PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Jue Ming Zi (Cassia obtusifolia) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from dried mature seeds, used primarily for liver, eye, and metabolic health [PMID:34684833, 36702448].
Background
Cassia obtusifolia L. (also known as Senna obtusifolia or sicklepod) is a leguminous plant and invasive weed species common in the southeastern United States [PMID:15941316, 19296574]. It is utilized as a food and traditional Chinese medicine in Asia [PMID:36702448, 36636016].
Traditional uses
It is traditionally used as a diuretic, laxative, tonic, and purgative, and as a remedy for headache, dizziness, constipation, tophobia, lacrimation, and to improve eyesight [PMID:34684833]. It is also used in Korea as a tea [PMID:34684833] and in China for weight management by purging the liver and supporting digestion [PMID:33188899].
Active compounds
The main chemical constituents are anthraquinone derivatives, including aurantio-obtusin (a quality control index component), emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, obtusifolin, obtusin, chryso-obtusin, and aloe-emodin [PMID:34684833, 37456169]. Seeds also contain proteins, galactomannans, and ellagic acid [PMID:19296574, 32266027].
Mechanism of action
Anthraquinones in sicklepod sprouts show $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory activity [PMID:38572825]. In cancer cells, it may induce apoptosis by upregulating Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 while downregulating Bcl-2, and downregulating inflammation genes NF-$\kappa$B, iNOS, and COX-2 [PMID:23426077]. It may improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through autophagy-related pathways [PMID:37538867] and ameliorate amyloid $\beta$-induced synaptic dysfunction via anti-inflammatory and Akt/GSK-3$\beta$ pathways [PMID:26674159].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BOverweight/Obesity in schizophrenia
Processed Cassia seed powder was investigated for its effect on body mass index and waist circumference over 36 weeks [PMID:35304275]
Evidence DCancer (TCA8113 human tongue carcinoma cells)
In vitro, 1.0 mg/ml of Cassia tora L. inhibited cell growth by 72% [PMID:23426077]
Evidence DNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Water extract showed anti-steatosis effects in mice fed a high-fat and sugar-water diet [PMID:37538867]
Safety & adverse effects
Anthraquinones are considered toxic compounds [PMID:15941316]. In rat studies, high doses ($\ge$0.50%) caused intermittent mild diarrhea, myeloid hyperplasia, peripheral leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and mild anemia [PMID:1814008]. Very high doses (32%) in rats resulted in death [PMID:2341088]. In calves, high exposure led to intermittent feed refusal, diarrhea, and decreased weight gain [PMID:3176305]. It has been identified in reports of herbal-induced liver injury (hepatotoxicity) [PMID:26357619, 25536637].
Evidence summary
Evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (rats, mice, calves), and a single RCT for obesity in schizophrenia. There is a significant body of review literature on its phytochemistry and traditional use, but clinical human data is limited.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 15941316 (2005) — Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) seed processing and potential utilization. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
- 2.PMID: 38572825 (2024) — Simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of anthraquinones in sicklepod sprouts with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
- 3.PMID: 19296574 (2009) — Processing scale-up of sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia L.) seed. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
- 4.PMID: 34684833 (2021) — Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacological Uses, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Applications of Cassia obtusifolia L.: A Comprehensive Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 5.PMID: 1814008 (1991)