Senna alata (L.) Roxb.

Species Identity and Height

Senna alata (L.) Roxb. is a shrub that reaches 3–4 metres (9.8–13.1 ft) in height.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are 50–80 centimetres (20–31 in) long, and close during dark periods.

Inflorescence Appearance

Its inflorescence has the appearance of a yellow candle.

Immature Fruit Traits

The fruits are straight, pod-shaped, and grow up to 25 cm long.

Mature Pod Dimensions

Mature seed pods are nearly straight, dark brown to nearly black, measuring around 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long and 15 millimetres (0.59 in) wide.

Pod Structural Features

A wing runs the full length of the pod along both of its sides.

Seed Quantity and Shape

Each pod contains 50 to 60 flattened, triangular seeds.

Seed Dispersal Mechanisms

Seeds of this species are dispersed by water or animals.

Native Distribution Range

This species is native to most of the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and the West Indies to Paraguay.

Habitat and Altitude Range

It can grow in a wide variety of habitats, and in tropical regions it grows at altitudes up to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft).

Introduced and Invasive Range

It is an invasive species in Austronesia, and its introduced distribution ranges from India to the Americas.

Ornamental and Medicinal Value Regions

It has significant ornamental and medicinal value in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of Africa.

Cultivation from Seed

Senna alata is easy to grow from seed; seeds can be sown directly, or started in a nursery.

Common Names and Fungicidal Properties

Also known by the synonym Cassia alata, this species is often called the ringworm bush because it has very effective fungicidal properties that are used to treat ringworm and other fungal skin infections.

Topical Treatment Preparation

To prepare a topical treatment, leaves are ground in a mortar to create a green, cotton-wool-like substance, which is mixed with an equal amount of vegetable oil.

Treatment Application Protocol

The mixture is rubbed onto the affected area two or three times a day, and a fresh preparation must be made each day.

Active Fungicidal Ingredient

Its active ingredients include the yellow compound chrysophanic acid.

Laxative Effect Cause

It also has a well-documented laxative effect, caused by its anthraquinone content.

Philippine Common Name and Uses

In the Philippines, this species is locally known as akapulko, where it is grown as both an ornamental and medicinal plant for its laxative, purgative, and anti-fungal properties.

Sri Lankan Common Name and Use

In Sri Lanka it is known as Ath-thora (ඇත්තෝර), and is used as an ingredient in Sinhala traditional medicine.

Malaysia and West African Common Names

In Malaysia, it is called Gelenggang, and the Yoruba people of West Africa refer to it as ewe àsùnwòn.