotypes in the presence of an efflux pump inhibitor [PMID: 33183278]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Oral acute toxicity studies in mice indicated that root and stem bark extracts are assumed to be safe at doses up to 3000 mg/kg [PMID: 26401393].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant pharmacological potential for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, but lacks human clinical trial data.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 25392579 (2014) — Laxative activities of Cassia sieberiana and Senna obtusifolia. · African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM
2.PMID: 33359184 (2021) — Cassia sieberiana DC. leaves modulate LPS-induced inflammatory response in THP-1 cells and inhibit eicosanoid-metabolizing enzymes. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 36678629 (2023) — Exploration of the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Cassia sieberiana DC and Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh, Traditionally Used in the Treatment of Hepatitis in the Hauts-Bassins Region of Burkina Faso. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 31992089 (2021) — A novel benzofuro-(2, 3-c)-7'-chromene from Cassia sieberiana. · Natural product research
5.PMID: 22326358 (2012) — Old plants newly discovered: Cassia sieberiana D.C. and Cassia abbreviata Oliv. Oliv. root extracts inhibit in vitro HIV-1c replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by different modes of action.

Cassia sieberiana

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cassia sieberiana

Coprosma Robusta

Pterocarpus santalinus

Solanum americanum

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Cassia sieberiana

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cassia sieberiana

Plantes associées

Coprosma Robusta

Pterocarpus santalinus

Solanum americanum

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales