Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Genus Cassia: A Review

Abstract

Genus Cassia, a tropical genus, belongs to Leguminosae family and

Caesalpiniaceae subfamily. It is well known to physicians from very old

days. It has more than 600 species as herbs, shrubs and trees. About 26

species of genus Cassia have been reported to contain anthracene derivatives.

The more important species among them are Cassia alata, Cassia

angustifolia vahl, Cassia autifolia, Cassia cinnamon, Cassia fistula, Cassia

nodosa, Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia sophera, Cassia tora and Cassia

zeylanicum. Diuretic, antidiabetic, antibiotic, antifungal, antipyretic,

anthlemintic, antibacterial, antirheumatic, anti-eczema, antiherpetic,

antiasthrnatic, anti-leprosy, anti-typhoid and anti-bronchitis activities have

been reported from some of these species.